Orlando Magic to start Tobias Harris over Aaron Gordon?
When teams select a player fourth-overall like the Orlando Magic did with former Arizona Wildcats’ forward Aaron Gordon, they obviously have high hopes. However, Gordon will likely start his NBA career by coming off of the bench.
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Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders predicted the Magic’s starting lineup and it did not include Gordon.
"I think they’ll go with Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Tobias Harris, Channing Frye and Nik Vucevic. Aaron Gordon is very raw and they need Harris’ scoring and his ability to create his own shot with the starting five. I see Luke Ridnour, Ben Gordon, Maurice Harkless, Aaron Gordon and Kyle O’Quinn spelling the starters."
Harris is a nice player but is a bit of a tweener so it’s tough finding the right fit for him. One thing is for sure – Gordon did not look ready to log heavy NBA minutes during the Orlando Pro Summer League – he’s an insane athlete but very raw.
On the other and, Payton looked like he could contribute immediately. With Oladipo playing some point guard and the Magic having other ball handlers, Payton may start the season by coming off of the bench, much like Oladipo did last season.
Harris put up 14.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field, 25.4% from beyond the arc and 80.7% from the charity stripe.
Gordon averaged 12.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field, 35.6% from beyond the arc and 42.2% from the free throw line for the Wildcats last season.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.
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