2017 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Aaron Gordon

What to look for

Aaron Gordon has taken a leap before. Or, rather, the Magic and their fans could only imagine the leap he was on his way toward last summer.

Gordon’s rookie year was always going to be a work in progress. It was made worse when he fractured his foot. HIs progress was slowed as he averaged just 5.2 points per game. Without his health, he was behind the curve and not ready for the rigors of the NBA.

By the time Summer League came around last year though, Gordon was a different player. He was the best player that week, averaging 21.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He confidently hit jumpers and attacked the weaker competition there. The confidence was flowing.

Gordon was in for a big season.

Then it halted. Suddenly.

A broken jaw in July forced Gordon to stop all his offseason work. He was not fully cleared to practice when training camp began. Gordon’s progress was halted. Not to mention he had to gain the trust of a notoriously tough coach.

Gordon’s improvements were clear — he clearly belonged in the NBA now — but it still felt like he was only scratching the surface. He averaged 9.2 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. After the All-Star Break, when he saw significantly more starts and an increase in minutes, he averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He shot a 49.1 percent effective field goal percentage.

And defensively, Gordon is already one of the Magic’s best defensive players. His 2.2 defensive win shares were third on the team and his 1.2 defensive box plus-minus was the second best on the team.

Gordon still can make vast improvements. Following a fully healthy summer, there is no reason to believe Gordon has not made significant enhancements to his game.

Gordon’s shooting should continue to improve. His ball handling should improve. His defense even should improve — he will be a great weapon for Frank Vogel.

Gordon still had plenty of room to grow and needed the opportunity to work individually to get there — away from the pressure of games. He appeared to get that this offseason.

Potential has to turn to reality soon. Gordon has shown he can begin making that transformation. His continued upward trajectory suggests a summer can keep him on the right path.

Next: What could go wrong