2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

4 of 5

ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 2: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic speaks to media after game against the Detroit Pistons on March 2, 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) /

2019 Outlook

There is no getting around it: This is the summer of Aaron Gordon.

The Orlando Magic’s entire summer revolves around what the team decides to do with Gordon. Quite literally. His cap hold will eat up all their available cap space and his new contract will eat up what little remains.

Gordon provocatively said his ideal summer would be a max contract from the Magic after the season ended. That is the kind of confidence Gordon has himself. In all likelihood, he will not get that max contract. Even from someone else. Too few teams have the money and there are still legitimate questions about his game.

But, at this point, it is safe to say the Magic are going to match whatever offer Gordon gets. It will likely cost the team north of $20 million per year. And that is the price the Magic are going to be willing to pay.

Gordon showed tremendous growth this season. At 22 years old, there still seems like a lot more he can grow into too. This does not feel like a player who has hit his ceiling, rather one who is still finding his way.

Undoubtedly, Gordon cannot rest on his laurels. He still has a lot to work on.

Too often, Gordon drove into traffic and tried to dominate the ball. That is not what he is best at. Maybe that is a signal he is not the team’s star. But he did play this role enough and succeeded enough to pique some interest. Maybe he can develop it.

The same goes for his passing. He had a few games where he was perhaps being a bit rebellious and focused on his passing over his shooting and dialed up his assists to six or seven. That showed an ability no one previously thought he had.

The important thing for Gordon heading into the 2019 season is to continue to grow his game overall. He has to improve his 3-point shooting and his understanding of shot selection. He has to play less with his new toys and skills and focus more on what he is already good at, sprinkling in the new skills as he gains confidence.

The one thing that does seem clear is Gordon will be an important part of the Magic. If he returns, he will be the team’s face of the franchise along with the new pick.