Orlando Magic 2017-18 season primer: Success attracts free agents

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic reacts during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic competes in the 2017 Verizon Slam Dunk Contest at Smoothie King Center on February 18, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2017-18 Orlando Magic Breakout Player: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon was taken with the 4th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Heading into his fourth year in the association, Gordon only recently turned 22-years old. He burst onto the national stage in the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest with a series of superhuman slams. Anyone watching could recognize Gordon’s combination of athleticism and power. But that combination hasn’t exactly translated to the regular season yet.

Last year, Gordon enjoyed his best season yet scoring 12.7 points and grabbing 5.1 rebounds per contest. So what’s next for the 22 year old? Vogel should look to No. 00 for a bigger contribution on offense this season without Serge Ibaka, who scored 15.1 points per game in his 56 games for Orlando.

Something like 17 points and seven rebounds would be enough to qualify as a breakout, as long as he shoots better from deep and the team wins more games.

After a breakout year, the next question would be whether the Orlando Magic will re-sign Gordon and for how much. Unless he signs the one-year, $ 7 million qualifying offer, the most he could hope for is a contract in the four-year, $80 million range. Are the Magic ready to make him their highest paid player? Is Aaron Gordon ready to earn that contract?

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