Orlando Magic Veteran Joe Ingles Remains Effective Despite Age

Joe Ingles getting older has made him sacrifice some things in his game, but he still remains effective on offense.

Joe Ingles recently turned 36 years old, which makes him one of the older players on the NBA. Despite that, he has been one of the most consistent role players in the entire league the past few seasons.

The Orlando Magic signed the veteran forward to a two-year, $22 million deal back in July, and he adds yet another layer to this already dynamic and interesting roster.

Ingles brings the veteran presence that is important with a roster like this. With the Magic having one of the youngest rosters in the entire NBA, the impact that having a veteran like Ingles has cannot be understated.

Forward Joe Ingles brings a much-needed veteran presence to the young Orlando Magic / Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

But whether the veterans of this league like it or not, with aging comes drawbacks. With Ingles, those drawbacks don't seem to take away much from the veteran forward's game. In an article by ESPN, they talk more about how Ingles looks heading into the season.

"Ingles has lost a step defensively over the past few seasons, though he remains a high-level offensive player and the young Orlando big man core of Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner should thrive in the pick-and-roll game with the crafty lefty," ESPN writes.

So despite his age, there is belief that Ingles could have just as big of a role as he has had in years past. He will have his first chance to show the impact that he can have as a veteran as he and the rest of the Magic will be taking on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday to begin the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from the Amway Center.