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Best- and worst-case scenarios for Orlando Magic in 2017

By Ryan Doyle

January 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel instructs against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel instructs against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates with guard Elfrid Payton (4), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Mario Hezonja (23) after he dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates with guard Elfrid Payton (4), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Mario Hezonja (23) after he dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Best-Case Scenarios: The core emerges

Let’s start out on a positive note.

Of course, Orlando winning a championship is the best thing that could happen but that is very unlikely. This post is going to be rooted somewhat in reality and what the Magic could realistically do this season.

With that being said, Orlando can make a return to the postseason. The team is definitely in the hunt for one of the later playoff seeds and it is not insane to say this team could at least scare an opponent in the playoffs.

But what would that take?

Aaron Gordon develops into an All-Star caliber player

Aaron Gordon’s stock is at an all-time high. After his showcase at the Dunk Contest, he followed his dazzling performance with a good second half of the season.

He will play a big role for Orlando this season and if Gordon can become a true offensive threat the Magic are going to be in for a great 2017 campaign.

Our S.W. Guest wrote a piece about how Gordon needs to channel his inner Paul George. That would be the best case for Gordon in 2015.

It would become near impossible for Gordon to turn into a player of George’s caliber in one season, but the best case for the Magic is to have Gordon turn into a go-to option late in games. The Magic would love to see Gordon become the best player of this team and be a franchise piece.

Elfrid Payton is the future at point guard

Orlando bet on Elfrid Payton this offseason. He was at many of the free agent meetings Orlando had and will probably be a member of the Magic for a long time. If the Magic are going to reach their true potential, Payton needs to step it up on both sides of the ball.

Contrary to popular belief, Payton struggled on the defensive end last year. Vogel and his staff will need to correct that first and foremost and if they do, Payton will be a weapon on at least one side of the ball.

Now to Payton’s offensive game. He has been limited throughout his career and it is because of his lack of a jump shot. If Payton develops even a mid-range jumper, Orlando’s pick-and-roll game will be effective.

If Payton does develop an outside shot, that opens up the floor for Nikola Vucevic and Serge Ibaka in the paint and allows Gordon and the crafty Evan Fournier to attack the basket.

With the floor opened up, the Orlando offense will finally have the room to operate.

Next: Best-Case Scenarios: New weapons