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Trends or Mirages: Breaking down this year’s Orlando Magic

By Brett David Roberts

Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tiago Splitter, Atlanta Hawks, Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Dec 20, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) watches as Atlanta Hawks center Tiago Splitter (11) reaches for the loose ball during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Trend: Aaron Gordon’s Inconsistency and “Rookie” Mistakes

After the Orlando Summer League, many had starry-eyed visions of Aaron Gordon becoming a superstar, in short due time. That, of course, has hardly happened.

It is fairly easy to assess why, but frustrating nevertheless.

Gordon spent most of his rookie season battling nagging injuries and was seldom at 100 percent, even when he did suit up. Gordon did not see the court enough really to log what could be called anything near a full season.

This year, he is getting 19 minutes per game, but he is still making a lot of the same rookie mistakes, because, well, he is still essentially a rookie.

Gordon appeared in 47 games last season which combined with this year’s 25 thus far places him at 72 total career games. In other words, he has not even played a full season yet.

Gordon has demonstrated immense potential and he has made noticeable strides, but his silly fouls and subconscious decisions to make telegraphic offensive moves has stunted his progress some. Gordon still looks as though he knows exactly what he wants to do before plays even develop, and other teams are pretty quick to pick up on that.

During the Summer League it worked, because he often could do exactly what he wanted to against fringe NBA talents mostly playing for camp invites. He knew he was one of the best players on the court and played with the confidence and swagger befitting of a No. 4 overall pick.

The ceiling for Gordon remains high, but at this point his best role may just be that of a strong defensive cog Skiles can rely on for energy, hustle and intense man-to-man defense.

We may not see Gordon come near to approaching his full potential until well into next season. So, it can be expected that while the rookie mistakes will gradually fade, they will hardly be eradicated this season.

Next: Pay your dues, young bucks