Aaron Gordon should see significant playing time in an entirely different role as the new starting small forward. His minutes should see a significant bump for that distinction.
Without a question, the Orlando Magic have solidified their defense with the recent offseason acquisitions. Adding players like Serge Ibaka, Bismack Biyombo and Jeff Green garners a level of respect from the rest of the NBA.
The rotation is going to shake itself out for the Magic. Aaron Gordon‘s role is going to be defined in some way. The coaches want to show off Aaron Gordon and all his abilities.
They will have every opportunity to do so.
There is a level of the unknown when it comes to a player like Gordon. No one knows if or how successful Gordon will be this year after Vogel increases his minutes per game from the 23.9 minutes per game he played last season.
Realistically, Gordon would have to play more minutes than he did last year as a full-time starter. That is the plan going into the 2017 season as he prepares to become a full-time starter for an entire season for the first time.
Frank Vogel said he wants to use Gordon like he used Paul George while he coached the Indiana Pacers. The thing is Gordon’s overall game is not on the superstar level George game is.
Vogel may require Gordon to play all-star level minutes between the small forward and power forward position this year. Especially if he takes the leap his talent seems to suggest he can. A challenge Gordon seems willing to accept.
Last year, Gordon posted 13.9 points per 36 minutes and 6.5 rebounds per 36 minutes. Gordon still has a long ways to go to become a producer at a star level. More minutes does not necessarily guarantee an increase in production.
After the All-Star Break, when his scoring averages increased and he started more games, Gordon posted 15.5 points per 36 minutes and 9.4 rebounds per 36 minutes. Those are beginning to look like numbers of a player preparing to break out.
On paper, Gordon is probably the third best player on this young Magic team behind Nikola Vucevic and Serge Ibaka.
The jump in minutes Gordon is sure to see during this season elevates the pressure for him to make the jump in his overall game. The jump is necessary otherwise Orlando may have to look elsewhere.
The Magic organization has already shown a short leash on the timeline for the development of younger players. Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo have already been traded for not making the jump to stardom the team needed to anchor the rebuild.
The lack of minutes did not play a role with either one of the trades, Harris and Oladipo both played more minutes than Gordon. Increased minutes means Gordon is entering the ‘no-excuse’ part of his deal. He has to begin producing and finding form to his boundless potential.
After being selected fourth overall, even Gordon has not yet quite lived up to the hype of a top-five pick for whatever reason. It could be because of the lack of minutes, injuries, youth or something else entirely.
Last year, Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Channing Frye started in front of Gordon for the majority of the regular season which limited his minutes. Frye is a stretch-4 with a deadly 3-point shot, a skill set Gordon is still developing. Yet, he is not quite a traditional power forward either.
And now Gordon is likely to play more small forward, putting him on the perimeter more and more. The Magic will be relying on him to take a step up in his game. And be rewarding the minutes to match.
The story from the USA Select Team is they see an improved jumper from Gordon, but the real test begins after the tip-off of the first game of the year.
Next: Surveying Orlando's cap room in 2017
With more significant minutes for Gordon, fans should see significant growth with his overall game this season.