2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon takes a step forward, previewing the next step to come

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 14: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic drives the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Amway Center on March 14, 2019 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. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

2020 Outlook

Before the season began, the going money was that Aaron Gordon was the key to everything the Orlando Magic might do and might become. His impressive 2018 season helped earn him a big four-year deal and started writing checks of his eventual stardom.

It was hard not to think that if the Magic were going to make anything of their season and make a playoff push, it was most likely to come on Gordon’s back.

That did not happen. Nikola Vucevic took that mantle and Aaron Gordon took a role where he focused on his defense and being selective with his shots. He tried to fit in.

The pendulum swung from a player trying to figure out the balance of being the leading scorer and having the ball in his hands to a player trying to let the game come to him too much. It is fair to criticize Gordon for being a bit too passive at times.

But it worked for the team and he turned in a strong season.

That All-Star potential is still in there.

In Game 4 of the Orlando Magic’s playoff series with the Toronto Raptors, he was the talk of the entire league. He scored 14 points and brought the Magic back into the game. He took it to Kawhi Leonard with quick decisive moves and tough shots.

Related Story. 2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon. light

The Magic certainly still want to see him unlock that All-Star potential. Fans certainly feel the tension within the Magic of relying on veteran players like Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier in the playoff run. They want to see the reigns handed over to players like Aaron Gordon or Jonathan Isaac sooner than later.

With the potential that Vucevic will be gone in free agency, responsibility is going to be heaped on Gordon more and more in 2020. If Vucevic is gone, almost certainly Gordon will become the central focus of the offense. He will have to take on more scoring and find pockets to be more efficient and aggressive if the team is going to continue winning.

Gordon is a hard worker. He has added something major to his game in every offseason he has been healthy. At 23 years old, he still has a lot of growth to make and can still vastly improve his game. Even if Vucevic stays, the Magic certainly want to see Gordon take the next step in his game.

To be sure, the Magic will expect a lot more from Gordon next year.