Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

What is the finishing lineup for the Orlando Magic this season?

By Joe Buckley

Nov 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) reacts after he made the game winning shot in the last seconds of the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) reacts after he made the game winning shot in the last seconds of the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Mar 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Amway Center. The Magic won 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon was a tough choice, but the right one considering how the Magic want to build and who they want to build around.

Like Payton, Gordon’s offensive game is still to be desired, especially in the shooting department. While the small forward spot was traditionally taken by Fournier last year due to the back log of guards, the reverse is now true.

Gordon really came into his own after his breakthrough dunk contest performance during the All-Star break. While it was clear former coach Scott Skiles really had no idea to use him, Gordon improved across the board and really showed his athleticism, rebounding ability and superior defense.

These can most certainly be used during the final minutes of a game. Clutch rebounding is incredibly underrated. And though Gordon still lacks the free throw shooting skills to take full advantage, getting to the basket cannot be a bad thing.

Another key reason for placing Gordon at this spot is his defensive ability. Remember who is playing the small forward position in the Eastern Conference alone. LeBron James. Paul George. Carmelo Anthony. Jimmy Butler. Big, muscular guys who are also quick as lightning.

Lucky then, Gordon is a big, muscular guy who is ever so slightly faster than lightning. His ability to affect the Magic’s defense, then get out and run and finish, earn him this spot.

Gordon is young and relatively inexperienced in terms of clutch play. But the Magic seem to be invested in him, and experience has to be gained somewhere.

Next: The bigs