Aaron Gordon, Mario Hezonja shooting leap crucial for Orlando Magic offense
The Orlando Magic will need to have some success on offense. If Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja can improve in a few ways, that success is possible.
The Orlando Magic have playoff aspirations for the 2017 season, and in order to reach that goal, they will need to field an offense that is at least mediocre.
They have that potential, but in order to avoid having an offense at the bottom of the league, they will need their young players to take significant steps forward.
Mario Hezonja and Aaron Gordon are two players specifically whose development is key to the team’s playoff potential.
The biggest fear about this upcoming season for the Magic is what looks like a severe lack of spacing — especially in a starting lineup that does not figure to have a ton of shooting.
Three-point shooting is important in order to be a strong team. It is a statistically significant predictor of wins, and has had about a 0.65 correlation with wins in the past two seasons.
Last season, seven out of the top eight teams in 3-point percentage made the playoffs, with five of those teams winning at least one series. In 2015, the entire top 11 made the playoffs and three of the four conference finalists were in the top 5.
Three-point shooting is important not only as a means of more efficient baskets, but also to draw the defense out and allow offensive flow and more easy baskets inside. It is much harder to score when the defense is stationed closer to the basket.
Out of the players expected to start, regardless of who starts at center between Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo, the only strong 3-point shooter on there is Evan Fournier.
Fournier is a good shooter and will help the offense flow, but in order to prevent opposing defenses from packing into the paint, the Magic will need one other wing player to step up and improve their shooting.
Elfrid Payton will be relied upon as the primary ball handler and playmaker, so he likely will not be asked to take many spot-up shot opportunities. This shooting improvement must come from the “small forward” position.
Mario Hezonja definitely has the potential to become a strong shooter in the league.
He was drafted with the expectation of being a good shooter and creator on offense, and despite early season struggles, he showed that potential in flashes last season.
Although only racking up about a league average 3-point shooting percentage at 35 percent last season, as he became more comfortable in the league and was allowed a longer leash in April, he shot 44 percent from three while taking 50 percent more shots. He also showed some solid abilities as a passer.
Hezonja continuing to grow would be huge for the Magic.
He would provide another strong catch-and-shoot option defenses would have to stick with, and would thus open up the paint more. With his passing ability and athleticism, he could also provide a secondary penetrator and creator who would help the offense move.
After all, he has made plays like this:
Aaron Gordon, on the other hand, is looking to surprise the league with an improved shot.
Gordon is projected to start at the 3, and in order to be able to play consistently with two big men, he will need to improve his shooting. He was subpar last season from 3-point range and from mid range.
He has improved his shot form, and the fact that his free throw percentage has risen over 20 percentage points since college is encouraging.
Gordon already shows the potential to be a strong driver and someone who could potentially lead the fast break. He can be used in a variety of ways to help make the offense move.
If he can at least become an average level shooter, that would open up a lot for the offense. If he does not, the new coaching staff may find themselves giving him and the other big men fewer minutes in order to field an offense.
Winning the battle of the 3-point line is very important for winning games in the NBA.
Defending the 3-point line is also a significant factor in winning games. The Magic seem to like where they are on the defensive end of the court.
Their improved depth will also help with the offense, as above average shooters like D.J. Augustin and Jodie Meeks will take advantage of opposing bench units if healthy.
In order for the Magic to stay afloat on the offensive end, they will need Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja specifically to take steps up and improve their shooting and creating abilities, both for efficient baskets for them and to open up the court for better penetration.
Next: Aaron Gordon must see increased playing time
If the Magic offense is at a respectable rank, they will have a solid shot at a playoff berth. If not, it will be very hard to escape the logjam in the Eastern Conference.