When last season began, the Orlando Magic regarded Channing Frye as a vital member of their roster _ so important that the team committed $32 million over four seasons to sign him in free agency. Team officials viewed him as a crucial complementary player. They thought his long-range shooting would open driving lanes for the team's youngsters and, in turn, make everyone better.
But by the time the season ended, Frye had turned almost into an afterthought. He was such a liability on defense that interim coach James Borrego didn't play him in five of the Magic's final eight games.
So when Frye returned to his offseason home in Portland, Ore., he resolved to never endure another season like that ever again.
"You're going to see a better version of me," he pledged recently at Magic training camp. "Last year was, for the lack of a better term, a little bit embarrassing just on all fronts. I think I have a lot to prove, and I'm out here to put the work in and do it."
The stakes are high this season for the lanky power forward. He is 32 years old now, making him the oldest player on the Magic roster, and he'll have to battle for playing time. As teams across the league are playing small ball, new coach Scott Skiles may elect to start Tobias Harris and Aaron Gordon at the forward spots. Skiles also emphasizes sound defense, which isn't Frye's forte.
Frye arrived at training camp in better condition than he was in at any point last season. He is fully healed from the left-knee sprain he suffered on Oct. 2, 2014 _ an injury that slowed his mobility, disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from adjusting to new teammates and to Jacque Vaughn's offensive and defensive schemes.
Frye never seemed comfortable during his first season in Orlando, and his struggles hit home when he reviewed game film during the offseason. When he watched himself on the screen, he saw someone who did too much standing around on offense.
"I was definitely upset," Frye said. "I was upset, number one, because we only won 25 games, and I think I was upset because I know that I'm better than that. I think I really just had to refocus on how I can be the best me. When I say that, I'm not just going to magically become this Kevin Durant. I need to be the best me for this team."
During a typical offseason day, Frye would spend two hours early in the morning doing on-court work, one hour rehabbing his knee and two hours lifting weights or doing cardio work. His legs now feel as strong as they've felt in years.
"He's in great shape," Skiles said. "He's been great. He's in the right spot all the time. He's shot the ball well."
What remains to be seen is whether Frye will turn things around on defense. No Magic player struggled as badly as he did last season on that end of the floor. The team allowed 107.4 points per 100 possessions when he was in the game _ the worst defensive rating for anyone on the roster.
Skiles' defensive system is predicated on his players being in the correct spots at all times. That way, if one player has trouble guarding his man, he'll receive help from teammates.
The added support should help Frye defensively.
On offense, Frye's long-range shooting should help the Magic's spacing.
"We're hoping we can utilize that," Skiles said. "Every team has a 'space 4' or whatever you want to call it, but very few have one that can shoot the ball like he can."
For that to occur, however, Frye first must prove he deserves playing time.
"Everyone knows that whoever's out there, they earn those minutes," Frye said. "Nothing is given. If you make a mistake, you're like, 'All right, next.' And that's everybody, top to bottom, and I respect that."
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