Best Player
Big fan of the pod! What is the likelihood that Aaron Gordon surpasses vooch this year and becomes the consensus best player on the team?
— CJ Eastt (@cjeasterday) October 22, 2019
Before the season, I would have told you the odds were pretty good. I am a big believer in Aaron Gordon and I thought this would be a season where he put all the pieces together and found a good balance to his game.
Two years ago when Gordon discovered his offense, he was trying to force it a bit too much. He worked one-on-one and overdribbled to create his own shot. As the Magic’s offense has struggled, he has done that a bit too much. It is one of the problems with his offense so far.
Last year, Gordon was better at finding gaps to score and picking his spots. He was a significantly better playmaker. But it was clear he needed to take over more at times. The Magic needed that perimeter attacker and Gordon was sometimes too hesitant to do that.
There is a balance. And Gordon is still searching for it.
Gordon’s early-season struggles are somewhat concerning. He is getting most of his baskets within five feet of the basket. That is typically a good thing. But he has made poor decisions with his challenges to the rim and how he attacks those spots. His poor shooting percentage should say everything there — 7 for 18 inside the restricted area.
So Gordon could do a lot better in that area. A whole lot better.
But more than anything, he has to let the game come to him as he did in the second half against the New York Knicks.
That game, and Nikola Vucevic’s overall struggles, reminded everyone just how important Vucevic remains to this team too. Vucevic is the Magic’s best bet to get paint touches and force the defense to react. That is what really helped the Magic finally break out.
So will Gordon be that guy we all imagined before the season still? That is the part that feels unclear.
I still think if the Magic are going to take the step up and compete for homecourt advantage it will be because Gordon makes a leap in his game. It is still too early to draw any final conclusions on this front. But the optimism is dropping some.
Right now, I think the Magic want to see Vucevic get back to his normal levels first. Gordon can fill in gaps. Then they can see Gordon take that next step. Both are vital for the Magic to win and even make the playoffs, that much is clear.
It may not matter who becomes the team’s “best player.” Just as long as one of them is and the rest of the team fills in depending on how matchups work out.