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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 11: New beginnings

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) falls during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) falls during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets
Oct 13, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) goes up for a shot while Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) defends during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Aaron Gordon’s role

So I guess this is the bigger question when it comes to Aaron Gordon, huh?

I may have answered this in the previous question, but I do see Aaron Gordon starting. The starting power forward position is his to take. He just has to prove that he is healthy and able to play consistently to take it.

Frankly, the team needs him to take it sooner rather than later. The other lineup combinations are not ideal.

As we went over throughout the summer, Gordon seems to be the best fit. Starting Dewayne Dedmon causes too many problems with the offense. Starting Evan Fournier leaves the front line exposed with Tobias Harris playing power forward (although that might be the second best option). Starting Channing Frye did not work at all last year.

Gordon seems to be the guy who is capable of providing the Magic positional versatility and a defensive mindset right from the tip while not harming the offense too much.

I am still not sure if Gordon starts right at the beginning of the season. Entering Friday’s finale, he has played in only two preseason games since returning from breaking his jaw. He is still getting his rhythm and his legs under him. He may not quite be ready to be thrown right into the starting lineup.

The spot is his this year when he is ready though. I have no doubt about that.

And one of the things the Magic have to do this year is figure out if Gordon can fill that spot or if they need to reduce his role to bench energy guy and find a suitable power forward option in free agency.

Thanks everyone for the questions. Sorry it took so long to respond. We will definitely be doing another one of these soon!

Next: Orlando Magic eyeing the beginning of the season

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