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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: The final countdown

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) position for the rebound during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) position for the rebound during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Mar 3, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) reacts after making a three pointer against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Amway Center. This was the Magic’s 800th consecutive game with a three point basket. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Who is the most important player for the Orlando Magic the rest of this season?

Palmer: Aaron Gordon, and I do not think it is that close. Ideally, the Magic put the ball in his hands a ton and we see just how much of a weapon he can be as a 4 offensively. Aaron Gordon obviously fits into this team’s future the question is just how big of a role can he carry.

Rossman-Reich: Nikola Vucevic. The Magic are not likely to find that center replacement everyone has coveted for so long. Bismack Biyombo was an able filler last week when Vucevic was out. But the question the Magic need answered without many center options available, with  Vucevic’s relative trade value and with Bismack Biyombo’s large contract is whether Vucevic can be a modern starting center without rim protection behind him. It is still with some hiccups, but Vucevic has been solid without Ibaka. A larger sample of Vucevic playing good defense in small-ball lineups could ease some fears about his place on this team. At least one spot in the lineup could feel set.

Doyle: I think it is Aaron Gordon. This is the one player who has any hope of truly becoming an all-star. Elfrid Payton has been great of late and Mario Hezonja looks years away from being a good NBA player, but Gordon still has more potential. It is time for the Magic to get a good look at him and allow him to flourish at the four. Will he hurt the Magic at times? Yes, but at this point of the season, I do not think it matters if he struggles during stretches.

Jumani: Mario Hezonja, while Aaron Gordon was a close second place on my list. Hezonja just needs playing time, that is it. He is still not necessarily “NBA-ready” but, he can become a good player in the future. It would make sense to give him a shot now, when the team is not a playoff team as opposed to experimenting with him next season, when the goal is to make the playoffs. He has to be a consistent player that can contribute. And consistent contributions come from consistent playing time.

Badillo: Definitely Mario Hezonja, he has so much potential as a player but the lack of minutes is not helping him. Vogel has to give this kid more minutes. We have seen what he can do, but it is hard for him to get better when every time he makes a mistake on the court, he is pulled out of the game. The playoff hopes for the Magic this season is over, so this gives Frank Vogel an opportunity to give Mario his chance to shine. He’s already shown in the past couple of games that he deserves more playing time. In order to get Mario Hezonja where we all want him to be, he needs to be given an opportunity to play more.

Grullon: Without a doubt, the most important player for the Orlando Magic the rest of the season is Aaron Gordon. This has been an up-and-down season for Gordon as the Magic attempted to shift him to small forward. Now that he is back to playing power forward, it will be extremely important for the Magic to let him develop in the final month of the season. Gordon has a ton of potential and he is the future of this team. As a result, the team needs to give him an opportunity to gains some confidence and to find his rhythm at power forward in order for him to end the season on a high note.

Iwanowski: Aaron Gordon is the most important player since he has the highest upside. They need to focus on making him the difference maker they hoped he would be when they drafted him fourth. I also would like to see them develop Terrence Ross into a consistent scorer and creator.