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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Recapping the NBA Draft

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 22: Draft Pick Melvin Frazier Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman Draft Pick Mohamed Bamba Head Coach Steve Clifford and Draft Pick Justin Jackson during the Orlando Magic Draft press conference, on June 22, 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 Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 22: Draft Pick Melvin Frazier Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman Draft Pick Mohamed Bamba Head Coach Steve Clifford and Draft Pick Justin Jackson during the Orlando Magic Draft press conference, on June 22, 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 Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 5: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on November 5, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Can the Aaron Gordon-Jonathan Isaac-Mohamed Bamba frontcourt work? What concerns you about it?

Kania: I think it will work on the long term but probably not this season. Defensively it should be an outstanding trio from the start. The concerns are obviously on the other end where all three players need to improve their shooting but they are all young enough to do just that.

Doyle: Offense is the only issue. Aaron Gordon has already proven he is a terrific defender. Jonathan Isaac showed flashes in his rookie season. If Mohamed Bamba’s freshman year with the Texas Longhorns was any indication, the Magic frontcourt will wreak havoc very, very soon. Again, it is unclear where the offense is coming from. Gordon took strides, but still has plenty of room to grow if he is too carry the scoring load. Isaac and Bamba are even farther behind. If they can hit 3-pointers consistently, it could solve spacing issues down the road.

Miller: I do not see this frontcourt working long term. Throughout his career, Aaron Gordon has failed at the small forward position. I do not see Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac coexisting as neither have the offensive ability to play the three. The defense could be lethal but I doubt this lineup can be successful on the offensive end.

Rossman-Reich: I think it can. Certainly defensively at least. All three players should have the ability to defend multiple positions and create a ton of defensive versatility. Orlando might even be able to pack the paint and defend the rim for a change. That has the makings of a defensive identity. All three complement each other really well on the defensive end. The concern, of course, is on the offensive end. Someone on this Orlando Magic team is going to have to make a shot. Aaron Gordon’s 3-pointer has come a long way, but it is not quite reliable yet. Mohamed Bamba’s 3-point shooting is theoretical. And Jonathan Isaac still feels like putty or something unformed that has yet to set.