Orlando Magic Daily
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Areas to improve for Aaron Gordon

By Ryan Doyle

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball as P.J. Tucker #2 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 27, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball as P.J. Tucker #2 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 27, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball as Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 27, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Creating offense off the dribble

As Gordon moves back to his natural position at power forward, his ability to create offense off the dribble still remains important. It may not be as high of a priority as it was last season, but it is still something Gordon needs to pay attention too.

Last season, Gordon had no way to create offense for himself. Mainly due to his lack of a tight handle, Gordon struggled to get past defenders to score. This was especially so when he played quicker players at small forward. His efficiency suffered for it.

Matt Moore of CBSSports.com displayed one of the few things Gordon has done well on offense —  attacking quickly off the dribble into one-dribble pull ups. But Moore mentioned the caveat of Gordon being bad off the dribble.

Now, it would be crazy to expect Gordon to be able to become a good ball handler so quickly, but he will need to be more sure-handed next season. He will be asked to back down players more and blow by bigger defenders. Being able to keep control of the ball in the post is now his main concern.

Gordon showed some ability to work in isolation, posting 1.15 points per possession in 71 isolation possessions. But he struggled in the pick and roll — 0.75 points per possession on 116 possessions as the ball handler — and on drives — 43.2 percent shooting and 1.9 points per game on 2.6 drives per game.

There is something to work with and grow from there as Gordon looks for the best way for him to attack.

When in the gym this summer, Gordon should try to tighten that handle as best as he can. Opposing guards are going to be looking to swipe the ball away from him when he backs down. Gordon needs to be able to play with his head up and not worry about turning the ball over.