The Young Core
Undoubtedly, the future for the Orlando Magic rests on the shoulders of their young players. Specifically Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz and Mohamed Bamba. Gordon is the oldest of the three at 24 years old when the season begins. The other three are each 21 years old. All still have plenty of room to grow.
Gordon seems the closest to bursting into stardom or reaching his potential. He had a strong year averaging 16.0 points per game and career highs in both rebounding, 3-point field goal percentage and assists. He is a potential all-defensive team player who gained Steve Clifford’s trust throughout last season.
Isaac also represents a promising young player. He is still fairly raw offensively, with a simplified game. But his defensive potential is as great as any player. And offensive development seems certain with some of the big games he had during the Magic’s playoff run.
Mohamed Bamba and Markelle Fultz are still both complete unknowns. They are both essentially rookies with little NBA experience and plenty of potential to tap into. Orlando is hoping they can develop into strong players who can contribute to this team moving forward.
They all represent a future that is uncertain. If the team is going to get better and improve its standing, it is likely one of these four players leading the way up.
Swarm and Sting
Nobody knows how any of the young players will develop. It does seem as if the Magic do have players capable of reaching an unknowable ceiling.
Then again, people thought the same of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Kidd-Gilchrist was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft as an ace defender and strong athlete. NBA scouts believed they could develop his shooting over time.
An injury more than anything derailed his career, but he never reached his full potential.
Kidd-Gilchrist is still a solid defensive presence, but his shooting never came around. The Hornets’ hopes were not all pinned on him, but they were banking on his continued development.
Just as the Magic are banking on the continued development of their young players — it is easy to draw at least some parallel between Kidd-Gilchrist’s shooting woes with Fultz’s shooting woes — the Hornets did too.
Charlotte’s drafting was suspect in this time period — Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh and Frank Kaminsky were the prominent selections. And it is certainly important to replenish the roster with quality young players to continue growing. A miss or even a mediocre pick can have major consequences.