2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon
By Bill Johnson
Aaron Gordon was the victim of his own success. He was not able to build on last season, but in hindsight expectations of him may not have been realistic.
Aaron Gordon came into the season with unreal expectations. His performance in the previous year’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest meant this year’s dunk contest was basically built around him. Zach LaVine bowed out of the consideration early because he competed in two competitions and then tore his ACL officially knocking him out for the year.
Gordon would not be so lucky and match his performance from the year before. This year’s dunk contest was uninspiring, and it fell on Gordon’s shoulders. It did not matter that he was battling a right foot bone bruise or that none of the other contestants were good either.
Gordon faced great expectations at the Dunk Contest in New Orleans. It was a mirror to the expectations — and some of the letdown — of his 2017 season.
New Orlando Magic coach, Frank Vogel, was still reminiscing on his old job with the Indiana Pacers. He wanted Aaron Gordon to play as a small forward like Paul George. Never mind the fact it took George years to develop, and he was on a veteran team.
Small forward and point guard are the two most important positions in the NBA. Gordon was already at a disadvantage because he was playing a new position, but the team’s strategy did not help either.
The Magic were determined to go against the grain. While the rest of the NBA focused on small-ball and shooting the three, the Magic chose to stockpile big men.
Orlando Magic
That gamble did not pay off. The team as a whole struggled. Eventually, the Magic traded Serge Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a first-round pick, signaling another change in philosophy.
The move was an admission that so much of the plans to start the season did not work out. In making the deal, the Magic moved Gordon back to power forward.
Gordon showed flashes of the player Magic fans hope he becomes after the Serge Ibaka trade with his return to his natural power forward position. But this was a wasted season in finding out what type of player he is, or what he can become. In a year where the Magic needed to win, they were busy experimenting with their most talented player.
Gordon is an elite athlete, even compared to other NBA players. He needs to be put in positions where he can use his athleticism, while the other facets of his game grow.
And that leaves his season ultimately a mystery.