The Magic surprised a lot of people by drafting Gordon ahead of Dante Exum, Julius Randle, and Noah Vonleh, but he really does fit their MO for drafting high-effort defensive minded players who are passionate about playing basketball, something GM Rob Hennigan has stated he looks for. Gordon is an elite athlete who should be able to guard multiple positions at a high level while also rebounding the ball well, scoring around the basket, and appearing on SportsCenter every night. Gordon has a lot to do on offense, particularly shooting, but he has terrific instincts and passing ability that will help him at least break even on that end. Gordon should be the starting power forward and play the bulk of the minutes there from day one in Orlando.
10. Elfrid Payton, PG Louisana-Lafayette Jr. (6-4, 185)
Payton is basically a lesser known version of Marcus Smart, a big point guard with top defensive ability, an ability to drive, draw fouls, and distribute, as well as a poor jumpshot. He's only 12 days older than Smart also. For Orlando, he's yet another gritty defender who plays his tail off on both ends of the court to go with Gordon and last years top pick Victor Oladipo. All three are defense first players (though Payton is a very good offensive player as well), so it will be up to the Magic to find some more young, offensive minded players to fill in the scoring gaps for this team down the line. While Jameer Nelson is still with the team, there is no need for him to be. Orlando needs to trade him or buy him out so Payton can play and develop as much as possible.
56. Roy Devyn Marble, SG Iowa Sr. (6-7, 192)
Marble is an excellent all-around basketball player who can do many things on the offensive end, including handle the ball, pass, and he even has a nice looking stroke, though the results aren't always what you'd like to see. Marble has nice size for a two guard and is a good athlete, what is really holding him back is a lack of any truly above-average skill. I think he could make the Magic (he is better than Doron Lamb) but unless his shooting improves, Marble will likely never become a consistent contributor.
Current Lineup
PG: Elfrid Payton/Jameer Nelson
SG: Victor Oladipo/Evan Founier/Roy Devyn Marble
SF: Tobias Harris/Maurice Harkless
PF: Aaron Gordon/Jason Maxiell/Andrew Nicholson
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