Orlando Magic Draft: Who stands to lose the most?

Aaron Gordon

One player who might be affected by whoever the Magic draft is Aaron Gordon. Should the Magic bring in a combo forward like Jonathan Isaac or Jayson Tatum, the still-raw Gordon could be impacted. Despite improving offensively in 2017, he remains a poor shooter and passer. Gordon still has to substantially improve his decision-making.

Both Isaac and Tatum can work on the perimeter but are not proven 3-point shooters yet. They both might best, like Gordon, as power forwards. They are all tweener forwards, nonetheless, and could cramp each other on the floor.

It is too early for Orlando to give up on the 21-year-old forward. He has shown an ability to guard some of the league’s best out on the perimeter, and his athleticism is unrivaled by anyone else on the roster. If he can combine his defensive technique and natural athleticism, he can become an exceptional defender.

His offense remains a work in progress. And it would be unwise for Orlando to reduce Gordon’s minutes. With the team highly unlikely to make the playoffs this upcoming season, it should instead be dedicated to improving the skills of the players on the team with the most potential — Gordon, and whoever is drafted with the sixth pick.

As Weltman said, the Magic have to find players they can grow with. And so they must find a player who can grow with Gordon.