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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Dealing with the Draftermath

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jonathan Isaac (Florida State) is interviewed after being introduced as the number six overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jonathan Isaac (Florida State) is interviewed after being introduced as the number six overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) is high fives by guard Elfrid Payton (4) after he made a three pointer against the LA Clippers during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

How do you foresee the fit between Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon? Can that combination work in the long term?

Palmer: I kind of already touched on it earlier, but the key is going to be Jonathan Isaac being able to shoot and handle the ball at an adequate level. Defensively, I believe this pair can terrorize opponents. Both of them should be able to switch with most 1-4’s. Additionally, Isaac’s shot blocking prowess might be better used close to the basket. Do not be shocked if Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon crossmatch routinely.

Doyle: In my opinion, it is going to take a year or two. Like Zach said, one of them needs to learn how to shoot and create their own shot off the dribble. If neither of them can, the offense is going to struggle mightily. On the defensive side, they could be one of the best duos in the league in a few years. The potential on defense is sky-high. This pairing will be a test of patience for both the Magic and their fanbase.

Rossman-Reich: I think it will be interesting. There is definitely something to the Magic’s philosophy that there is not much difference between the forward position these days. So I think there is a fit. But the reality is the whole thing is reliant upon Isaac and Gordon developing their shooting ability. And that part is still a big mystery. I think the two would make a terror defensively on the wings. Their ability to switch is really something that should be deadly in the NBA, especially if Isaac is as good defensively as everyone projects. But, realistically, they play the same position. So none of this fit question matters if they cannot work together offensively. Their shooting will matter most.

Flynn: If Isaac can develop an offensive perimeter game then I think it can absolutely work. If the Isaac experiment turns into his most affected play being in the paint and he struggles to find his shot as he develops, then it will be tough for the two to mesh. I fully expect for Isaac to become versatile enough that it does not hinder the Gordon’s development.