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5 questions the Orlando Magic face in the season’s third quarter

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Bismack Biyombo (11) high five against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Bismack Biyombo (11) high five against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket as LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) defends during the second half at Amway Center. LA Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket as LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) defends during the second half at Amway Center. LA Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

How much can Aaron Gordon grow?

The Aaron Gordon experiment has been the most controversial and discussed aspect of the Orlando Magic’s season. With the Playoffs slowly receding, the Magic’s season may quickly become about showcasing Aaron Gordon and letting him grow.

Whatever anyone thinks about Gordon playing the 3, there have been undeniable successes and some potential frustrations.

His defensive job on James Harden in the Magic’s last home game before the road trip agains tthe Houston Rockets was extremely encouraging. Harden shot worse than 50 percent and had only six free throws. Gordon was instrumental to keeping that game close by eliminating Harden as a consistent driving threat.

Gordon has done that to several solid NBA wings and his presence as a perimeter defender has been the most encouraging and consistent aspect of the Magic’s season.

Everyone is simply waiting for his offense to come around. So far, it has come in fits and starts.

If the second quarter showed anything, it is he is gaining comfort. And, as Gordon would admit toward the end of the quarter, he was finally feeling fully healthy after a late offseason ankle injury forced him to sit out much of training camp.

In the second quarter of the season, Gordon averaged 13.0 points per game and shot 46.9 percent from the floor and 36.3 percent from beyond the arc. Those are well above his season averages and are a good sign that he is trending up in his new position. He had two 30-point games and added a 28-point game against the Clippers on the road for good measure.

Consistency remains an issue with Gordon (as it is for everyone on the team), but Gordon is certainly more consistent on the defensive end than anyone else. And he is very good at letting things come to him. He does not force plays. His offense always seems to come very naturally.

If anything in the third quarter, the Magic need to rely more on Gordon and trust him with more. Especially as the focus turns toward the future.

Gordon should receive more responsibility.