The Sixer Sense
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Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Southeast Division

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat watches his shot in the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Heat defeated the 76ers 113-103. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat watches his shot in the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Heat defeated the 76ers 113-103. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic

Gordon is set to earn $20 million+ this summer, with multiple suitors looking to pry him away from the Orlando Magic. The former Dunk Contest standout has added plenty to his game in recent seasons, becoming one of the best young bigs in the league.

Strengths

Last season was a breakout of sorts for Gordon, becoming their one of their leading scorers at 17.2 points per game. He also expanded his scoring arsenal, combining ball-handling in the frontcourt with a legitimate three-point threat.

Gordon shot just 33.6 percent from deep last season, but that continues a trend of improvement over his four years in the league. He also attempted an average of 5.9 three-point shots, keeping the floor spaced and using that improved shooting threat to attack closeouts and create off the bounce.

At 6-foot-9, Gordon is also a versatile defender at both frontcourt spots. He’s best as a small-ball five, but should be able to survive at the power forward spot as somebody who can space the floor offensively and defend the perimeter on the other end.

Weaknesses

As he continues to develop, hopefully Gordon’s consistency from three-point range improves. He has established himself as a viable threat from deep, but he still struggled to shoot efficiently at different points in the season.

Fit

Given his price tag, Gordon isn’t an option for the Sixers. Embiid and Dario Saric have been a highly effective tandem in the frontcourt, rendering Gordon’s skill set redundant.

Next: Top 5 free agents in the SW Division

Without significant playing time at center and a high-end three-point shot, his fit just doesn’t make much sense in a max contract slot.