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Orlando Magic: Top 3 players so far this season

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 5: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic watches film before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 5, 2018 at Amway Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 5: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic watches film before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 5, 2018 at Amway Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Aaron Gordon

Forward Aaron Gordon is deserving of this spot for a number of reasons, with some solid early numbers: 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds (career high) and 2.0 assists per game. His Player Efficiency Rating of 15.2 the third-best mark on the team as well.

Still, there is this feeling bubbling away underneath that Gordon could be more assertive and dominant in how he approaches each game. Sometimes it can feel like he is a pedestrian, when much of what Orlando does offensively should be flowing through him.

His improved 3-point shooting last season, which has expanded even further in 2018-19 to 36.2 percent so far, has made using him in all kinds of ways a viable option. Yet in the recent and horrendous loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at home, Gordon took just five shots in 23 minutes. Compare nights like that to the video below and it’s easy to see why he needs to be featured more.

His usage rate of 21.9, the fourth-highest mark on the team is down considerably on the 24.7 rate he posted last year. When he is dialed in however, it is not hard to imagine a time when Gordon tops this list.

He has led the team in scoring in four out of their 10 games so far, with three of those being wins — further proof that the more assertive Gordon is, the better it usually goes for Orlando. It’s been a nice start to the year no doubt, but you get the feeling much more is to come.

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