Aaron Gordon must improve his shooting, playmaking for next step

Aaron Gordon has shown plenty of potential through his first two years. for the Orlando Magic to achieve their goals, they need more than potential.

This offseason has painted a new picture for the Orlando Magic. A new coach, new players and a new identity. Some of their young players now, however, will need to step up to the plate and produce a lot more.

One of those players that come to mind first is Aaron Gordon. Now that Victor Oladipo is gone, Gordon is the franchise’s new face. Considering that, it will be very important for him to improve.

The Magic have their minds set on the playoffs now. And that will not happen unless everyone, including Gordon, are clicking together.

Now that the Magic have power forward Serge Ibaka, it is apparent Gordon will be Orlando’s starting small forward. Frank Vogel himself expects Gordon to start there.

And that means different things will be expected from Gordon.

Last season, Gordon averaged 9.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game. After the All-Star Break, Gordon averaged 12.0 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game and 0.6 blocks per game. Obviously nothing exciting, but the potential is there.

Gordon did not get a whole lot of minutes under Scott Skiles. He was not starting in the beginning of last season either as he recovered from a broken jaw. Gordon had to work his way into the lineup. The chances were slow to come and slowly earned.

With what Vogel said, it seems he will give Gordon plenty of chances to shine from the start of this season.

But in order to shine, Gordon must work on his shooting. With how offensively strong the NBA is today, pretty much all small forwards need a reliable shot.

Gordon shot 47.3 percent from the floor and 29.6 percent from beyond the arc. Of course, no one is asking Gordon to be a sharpshooting maniac, but catch-and-shoot 3-pointers along with pick and pops would be very helpful.

Before the All-Star game last season Gordon was shooting 46.5 percent from the floor, with 21.8 minutes per game under his belt.

However, after the All-Star game, his minutes and field goal percentage improved with 27.9 minutes per game and 48.3 percent field goal wise. It’s obvious that Gordon is more comfortable with playing on the inside, which is okay.

Still, as a small forward, you have to be flexible. So an improved shot would give him that. Gordon shot just 33.8 percent on spot-up shooting opportunities, according to NBA.com Player Tracking statistics.

It would also be great if Gordon could pass a lot more. He actually has some solid court vision already, so if he could use it while playing this bigger role, everything will fall in place.

Gordon averaged only 1.6 assists per game, but upped his assist rate to 10.3 percent last season. There is something there for Gordon to move the ball and set others up.

Other than the shooting and passing, there is not much Gordon has to do to be the player Orlando needs. He is a great defensive player, with an instinct for rebounding. Also, his versatility is a plus, with him being able to guard 3’s and 4’s.

All he has to make sure of is he keeps up the hard work and production.

Overall, Frank Vogel helped nurture the development for three time All-Star Paul George. Hopefully, he can do the same for rising star Aaron Gordon.

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If he does, then Aaron Gordon is the man that will take Orlando into the playoffs and beyond. It will not happen overnight, but rest assured the possibilities are there.