Starting Aaron Gordon could be key for the Magic in 2015-16
It's a trend the Orlando Magic tried to start under coaches Jacque Vaughn and James Borrego. And with Scott Skiles in town, defense will continue to rule the day for this young team.
To some extent, that's by necessity. Outside of Channing Frye, this team doesn't have great outside shooting (unless, of course, Mario Hezonja comes into the league with his jumper on fire). To beat teams and get onto a winning track, the Magic will need to wear opponents down.
And Aaron Gordon could be a big part of that defensive approach. He has all of the tools to become a fantastic defensive player; working with Skiles should help him reach take the next step. In fact, Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel writes that Orlando would be well-served starting Gordon next season and relying on defense:
"Gordon has unique versatility and a Rodmanesque ability to guard bigs, smalls and just about any other size. I'd leave Aaron to watch all my valuables. ... Scott Skiles should start him at a forward spot next to Tobias Harris and see where it goes.
"This much is certain: The Magic can't pair power forward Channing Frye with center Nik Vucevic on the front line. It didn't work last season."
It would almost certainly be an upgrade on defense, but in order for this to really work, Gordon would need to flash a consistent 3-point shot. Otherwise, Orlando might sink itself with a starting lineup that can hit 3-pointers in a pinch but doesn't actually scare anyone from deep.
By starting Gordon over Frye, the Magic can cramp their opponents' spacing next season. The problem is they might do the same to their own offense.
(h/t Orlando Sentinel)
