Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Expectations and Excitement

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 3: The Orlando Magic mascot waves the team flag before the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 3, 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 - FEBRUARY 3: The Orlando Magic mascot waves the team flag before the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 3, 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, Memphis Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 1: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a lay up during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 1, 2016 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Which player do you need to see more from for the Orlando Magic to succeed this year?

Scricca: If Elfrid Payton can take another step as a playmaker and improve as a defender, that will be very meaningful for the Magic. I do not expect him to get a 3-point shot anytime soon. But obviously, that also would not hurt. But I hope the ending to last season was real and we see him continue to grow.

Palmer: I would have to agree with Ricky here and say: Elfrid Payton. The biggest concern I have with Payton is his defense. If he can stop being beaten so consistently on the perimeter or at least slow guys down some Orlando’s defense could improve dramatically.

Rossman-Reich: Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I suppose. But I need to see more from Terrence Ross. I have defended Ross pretty heavily for that last starter’s spot, citing continuity. But Jonathon Simmons is coming. It is hard not to get excited about his talent. And as he gets more comfortable and produces in an expanded role, he will put pressure on Ross. Ross missed a lot of time because of injury. That is the chance Simmons is going to wait and hunger for all season. But Ross is a capable shooter and can do a lot of things offensively. The Magic need him to be more efficient.

Miller: While I would enjoy discussing Mario Hezonja, I will take the easy choice here — Aaron Gordon. Gordon is the most important player on the Magic for this season and for the future. Gordon must develop into a semi-star this year ( around 18-plus points, eight rebounds per game) for the Magic to be successful. I think the Magic’s season may ride on Gordon’s ability to shoot from outside, as a sharp-shooting Gordon would open up passing and driving lanes. The key to unlocking the team’s putrid half-court offense holds in Gordon’s hands.