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Mix and Match: Intriguing Lineups the Orlando Magic could explore this year

By Zach Palmer

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on April 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Analytics Twitter Lineup

D.J. Augustin/Terrence Ross/Evan Fournier/Aaron Gordon/Jonathan Isaac

If we are being entirely honest, this lineup is beautiful in theory.

The Magic have shooters 1-3, a potentially average or better shooter at the 4 and a 5 who can definitely play on the perimeter. Defensively, there is potential for great switchability.

Evan Fournier is probably better off defending 3s in the first place. The only issue here is Jonathan Isaac probably is not strong enough to play the center spot against most big men. But as a version of the “Death Lineup” for short stints like the Golden State Warriors use Draymond Green at center, this lineup has devastating potential.

Heavy analytics Twitter loves to preach positionless basketball. But center is still a real position in the league. Rebounds still matter and Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon at the 4 and 5 is begging for the Magic to get absolutely thrashed on the glass even if they defend effectively.

Should the Magic employ this lineup this season? Absolutely. But it should only be brought out against teams like the Nets who love to play without a true center. Or it should be used as a change of pace to end quarters like the Warriors use their “Death Lineup.”

It is not something the Magic should crack open for long periods of time.