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Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

By Zach Palmer

Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Good and the Bad

Season Tm G MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
2014-15 ORL 47 17.0 .447 .271 .478 .721 1.0 2.6 3.6 0.7 0.4 0.5 0.8 1.8 5.2
Career 47 17.0 .447 .271 .478 .721 1.0 2.6 3.6 0.7 0.4 0.5 0.8 1.8 5.2

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/17/2015.

Apr 3, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good: Defense, defense and defense. While Gordon had a reputation as a strong defender in college, his lack of a true NBA position was a concern.

How would he handle big fours? Is he quick enough to handle opposing threes?

The answer to both of those questions was yes, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. Gordon proved he was quick enough to defend point guards and Gordon was an absolute nightmare for opposing stretch-4s. Another positive from Gordon this year was the drastic improvement in his shooting form.

While his numbers from beyond the arc tailed off after his injury he still shot 72 percent from the free throw line (up from 42 percent) in college and showed a much better form.

The Bad: Injuries. Just when Gordon started picking up steam, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot.

Once back from injury Gordon’s confidence on offense was gone along with his jumper, and the Magic suffered for it.

Gordon is going to have to be a lot more confident offensively next year so the Magic do not pay for him being on the court.

Next: Best Game of 2014-15