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Orlando Magic 2017 Season Review: What Went Right — Lessons Learned For The Future

By Ryan Doyle

Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; With less than a minute left in the game key magic players watch the game from the bench (left to right) Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Evan Fournier (10) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and forward Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; With less than a minute left in the game key magic players watch the game from the bench (left to right) Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Evan Fournier (10) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and forward Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dunks against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Aaron Gordon is a power forward

It was one of the biggest moves of the offseason. The Magic traded for forward Serge Ibaka to try to propel them to the postseason.

That trade was not just a big move for Ibaka, it was a move that changed Aaron Gordon’s role more than most people realized.

With Ibaka taking most of the minutes at the 4 during his time in Orlando, it forced the developing Gordon to change position and his role on the offense drastically. With Ibaka and center Nikola Vucevic taking up space down low, Gordon moved out to the perimeter. A place where he did not frequent until the start of the season.

It did not take long to see Gordon was not at home on the outside. He struggled to create off the dribble for himself or his teammates. Gordon’s shooting was not what the Magic needed. From the outside, he only shot at a 29.2-percent clip.

Leaving him on the outside only hid his strengths. The highlight-reel dunks and rebounding disappeared as he was trying to fit in a role he does not fit into naturally.

Following the Ibaka trade in February, Gordon came back to life. He scored more points (16.4 points per game after the All-Star Break) and rebounded (6.2 rebounds per game after the break) better when he moved back to his natural position of power forward. He quickly proved that he should play closer to the rim so he can use his athletic abilities to his advantage.

Gordon’s return to power forward turned his season around. The lesson for the Magic should be to keep him there and let him thrive. He is still a ball of potential, he just needs to continue to develop it.