Orlando Magic: Is this the year Aaron Gordon puts it together?

A fresh start for Aaron Gordon and the Orlando Magic

A change of scenery could be what Gordon needs. He’s experienced many different coaches, but a new jersey — and a fresh start — could be the thing that jumpstarts his career. There’s also the Jonathan Isaac situation. Gordon plays the same position as Orlando’s most important player.

Gordon’s long-term fit next to Isaac — another power forward who struggles with his shot — is questionable at best. Orlando really struggled to score with the two on the court at the same time.

According to Cleaning the Glass, the Magic scored 103.6 points per 100 possessions (9th percentile) in a limited 1,002 possessions. For further context, Orlando scored 109.7 pp100p (47th percentile) in a healthy 2,154 possessions when Gordon and Isaac played together in 2018-19.

Gordon showed a small glimpse of what he was capable of in nine games after the All-Star Break. He averaged 15.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. His impressive run included a triple-double with 17 points, a career-high 12 assists, and 11 rebounds.

Of course, this all came without Isaac. Gordon moved back into his natural position of power forward and showed off what he could do. The Magic were even a good offense with Gordon playing power forward.

They scored 114.8 points per 100 possessions with Gordon at the four, per Cleaning the Glass. For context, the Clippers were second in the league in points per 100 possessions last season with 114.2.

But when Orlando does inevitably have to choose between Isaac and Gordon, all signs point to Isaac being the one to stay. He projects as a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

If it weren’t for Isaac’s ACL injury, Gordon might have already been traded. The trade rumors around Gordon are so strong that it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he is out of Orlando.