Orlando Magic 2017 Season Review: What Went Right — Lessons Learned For The Future
By Ryan Doyle
Aaron Gordon is a power forward
It was one of the biggest moves of the offseason. The Magic traded for forward Serge Ibaka to try to propel them to the postseason.
That trade was not just a big move for Ibaka, it was a move that changed Aaron Gordon’s role more than most people realized.
With Ibaka taking most of the minutes at the 4 during his time in Orlando, it forced the developing Gordon to change position and his role on the offense drastically. With Ibaka and center Nikola Vucevic taking up space down low, Gordon moved out to the perimeter. A place where he did not frequent until the start of the season.
It did not take long to see Gordon was not at home on the outside. He struggled to create off the dribble for himself or his teammates. Gordon’s shooting was not what the Magic needed. From the outside, he only shot at a 29.2-percent clip.
Leaving him on the outside only hid his strengths. The highlight-reel dunks and rebounding disappeared as he was trying to fit in a role he does not fit into naturally.
Following the Ibaka trade in February, Gordon came back to life. He scored more points (16.4 points per game after the All-Star Break) and rebounded (6.2 rebounds per game after the break) better when he moved back to his natural position of power forward. He quickly proved that he should play closer to the rim so he can use his athletic abilities to his advantage.
Gordon’s return to power forward turned his season around. The lesson for the Magic should be to keep him there and let him thrive. He is still a ball of potential, he just needs to continue to develop it.