2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon takes a step forward, previewing the next step to come

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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls

MEXICO CITY, MX – DECEMBER 13: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic plays defense against Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 13, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Aaron Gordon was meant to be the Orlando Magic’s All-Star. He did not reach those heights but still took a big step forward as a team player and future star.

One of the biggest moments for Aaron Gordon this year happened early in the season.

The Orlando Magic were in Boston and still searching for their identity in late October. They were easing a bit into the season and falling into some bad habits. They did not know any better, of course. No one had course corrected them.

Aaron Gordon was trying to build off a season where he seized a bigger role in the offense and put up some impressive numbers. He spent most of the time figuring out how to be the guy on the ball and the main creator on offense. That often went to some disastrous results for the team. Gordon was figuring out the best way for him to star.

That was not his role for this Magic team if they were going to be successful. Not entirely.

On one first-quarter possession, Gordon drove through the lane and picked up an offensive foul. That was one mistake, an aggressive one but not one he could or should repeat. On the next possession, Gordon got the ball and started dribbling the air out of the ball. He pounded the ball to probe and wait for a time to attack, taking all rhythm out of the offense.

Coach Steve Clifford immediately called a timeout. The television cameras picked up Clifford shouting at Gordon as he came to the bench. The two in a minor disagreement.

After the team came back to win — Gordon scored 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting — Clifford dismissed the incident. He said it was a natural thing between competitors. The issue was dropped.

But the message certainly seemed received. Gordon fought for much of the rest of the season to eliminate those bad habits and become a better facilitator.

It all started to come together on that end. Gordon did not have the big scoring binges that got everyone excited, but he was far more consistent and positive on the offensive end.

He also made good on the goal Clifford made for him early in the season.

He was in his ear to say Gordon should be on the all-defensive team. Gordon did not get to that level — saying after the season the difference was merely the Magic not being on TV enough for the national voters to see him — but he was the team’s defensive ace on a top-10 defense.

He did get the chance on TV. He put in an admirable effort in Game 3 of the series with the Toronto Raptors. He adjusted onto Kawhi Leonard and played him physically and forced him into jumpers. Yes, Leonard was sick. But Gordon shadowing him every play.

As if to bring it all full circle, in Game 4, the Magic needed Gordon to take over the game and keep them alive. He did so in the third quarter especially, working to get his mid-range game going and attacking decisively and aggressively.

Gordon found out he could be a scorer two years ago, but did so selfishly. This season he found out how to fit himself into a team. Now the Magic have to see how he develops and find out if he can strike the right balance and take more reigns on the team.