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2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Aaron Gordon

By Jonathan Treadway

WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 5: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a dunk during a game against the Washington Wizards on March 5, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 5: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a dunk during a game against the Washington Wizards on March 5, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC –  MARCH 5: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a dunk during a game against the Washington Wizards on March 5, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Aaron Gordon had to deal with a position change that hurt his overall production. He bounced back to end the year. Now he has to show what he is worth.

When the Orlando Magic drafted Aaron Gordon with the fourth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, they had high expectations for the forward with his budding athleticism and defensive abilities.

While Gordon has not been a bust at all, he has not really reached the bar many thought he would be at by now.

Last year, new coach Frank Vogel tried out Aaron Gordon at the small forward position after the team acquired Serge Ibaka and placed him at power forward.

It did not go well for Gordon.

His field goal percentage dropped from 47 percent in the 2016 season to 45 percent last year. Probably the most significant drop in his numbers was in the rebound category. Gordon’s rebound numbers dropped from 6.5 per game in 2016 to just 5.1 last year.

That is a pretty significant drop for someone with touted athletic ability playing the forward position.

The good news for Gordon? After the Ibaka trade, he was moved back to power forward and will get a whole season again to play at his more natural four spot. His numbers generally rebounded — his rebounds went back up to 6.2 per game after the All-Star Game.

Gordon will now be entering a contract year. He will have to prove to the Magic he is worth investing in long term with a decent contract. Otherwise, he could be playing in a different uniform next year and possibly even before the end of this year.

For Gordon, a player who entered the league with tons of promise and potential to cash in on, now is the time for him to step up to the plate.