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Orlando Magic Third Quarter Review: Answering the big questions

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando magic, Toronto Raptors
Feb 3, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) pulls down the rebound between Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center.The Magic won 102-94. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

How much can Aaron Gordon grow?

This is going to be one of the bigger questions the rest of the year still.

A month ago, it felt like Aaron Gordon was finding his footing even at small forward. There were still hiccups and inconsistencies on the offensive end, but Gordon was figuring some things out. There was

There was reason to hope.

The last quarter of the season has been less encouraging. Gordon is averaging 10.9 points per game while shooting 40.8 percent from the floor and an icy 17.2 percent from beyond the arc in 18 games. That included missing two games with a bone bruise.

Not to mention his disappointing Slam Dunk Contest performance.

The answer very clearly in the last month is Gordon is not a natural small forward. the experiment Orlando ran so devotedly did not work out as planned.

The good news for the Magic is they can still evaluate and determine Aaron Gordon’s growth moving him back to power forward.

Certainly, his defense is still extremely strong. There is something to build from there. But the Magic would like a clearer idea of how to use Gordon and — more importantly — how much to pay him when he becomes eligible for an extension this summer.