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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Race to the finish

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the Orlando Magic 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the Orlando Magic 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Serge Ibaka, Toronto Raptors, Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) moves to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Who is the one player on the roster you would ABSOLUTELY keep?

Badillo: Definitely has to be Terrence Ross. Without a doubt, Ross brings a faster pace for the Magic and his ability to come off a screen and shoot the ball is a big factor for the Magic as not many players on the team can do that. I think he brings a lot to the table for the Magic, but his inconsistency is a problem. But it is not like there is anyone on the Magic who IS consistent.

Rossman-Reich: My answer is really no one. I think everyone is available. My answer to the question is Aaron Gordon. He is the one player on the roster who has a truly elite skill. His perimeter defense is something any good team needs and can use. And, as far as talent goes, Gordon still has the most star potential on the roster. I am not going out of my way to keep him — if there is a better power forward or small forward option available, you pursue it (not Dario Saric) — but Gordon still holds the most promise. Perhaps he deserves a bit more faith.

Iwanowski: It is Aaron Gordon to me. If the team plans their roster around maximizing him, he is still probably the one with the most upside on the team. He is only 21 years old and has been a strong defender. His offense is not developing as quickly as the team had hoped, but he is still the player with the most upside and thus is the one they must keep. He is the most important piece the team has and upsetting him is what makes the whiteboard incident even worse.

Scricca: Whoever they draft this summer. Everyone else should be available. It is time for a new direction. If the Magic keep one player currently on the roster though, it should be Aaron Gordon. His ceiling is still high, and he is already one of the league’s more exciting players. He just needs the right situation around him.

Palmer: Aaron Gordon. He is the only guy on the team who is even a remote consideration for me. He is the prototype you want out of today’s NBA power forward. He is only 21 and he is improving yearly. I just wish the Magic had not stunted his growth by trying to make him play small forward this season.

Grullon: There are two players that I would like the Magic to bring back next season: Terrence Ross and Aaron Gordon. Ross’ athleticism and shooting ability make him an impactful player and he is still quite young. He has the potential to be a solid player for the Magic next season with an expanded role and a better understanding of the offense. When it comes to Gordon, I simply feel the sky is the limit for him. He has improved his game and played significantly better since he was moved back to power forward, so there is no way the Magic should give up on him just yet. Additionally, the Gordon and Ross duo provide the Magic with two of the most electric dunkers in the NBA, which is a good reason to tune in and watch a Magic game!