Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Training Days

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Gordon #00 Bismack Biyombo #11 Jonathon Simmons #17 and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic pose for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Gordon #00 Bismack Biyombo #11 Jonathon Simmons #17 and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic pose for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 27: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass against the Boston Celtics on January 27, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steve Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What player will the season turn on? Who is the most important player for the Magic to achieve their goals? What are their goals this season?

Scricca: While a lot of people would certainly love to see the Magic tank for a high draft pick, I think trying to win as much as possible would go a long way in improving the organization’s reputation and the locker room culture, which is very important. I think the team’s personnel changes since and including the Serge Ibaka trade have been conducive to that. Making a run at the eighth seed could be galvanizing, especially for the younger players who the organization hopes to develop. Aaron Gordon taking a step forward — which I believe he can and will make — will make the biggest difference here.

Jumani: I think the most important player for the Magic is Elfrid Payton. He has been criticized a lot — and I mean a lot — with his play in past years. But it is no secret the Magic are really good when Elfrid Payton is at his best. He played very well after the All-Star Break last season after the Magic finally ditched their big-man lineup. He strives in the open court and I strongly believe the Magic can sneak into the playoffs barring any injuries, with Payton leading the way at point.

Palmer: I do not think it is much of a secret Aaron Gordon is probably the most important player to Orlando’s success. If Gordon can play better than he did post-All-Star Break, the Magic may very well have their first All-Star since Dwight Howard. Gordon, thanks to his natural athletic gifts presents a matchup nightmare for most power forwards. He is going to have to use that athleticism advantage in order to make him an effective number one option for Orlando’s offense. That is what Orlando will need to have a successful season.

Rossman-Reich: Aaron Gordon is the easy answer (and the correct one). But Elfrid Payton is still going to be the guy who makes this team go. The Magic gave Payton another year to prove he can be the team’s point guard of the future. And at the end of last season, he took those reigns and ran with them. Orlando is relying on him to drive the car again. If Payton struggles to get penetration or distribute the ball, the Magic will struggle. If he plays like he did to end last season on offense, the Magic could surprise.