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New coaching staff means new rotations, roles for Orlando Magic

By David Iwanowski

Apr 3, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Magic defeated Timberwolves 97-84. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Magic defeated Timberwolves 97-84. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards
Oct 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drunks over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Increased role

Obvious- Aaron Gordon

The 2014 fourth overall pick got off to a slow start to his NBA career, partially due to missing 35 games with a foot injury.

When he returned, he only played 17 minutes per game when active, and it definitely seems that he will see his minutes increase significantly.

Gordon brings a level of defensive versatility that not many others in the league can, and that is potentially his biggest strength.

He is measured at 6-foot-9, 220 pounds and was measured at the Combine to have a 6-foot-11 3/4 wingspan and a 39-inch max vertical jump.

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    • That frame, paired with his athleticism, allows him to guard four positions. That versatility is very important in the NBA.

    Skiles has led good defensive teams in all three of his past coaching jobs, and he can use Gordon as a weapon.

    Gordon should eventually earn a starting role and play alongside Tobias Harris, as that lineup would be very versatile defensively.

    Gordon is improving his offensive abilities, specifically his shooting which was known as his weakness coming into the NBA.

    His free throw percentage, generally a good sign of pure shooting ability, skyrocketed to 72 percent last year after a poor shooting season in college.

    He looked to have improved his jump shooting even more during the summer, and seems more confident on the offensive end.

    His athleticism also allows him to get out in transition and collect offensive rebounds, including Wednesday night’s SportsCenter top play.

    He had 12 points and 7 rebounds in 17 minutes Wednesday while still overcoming his injury issues from the summer. He followed that up with 15 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting Friday against the Thunder.

    Gordon should look to see a significant role on the team as this season progresses.

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