Orlando Magic: 5 big goals for 2018-19 NBA season
By Chris Murch
2. Showcase Aaron Gordon
In signing a four-year, $80 million deal this offseason, the Magic made Gordon priority No. 1 and the star of the team. It makes sense given that Gordon had a career year in basically every offensive statistical category last season and showed huge improvement from his previous three years.
In year five, Gordon will look to take the next step into potential All-Star conversation in a weakened Eastern Conference and look to become the star the Magic haven’t had since Dwight Howard.
The goal of the team should be to have the ball in his hands as much as possible as Gordon holds the key to the future of the franchise. He could break the Magic curse (granted, along with Isaac and Bamba potentially) and make Orlando a potential free agent destination.
He has the opportunity to take the reins of a franchise in the same way that a Paul George did with the Indiana Pacers or Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers. If AG can take this next step into stardom and the Magic can start winning games along with the developing other young talent around him, the sky is the limit for this organization.
The Magic haven’t had a ton of national visibility since 2012 and rightfully so. They’ve been rudderless and without an abundance of talent. Yes, they had Victor Oladipo, but the franchise completely gave up on him as well as Tobias Harris.
Gordon is the best thing the Magic have going for them and pending injury, will have another breakout season. It is Steve Clifford’s duty to make him the focal point of the offense and make sure he has the ball in his hands at a high frequency.