Orlando Magic Daily
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Who stays, who goes? Spelling out the future of the Orlando Magic

By Sam Skubala

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 7: Aaron Gordon #00 and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic high-five during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at STAPLES Center on March 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 7: Aaron Gordon #00 and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic high-five during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at STAPLES Center on March 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 3: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the New York Knicks on April 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Aaron Gordon

Without a doubt, the most important decision facing the Magic this summer is Aaron Gordon’s restricted free agency. After starting the season playing like a potential All-Star candidate, Gordon — like the team — faded as the season dragged on, with his formerly league-leading 3-point percentage plummeting to a below average 33.2 percent.

That said, the 22-year-old took great strides offensively. Playing at his more natural power forward spot has undoubtedly given him more confidence.

But he remains a poor decision-maker on offense, although this season it was more due to poor shot selection, as opposed to his proneness to stumble slow-motion into charges.

The Magic knew they were taking a risk by not re-signing Gordon prior to this season. Instead, they decided to use it as an opportunity to make him take a step forward. This was largely successful, although at times his defense appeared to somewhat regress. Whether this was due to him becoming the team’s offensive “star” is unclear.

This offseason, Gordon is going to receive good money, and potentially even a max contract. Unfortunately for Orlando, they have no real room for movement on the matter.

The power forward is the best prospect the team has remaining on the roster. Re-signing him is essential if the team want to have a semblance of quality going forward.

Gordon is far from a perfect player, but Orlando will hope he continues to grow as he fully takes on the mantle of becoming Orlando’s “star.”