2020 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Aaron Gordon
Overall Outlook
It is still hard to believe Aaron Gordon is just turning 24 as the 2020 season begins. It feels like he has been in the NBA a whole lot longer. Yet, it still feels like his game is largely undefined.
He took a big leap offensively in the last two years and seems on the cusp of stardom. But it was the other elements of his game that took him to another level.
His potential as a playmaker off the dribble and as a post-up player to take advantage of smaller players is tantalizing. His defensive ability could verge on an all-defensive team level (some of that is based on the attention the Magic get nationally).
Orlando Magic
Gordon has vastly improved his elements off the ball to become a trusted player. Perhaps the player Steve Clifford trusted more than anyone else on the team last year.
Gordon did a good job pushing down some of his individual pursuits to do what was best for the team. He was reliable and consistent last year.
His jumper still can improve, but it is already at a level defenses have to respect. He puts a ton of work into his shot and the rewards are clear. There is no reason to think he will not continue to improve.
But at some point, Gordon’s game will need some definition. And how it gets defined will depend on his scoring at the end of the day. Whether he can be a more efficient scorer off the dribble and a better 3-point shooter.
The Magic would do better to push the pace more and take advantage of Gordon’s athleticism. His ability to finish above the rim when given any kind of space could have gravity to itself. Gordon’s dunking and athleticism might be the most elite skill any player on the Magic have.
There is very clearly another level to Gordon’s game he can unlock. And the time to unlock it is clearly now with the Magic making the playoffs last year and with the team eager to do more.
The best bet for the Magic to find a perennial All-Star on their roster is still Gordon. Nikola Vucevic made it once, but it will be an effort to repeat his All-Star performance. There just are not many first-time all-stars at 28 years old who continue to return.
Gordon is still on the ascendancy. He is not yet in his prime and the contours of his game are still seeking definition. But this is a year where he has to define himself more and has to break out.
Next. 2020 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Melvin Frazier Jr.. dark
The Magic want to accomplish more. Gordon will have a big say on how much more the team can accomplish.