The Orlando Magic have established themselves as one of the NBA’s most likeable teams. What comes next however, is what determines ultimate success.
The joy of competition that surrounds Orlando Magic second-year player Aaron Gordon every day was on full display to the world Saturday night.
His individual performance in the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest and the for-the-ages battle with Zach Lavine woke up the masses so eager for something to grip them during the weekend. It became the highlight of a weekend that featured Kobe Bryant‘s final All-Star Game.
It also put the Magic back in the spotlight in a positive way. Even more than Victor Oladipo‘s Frank Sinatra-singing and high-flying excellence did in New York a year ago.
While Orlando may be young and not have the big names or wins yet, there is an appreciation that has built inside and outside the league for the emerging identity of the franchise. You certainly cannot talk to anyone affiliated with the NBA without them raving about the talent on the Magic roster.
This is a group that has also brought likeable personalities to the fray. Gordon’s array of dunks using team mascot Stuff was the “stuff” marketing executives dream of — and those opportunities may be coming Gordon’s way after his performance Saturday.
Oladipo’s flare and exuberant ways are also something that could play large on Madison Avenue. His carefree mentality was even on display again Saturday, when he ushered NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo on the floor for an impromptu mass “nae nae” dance off.
What these players and others like Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja are building is something that could make Orlando one of the darlings of the NBA if they add more success on the court.
It is a tired refrain at this point, but that really is the next step for the team as a whole and the individuals who comprise the squad.
With elevated play, Oladipo or Gordon certainly have all the traits to become superstars and play in the main game on Sundays. There is no doubt the duo is capable of selling shoes or whatever else they would decide to peddle.
Just as well, team success fosters into more acclaim and more opportunities outside of basketball too. An Orlando trip to the playoffs or a climb into contender status would further crack the door wide open for these players.
People will already be on higher alert when it comes to Gordon. Due to some declaring the dunk contest at the greatest ever, there will be no shortage of highlight packages featuring his slams going forward.
And, as Gordon addressed Saturday, a rematch with LaVine in Charlotte that would most certainly shatter ratings records could be in play.
“I kind of did a lot of dunks there, man,” Gordon said. “I don’t know how many more I’ve got. I’ve got a year, yeah. In Charlotte, yeah, if they want me to come back, I probably will. I’ve got a year to get my dunks ready.”
While Magic fans would certainly love to see Gordon bring his dunking wares to All-Star Weekend next year, the biggest victory would be finally getting a player back on Sunday’s main stage next year. The All-Star drought that has persisted post-Dwight Howard — the longest in franchise history — must be broken for Orlando to reach their goals. It will be a product of their goals.
Next: Aaron Gordon was the real winner of the Dunk Contest
With flashes of brilliance on and off the hardwood already documented, the ball is literally in their court to come through on their promise.