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2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Power Forwards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, timofey Mozgov, Los Angeles Lakers
Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Lakers center Timofey Mozgov (20) defends during the second half at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Filling a Need, Searching for Fit

It is clear the Orlando Magic could probably use a little bit more depth at the forward position — whether it is at small forward or power forward. The beauty of drafting Jonathan Isaac is he has the versatility to play anywhere on the floor and will likely spend time at both forward positions.

Orlando can search for the best small forward or power forward to fill these needs. As long as they have that versatility too to help Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon continue to grow and grow together.

The options at power forward available to the Magic likely lack the versatility the team is looking for as this position continues to downsize and specialize.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Players like Nikola Mirotic and Patrick Patterson and even Derrick Williams probably fit the mold the Magic are looking for much more than the traditional power forward. Especially considering the team has Bismack Biyombo currently coming off the bench. His lack of offensive ability really limits ways for these lineups to be successful. They need shooters to give him the space to roll to the rim and make his screens even more effective.

That would eliminate a lot of traditional power forwards who need to work closer to the basket. They lack the versatility the Magic probably want from the position anyway. It is this position more than any other where Orlando wants to see that length and versatility they sought in the Draft.

The unfortunate reality for the Magic is that there are not many of those types of players available in the Magic’s price range at this position.

Gordon should be the starting power forward. But how they develop Isaac this year could well be determined by whether the Magic address their needs at backup power forward or not.

Next: 2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Small Forwards

The question is whether any of these options make sense for them with their limited resources.