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2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

By Bill Johnson

Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) shoots a layup against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) shoots a layup against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Justin Anderson, Dallas Mavericks
Nov 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) drives past Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Grade

C+. . F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

This season can be chalked up as a learning experience for the young Gordon. Playing a new position should give him a different perspective on the game that he can use to make himself better.

Hopefully, the position change has not made Gordon forget who he is. It certainly did not seem so after the All-Star Break.

Gordon is an energy player. His team feeds off of him. He needs to run the floor hard for easy baskets. Too often that was not the case this season.

The team did not help by thrusting him into a new role. It is possible he was thinking more than just reacting and playing. The team asked him to play a role he had not played in his first two years, with skills he was still developing.

But the NBA is a bottom-line business, no one wants to hear excuses. So scheme, personnel fit and style are not factors. Gordon struggled to remain consistent at small forward and it hurt the Magic’s Playoff hopes.

Next: 2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Elfrid Payton

The pressure going into next season will be tougher on Gordon because he will be playing for his reputation. Another season like this and people will wonder if Gordon can be anything more than an energy player, whether it is fair or not.