Orlando Magic Daily
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Aaron Gordon’s goal is to turn his versatility into a weapon on both ends

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 09: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic is defended by Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 09: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic is defended by Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls’ Shaquille Harrison (3) and Robin Lopez (42) defend against the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon (00) during the second half at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday Jan. 2, 2019. The Magic won, 112-84. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /

Aaron Gordon has been in the gym working on his game. He said his focus has been on expanding his post-game a sign he is embracing his versatility.

Aaron Gordon is a matchup nightmare. Or he wants to be.

He has been in a battle over his body since his career began. Labeled as a tweener — too big and not a good enough shooter to play the perimeter, but not big enough to play the post — Aaron Gordon has had to fight off concerns about his “best position” his entire career.

The Orlando Magic originally drafted him as an unmolded athlete they felt they could turn into a versatile defender. His offense was what was supposed to lag behind.

Now a few years later, the questions about Gordon’s position still remain. But Gordon is flipping the script.

He is trying to prove that a tweener forward is the ideal, able to punish slower forwards on the perimeter off the bounce while taking smaller forwards to the block.

Gordon’s greatest weapon defensively was always his versatility. Now with a more firm offensive understanding beneath him, it appears the next step for him is to create that versatility on both ends of the floor.

And that is where he has put in the most work over the years. Seemingly working outside-in to get to that level.

Gordon started that work by expanding his range and becoming a better 3-point shooter.

He is now working on the next part of his versatility. Having gotten comfort working off the dribble, he has realized he will ahve to take advantage of smaller defenders that switch onto him more.

It was a strategy the Magic turned to on several occasions last year to limited effect. That is where Gordon’s work has come. He is re-embracing his inner big man by spending a part of his offseason trying to refine his post-game:

"“I’ve gotten a lot better in the post,’’ Aaron Gordon told John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com. “Earlier in my career I didn’t want to get pigeon-holed as someone who only plays on the block, and sometimes I would overthink (posting up). So, I lost a part of my game that I needed and something that we needed as a team.”"

Gordon certainly took the thought of playing more on the perimeter as a challenge. And while there is still work to do, he has played well in that role. But his post game needs a lot of work.