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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Surprises, what lasts and what’s next

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic's Evan Fournier (10) yells as he is fouled by the New York Knicks' Doug McDermott, left, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic's Evan Fournier (10) yells as he is fouled by the New York Knicks' Doug McDermott, left, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Andrew Harrison, Memphis Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 1: Andrew Harrison #5 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic on November 1, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Who is the early candidate for the Orlando Magic’s All-Star?

Scricca: It is hard to pick between Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier. I believe Gordon is the better all-around player, but Fournier has been scoring at a higher volume, which generally leads to more All-Star votes. I would vote Gordon, personally.

Holmes: It is great to be able to say that so many players are having career years at this stage so there are numerous options. From a purist’s view, I think Evan Fournier has been fantastic across the board and his consistency has been huge. But the leap that Aaron Gordon has made and his skillset make him the most likely choice for me.

Treadway: There are a handful of guys who could be in the mix for this. Nikola Vucevic was minorly getting mentions last year, Evan Fournier has played very well and, if Elfrid Payton continues his strong play coming back from injury seeing how much the Magic missed him while he was out, Payton could make a very good case there.

I think though the first player I would pick from a playing and conventional standpoint has to be Aaron Gordon. His overall play this year and the jump he took from last year has been ASTOUNDING. Couple that with the fact that he has already made a name for himself at All-Star weekend being in (and still should have won) the dunk contest, he already has that going for him.

Chen: Who *should* make it and who has the best chance of *actually* making it are often two different things when it comes to NBA All-Star. Aaron Gordon is probably the Magic’s most important player with his defensive versatility and expanded offensive game. But Evan Fournier has a better chance of maintaining a scoring average greater than 20 points per game, which is a “sexy” number that tends to attract All-Star attention. Either one would be justified for a selection if he keeps up his early level of play. Nikola Vucevic also has a potentially decent case, but his reputation as a bad defender might make a selection difficult (he’s not a great defender, but he’s also actually not that bad either).

Rossman-Reich: Aaron Gordon is probably the answer because of his highlight plays. Coaches are like us, they probably gravitate to the highlights in making these selections. But Evan Fournier is the real All Star for this team for me. He is the most consistent offensive option for the team and has regained his efficiency from two years ago while bumping up his scoring average. He is reliable for a good game almost every night and has shown the consistency needed. Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic are getting the headlines for their growth, but Evan Fournier is just steady. And that is extremely valuable.