Orlando Magic: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

Most Valuable Player: Aaron Gordon

Another no-brainer here. The Magic have invested the lion’s share of their money over the next four years to keep Gordon in Blue and Black. After a year in which he set career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, minutes and 3-point percentage, he deserved the Magic’s trust and cash.

Orlando decided not to put its franchise in the hands of guys like Victor Oladipo, Tobias Harris or even starting center Nikola Vucevic over the last few seasons. The Magic are changing that narrative with Gordon, who they picked with the fourth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. It took a few seasons, but Gordon looks to be up for the challenge and his play screams excellent two-way potential.

Coming out of school, Gordon was extremely athletic, but the other facets of his game were lacking. Since his rookie season, he has added a mid-range and long range jump shot to his game, better handles, higher defensive intensity and go-to scoring ability. He can play both the 3-4 and plays well on both the perimeter and in the paint.

Everyone expects Gordon to become the face of the Orlando Magic this season and with his potential, he should be. Now the real question remains: Can Gordon take the next step to become a true star? He can be the one to break the All-Star game drought that has plagued Orlando since Howard left in 2012. He can be the first player to average more than 20 points per game since then as well.

The franchise truly does rest in Gordon’s young hands. If he can take the next step and become one of the best forwards in the game, the Magic’s investment was a win. If he stalls where he is now, he will be another young Magic disappointment. Still only 23, Gordon has the look and skills of a star, he just needs to prove it in 2018-19.

His odds of winning the league’s MVP award are exceedingly low, but there’s no question he’s Orlando’s most valuable player now.