Orlando Magic: 5 reasons re-signing Aaron Gordon was the right choice
By Bret Stuter
1. Gordon is a key building block for the team
Every playoff team begins at a decision point for the front office: Which player warrants building a roster around? With a player like Aaron Gordon on the rebuilding Orlando Magic, the decision is easy. He is young enough to be considered a player for the future. His production is such that he is a very valuable piece for the team already. He is versatile enough to give the team flexibility, and his contract is team-friendly.
All these factors add up to become a very persuasive argument towards this being a good move for the Magic. Despite the number of frontcourt players on the roster now, no other player affords the Orlando front office more options in an uncertain future.
Aaron Gordon does it all. He can score, rebound, block shots and get steals. He can even dish out assists. He limits his mistakes on the court, both with turnovers and in committing fouls. Ultimately, only his free throw accuracy, at 69.8 percent, and his 3-point shooting, at 30.9 percent, need significant improvement.
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Still, even with some areas needing work, he has tremendous upside for Orlando. A four-year deal, as currently constructed, is a great way for the Magic to establish Gordon as a key building block for the team going forward. Gordon’s production warrants that role from the team. Nothing is certain in the future, but the contract provides enough for both Gordon and the Orlando Magic to emerge quite content over a job well done.