Who is the Orlando Magic’s leader?

Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon is the Orlando Magic man of the future.

In year three of his NBA career, Gordon is showing samples of what he could become in his prime years — an all-around mismatch.

While it is understandable the Magic would opt for one of its veterans to lead the team, they would be smart to see what the most talented Magic player could do in a leadership role.

Gordon is playing a career-high 26.5 minutes per game and responding with almost 12 points per game on 43 percent field goal shooting. Interestingly, Gordon was labeled as a non-deep threat, but is responding by making 33 percent of his attempts from long range, up six percentage points from two seasons ago. His offensive game is growing tremendously.

Defensively, Gordon is becoming a lock-down defender. Gordon is tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best offensive weapon on the perimeter on a nightly basis and holding himself accountable to be successful. The accountability that leaders display.

"“That comes with responsibility,” Gordon said after the loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday. “With that responsibility, I need to bring my energy, I need to bring my defense or I am doing a disservice to myself and a disservice to my team. I appreciate Frank for doing that and the coaching staff. It just means I need to bring it.”"

If Gordon is going to commit to being the best player on the court, then the best player on the court needs to be viewed as someone the team can turn to when they need guidance.