Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Five issues the Orlando Magic need to fix

By Ryan Doyle

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 27: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Elfrid Payton
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 27: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Elfrid Payton /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 3: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on December 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Unleash Aaron Gordon

The closest thing the Magic have to a star is Aaron Gordon. Injuries aside, the Magic need to give Gordon the keys. He has improved in almost every single aspect of his game.

Gordon is attacking the rim more often and finding success. His free throw attempts have gone up. And overall he is more aggressive. This is likely linked to his 3-point shooting.

Defenders need to respect his outside shot and it is allowing Gordon to blow by defenders and get to the rim. Gordon has fallen back to earth beyond the arc, but his 40.1 percent mark from three is among the league’s best. Adding the outside shot to his game has made him one of Orlando’s most dangerous weapons.

Gordon’s 18.5 points per game are the best mark on the team. And while his numbers have taken an overall jump, he is not being used more. Last season, he had a 20.1 usage percentage, this year he is only at a 21.5 percent.

With a minor increase in usage and a massive jump in numbers, Gordon has earned more looks. The fourth-year player makes things happen. Orlando does not have many consistent offensive threats, so giving Gordon the freedom to become one should be in the team’s best interests.