Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Aaron Gordon is a defensive 3, at least

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) controls a ball as Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) tries to defend during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Orlando Magic won 114-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) controls a ball as Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) tries to defend during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Orlando Magic won 114-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next

The Future

It is clear Aaron Gordon has a lot of potential defensively. At 21 years old, he has gained his coach’s trust to defend the best players in the league. Only with rare exception is Gordon not in the game guarding whoever is the hottest or best player that evening.

Doing that with a coach with the defensive reputation that Frank Vogel has is even more impressive. Vogel is confident about at least one big element of his perimeter defense thanks to Gordon. He has stated publicly Gordon will defend the best player on the other team.

If Gordon has defined anything about himself, it is this. He can defend the best small forwards and perimeter players in the league on the ball. While he is pretty consistent on this front, he should only continue to get more consistent from here.

And this is a challenge he relishes.

“Frank can put me on whoever,” Gordon said early this season as he established his bona fides. “I’m ready for that challenge. Eventually, I want to be a defensive player of the year. It starts one step at a time. To be DPOY is a goal. I don’t think it’s selfish. I would love to be DPOY. It is a long way to go from here. There are a lot of things I need to fix technique-wise, mechanically. Frank’s trust in me means a lot to me. I’m going to do the best for my team no matter who I guard.”

This is no surprise. The product of a lot of Gordon’s athleticism gives him the physical advantage to be a stellar defensive player.

Danny Chau of The Ringer spoke with the scientists at P3 Performance before the season and discovered they have never seen anything quite like Gordon.

"According to data compiled by P3 Applied Sports Science provided to The Ringer, Gordon’s fastest time in his slide agility test (the speed in which he can move laterally 5 yards, change direction, and slide back) was clocked at 2.49, roughly a tenth of a second faster than the average NBA guard’s. He knows what separates him from the rest of the league and isn’t bashful about it. “I’m a world-class athlete,” Gordon said. “My speed, my strength, and my ability to jump [are things] that not a lot of people in this world have.” Barring injury, his freak athleticism hasn’t yet reached its peak, which is terrifying. Gordon’s physical capabilities resound in his ability to chase a block or throw down a putback even when he mistimes his jump, but they aid him most in the intangible aspects of his player development. His athleticism affords him time and a greater margin for error."

Gordon’s athleticism is off the charts. It is not just about his incredible hops that make him the favorite to win the dunk contest this year.

If there is hope for the Magic it is in Gordon and what he can become.

His development has been slow. He has had to play with the pressure of being the fourth pick from the 2014 Draft.

With even just a little more offensive development, he could be a really special. And that leads to the ultimate question left for Gordon this season.