Orlando Magic Daily
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2019 Orlando Magic: Five questions for the third quarter of the season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the New York Knicks on November 18, 2018 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 2018 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 New York Knicks on November 18, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 9: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards on November 9, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Can Aaron Gordon add scoring back to his maturation?

Aaron Gordon’s season has been both promising and disappointing.

To many, this was supposed to be Gordon’s year to break out and become an All-Star. If the Orlando Magic were going to make anything out of this season, it would be because Gordon took another leap in his game.

Gordon has taken a leap in his game. Just not in the way many expected. Gordon instead rounded out his game and became a much smarter scorer, a better rebounder, a more committed defender and a bit of a playmaker.

All of this is good.

Gordon entered the league saying he wanted to make the All-Defense team first. He admitted at the end of last season, he focused too much on scoring and his defense slipped. That has not happened this year and the Magic trust him completely to guard whoever the best perimeter scorer is on the other team.

On top of this, he is passing the ball much more effectively, averaging a career-high 3.3 assists per game. He has flirted with a few triple-doubles.

Gone from his game (for the most part) are the aimless dribble moves trying to force some action toward the basket. He may still settle for mid-range jumpers a bit too much, but he is much more selective with them and shoots them more in rhythm.

Gordon has greatly expanded his game. It goes beyond his numbers. But that expectation for him to take over the “star” mantle remains.

Gordon’s raw point total is down — from 17.6 points per game last year to 15.2 points per game this year. He is shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc. Many of his other numbers remain relatively flat or slightly improved.

Gordon has improved this year, but it is not the way everyone thought. If anything, Gordon needs to be more aggressive and assertive looking for his own shot as a way to get others involved. Especially when the offense struggles.

Some of that is the way the Magic use him. He primarily works as a cutter and screener. That has helped him get some low-post looks. But Gordon is still figuring out the contours of what his offensive game should look like.

Gordon has not had the big game yet. There have been no 40-point outbursts like he had early last season. Orlando may not quite need that to get back on the right footing. But the Magic certainly would like to see Gordon continue to blossom offensively. They will need it, especially if they make some major moves at the deadline.