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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Midseason misgivings

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 10: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic and Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks reach for a loose ball during a game at the Bradley Center on January 10, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 10: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic and Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks reach for a loose ball during a game at the Bradley Center on January 10, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 6: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 6, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Is there anything positive you can hold onto? What would make for a “successful” second half of the season?

Rossman-Reich: Aaron Gordon’s emergence is the biggest positive. I can buy into the Aaron Gordon-Jonathan Isaac-Insert High Draft Selection here as a core that could come together fairly quickly. There is something to grow from there. I think a successful second half of the season sees Gordon continue to grow and expand his game. It will also see Isaac return to the lineup. That is a must for this team because he figures so importantly into the future. Otherwise, there is not much positive to hold onto. Just inject Gordon dunks directly into my veins.

Scricca: Aaron Gordon’s shooting, of course, has been a massive revelation. Wesley Iwundu looking like a real NBA player is also great news considering it is relatively rare to see second-rounders stick around the league and have an impact. A successful second half has nothing to do with wins or losses at this point, but whether this team can start playing for each other again, executing with purpose and making better decisions. All we can hope is that players returning from injury manage to spark something.

Henderson: The way the Magic started off the year on top of the Eastern Conference was the only positive. Aaron Gordon should have shown this emergence last year and Elfrid Payton and Nikola Vucevic are still on the trading block. The sad part about this culture is if the team wins somewhere between 35-38 games, it is a success. The team needs to go on at least one winning streak of three games, that would make a successful second half of the season.

Palmer: There are a few things that I can think of. First, and probably most important of all, is that Aaron Gordon is a legitimate threat from the 3-point line. While his shot selection is still questionable, his ability to shoot three’s may eventually allow him to move back to the small forward spot. The second thing you can take away from this season is Wesley Iwundu looks to have been a solid second-round selection. Iwundu is probably the best perimeter defender on the team (Gordon has regressed) and he shows very good decision making in transition. If he ever feels comfortable shooting the ball he can be a real positive impact player. The last thing I take away from this season is the fact Mario Hezonja is a solid NBA player. Not exercising that low-risk option may haunt the Magic in the future.

Flynn: If you want to call this a “positive,” it is encouraging that early signs show there is a potential trade market for Evan Fournier. Being that Evan Fournier has the largest contract on the team, it would be smart for the Magic to move his contract. I also find the play of Mario Hezonja encouraging. But his return to the Magic may be unlikely. So that is sort of a backhanded compliment.