2017 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Aaron Gordon

A new start-er

Aaron Gordon though is a starter for the Orlando Magic. There is no getting around that. Whether he ends up at small forward or power forward remains to be seen. Gordon is clearly a starter for this team in some way or fashion.

Gordon already is one of the Magic’s best defensive players. At 20 years old, he should only get better at that role. And the Magic should employ him in that role primarily throughout the season first and foremost.

The Magic have to use Gordon’s defense as a linchpin on the perimeter just like Serge Ibaka or Bismack Biyombo have to be a linchpin in the post.

Gordon’s growth offensively will determine just how high he climbs and what role he fully takes.

Gordon should get every opportunity to showcase what he can do and any and all improvement he has made. That will mean an increase in minutes. Perhaps some more playmaking responsibility.

Gordon seems to expect he will play a lot more on the ball offensively and has worked on his shooting and his pick-and-roll play. Frank Vogel has talked about using him similar to Paul George from Indiana. The comparison might be a bit unfair to Gordon, who is not anywhere near the offensive player. But the Magic are hoping he can have that kind of impact as he continues to grow.

Orlando is not in the risk-taking business right now. Not in this way. The Magic need something reliable. And the thing they can rely on most from Gordon is his defense.

Primarily his role will be to defend and run. He will have to prove in training camp and preseason that he can do more. And the Magic will need it.

Next: Overall Outlook