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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Vol. 27: A new future for the Orlando Magic

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 22: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 22, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 22: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 22, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Troy Daniels, Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Troy Daniels #30 of the Phoenix Suns and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dive for a loose ball during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 10, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

From West Farrow via e-mail (11/9, 2:31 am)

"Is Jonathan Isaac now the player with the highest upside on the Magic or do you think it is still Aaron Gordon?"

And so this question flows naturally into this one about the Orlando Magic’s future.

Aaron Gordon has burst onto the scene this year to average 18.0 points per game and 8.1 rebounds per game with an incredible 60.9 percent effective field goal percentage. That number is about to drop as his 3-point shooting continues to normalize.

Gordon’s leap this year is something very different. He is potential finally realized. In a year where Gordon had to show what he can be in this league, he is taking the star turn some of his predecessors on this team failed to take. At least, so far. There is still a lot of season to go.

Even with all that said, measuring potential is extremely difficult to do. Especially with Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac at different stages of their careers.

Gordon is three years into his career. He faced the pressure of defining himself for his first big contract in the league. With that contract, there is less expectation of potential and more expectation of reality. Gordon will certainly continue to grow after this season — he is still only 22 years old. Gordon is not about to plateau, he should get better.

But he is not the player with the most potential anymore. Just because some of it is used up already. As a player gets older, his ceiling begins to get lower.

A lot of the Magic’s development strength is put in  Isaac.

As has been more than evident in the last few games with Isaac out, he is worth more than his 6.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Coach Frank Vogel has lauded his defense as well beyond his years of experience. Indeed, Isaac is certainly NBA ready defensively. His offense has a long way to go.

But it is also clear even from the few games Isaac has played, he has shown flashes of a lot of offensive skill. He needs to work on his shot mechanics to produce consistency. And he needs to tighten up his skills. But he definitely has a lot more comfort.

As a point of comparison, he seems a lot further along than Gordon was entering the NBA. Isaac has some go-to offensive moves and is a better shooter already. And he has the defense and athleticism.

One thing is for sure, the Gordon-Isaac combo is extremely promising. With how Gordon has developed, the team should be excited for its future.