Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

The Six Orlando Magic stars with the most to prove in 2018

By Sam Skubala

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on March 11, 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 - MARCH 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on March 11, 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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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – March 31: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 31, 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Aaron Gordon

Years Experience: 3
Career Averages: 9.7 points, 5.1 rebounds

Unlike other names on this list, Aaron Gordon is not under pressure to perform because of a particular issue with his game.

Instead, now four years into his career, he is expected finally to have his breakout season.

Already a talented and athletic defender, Gordon displayed some offensive chops after the Orlando Magic traded Serge Ibaka last season. He put up 16.4 points per game on 50.3 percent shooting following the All-Star break, finally released as a power forward rather than playing out of position on the perimeter.

To take his game to the next level, Gordon must become a better shooter.

This will allow Gordon to function as an outside-inside threat, while a more consistent jumper would also make him more effective in the pick-and-pop.

Gordon must also continue to improve his decision-making on the offensive end in particular. Too often he gives away easy offensive fouls against more wily defenders or dribbles himself into traps and out of the offensive flow.

Should he be able to bring everything together, Gordon will undoubtedly be a high-quality NBA player, on both ends of the floor.