Texas Basketball: A look at the alumni for the 19/20 NBA season

DJ Augustin (ORL)

2018/19 stats: 81 GP, 11.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 2.5 RPG

After starting 81 games last season for the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed, DJ Augustin has cemented himself as a viable starting point guard in this league. Augustin has played on eight different teams in his 14-year career but has seemed to find a home in Orlando. He is not a flashy player, but Augustin is a veteran leader who elevates the play of a young Magic team. Orlando will once again be right in the mix for an Eastern Conference playoff spot, and Augustin will play a big factor in determining if this team can make the postseason in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2011/12.

Mo Bamba (ORL)

2018/19 stats: 47 GP, 6.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.8 APG

Mo Bamba’s rookie season was cut short after he suffered a stress fracture in his left Tibia in early February. Even when healthy, Bamba only played 16.3 minutes per game due to his lack of experience and the depth in the Magic’s front court. Bamba is back and healthy for this season and should have a bigger role in Orlando’s system.

He runs the floor well for a seven-footer and can help cover up defensive deficiencies that starting center Nikola Vucevic shows. Bamba should play 20+ minutes per game this season in a rim-running, hustle role off of the bench.

Avery Bradley (LAL)

2018/19 stats: 63 GP, 9.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.4 APG

Avery Bradley signed a 2-year/$10 million deal with the Los Angelos Lakers this offseason. Bradley is a perfect fit for a Lakers team that is already equipped with stars like LeBron and Anthony Davis. Bradley is one of the best wing defenders in the league and will play a very niche but important role for Los Angeles.

Bradley’s offensive game has diminished since his time in Boston, but he will not need to put up more than seven points per game this season. If he can knock down a corner three and play at the all-defensive level the league knows he can, Bradley will have a solid season.