Orlando Magic Daily
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2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

By Philip Rossman-Reich

BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 23: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 23: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 30: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Indiana Pacers on March 30, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best Game of 2019

March 30 at Pacers: 23 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 9/15 FGs, 4/6 3FGs

Even in 2018 when Aaron Gordon was putting up big scoring games and impressing with his 3-point shooting, his best games always seemed to be the ones where he displayed his versatility.

At another time and place in NBA history, Gordon might be categorized as the dreaded “tweener.” But that is now an asset in the league. Someone who can defend and play multiple positions while doing multiple things on the floor.

Gordon certainly had that down defensively and he could mix it up on the boards — a still-improving skill of his own — and he found his scoring chops. The question was always whether he could get others involved. And this is a growing part of his game.

There were nights where Gordon did a lot more on the ball and scored a ton more points. But there were few games more impressive than when he filled up a stat sheet, looking like a players fantasy basketball players dream about as a five-category player (he can block shots too!).

The March game against the Indiana Pacers, a critical road win in the team’s playoff hunt, was a big sign of this. After losing a big matchup with the Detroit Pistons, the Orlando Magic recovered to rally on the road for the win. And Gordon seemed to have his hands in everything.

In the fourth quarter, Gordon took over to ice the game and put the Magic in the lead after trailing for much of the game. He did not do it with his overwhelming athleticism. He did it with patience and precision. He pump faked and waited for the defense to present an opportunity. Then he took it.

His defense was impeccable throughout the game. It was a complete performance when the Magic needed the energy boost. That was a critical game as Orlando made its playoff push.