Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Five questions for the 2017-18 Orlando Magic’s third quarter

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 4: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the Charlotte Hornets on December 4, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What is the next step in Aaron Gordon‘s development into stardom?

The second quarter of the season was spent obsessing with Aaron Gordon and his development. He shined in the first quarter, earning our first quarter MVP. And then he doubled down on it again in the second, averaging 21 points per game. His shooting numbers were down and injuries slowed him down too, but Gordon was clearly on his way.

He is averaging 18.6 points per game and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting a 52.6 percent effective field goal percentage entering Sunday’s game. His shooting percentages continue to drop, but it is clear the rest of this season is all about Gordon. His development and growth are paramount to this team’s future now.

Forget his restricted free agency at the moment. All accounts are the Magic will match whatever offer he receives. Assume then he will stay with the Magic for the foreseeable future.

So now the question is just what will Gordon learn and how can he grow the rest of the season? How can the Magic begin developing and nurturing this upcoming investment?

Orlando has already seen what is part of that next step in his development in the third quarter of the season.

Gordon is playing with his new toys. He is trying to assert himself and get his own. This is a natural selfish outgrowth of stardom. He has this awesome responsibility and he is learning how to handle it.

Against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 42, Aaron Gordon went right after Giannis Antetokounmpo, seemingly trying to prove to him he was at his level. He was decided not. Gordon scored just 11 point son 4-for-15 shooting. Coach Frank Vogel pulled Gordon for his poor play in the game. He was simply forcing things too much.

The next game, Vogel lauded Gordon for focusing on passing the ball. Gordon dished out a career-high seven assists. But he still shot a poor 4 for 15.

Gordon still has to learn how to be efficient and when to attack off the dribble and when to keep the ball moving. That is the big thing for him to learn and grow. He will have to understand when to get others involved and when and how he can assert himself.