Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

By Philip Rossman-Reich

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers on January 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers on January 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves /

Final Grade

. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B+

It is hard not to come away for Aaron Gordon’s season and not be impressed in some way. He took a major leap in his game, becoming a reliable scorer and the team’s best overall player. This became Aaron Gordon’s team, for better or for worse. And as the Orlando Magic transition away, Aaron Gordon seems like the one Rob Hennigan player that remains a keeper.

His shooting continues to improve and he is young enough to believe his trajectory will continue trending upward. If the Magic know him well enough that money will not change his work ethic, the investment they will make in him this summer will be well worth it.

Gordon’s 3-point shot continues to be the main focus. He improved dramatically this year but also tailed off. It is not a consistent weapon yet. But good enough to take his game to another level.

His off-the-dribble drives are still not efficient at all. Gordon will either have to develop that skill or feature that less next year. This was part of his growing pains. He tried to be the star in a lot of ways. And that is not his game.

Really, Orlando could benefit by putting him in a more motion offense. That is what made him so successful at the beginning of the season. With the team draining 3-pointers and creating space, he was able to cut to the basket and get open 3-pointers. That unleashed his game and made him a superstar scoring threat. Gordon may need the rest of the roster to improve to help him unlock what is left of him.

That offensive sharing also could help him get back to playing defense at a high level. With his increased offensive load, his defense definitely took a step back this year.

Gordon still has a lot of flaws in his game. He still has a lot of growing to do. But this season was a strong one overall for Gordon. One that showed exactly what he could do.

Next: 2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jonathon Simmons

That bundle of potential finally started to take form.