3 players Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon should study before season begins

Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley was also the fifth draft pick in the first round for the Philadelphia 76ers and was selected two picks after Michael Jordan.

Charles Barkley and Aaron Gordon share similarities in athleticism as well but we all know Gordon should not be mentioned in the same sentence as Barkley. Barkley was a workhorse, tracking down rebounds and using his athleticism and strength — or as he became known “Round Mound of Rebound” — to pester defenders. He played power forward in a tougher NBA while listed at 6-foot-6.

Barkley was a truly one of a kind player, averaging 22.1 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game in his career. He 11-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA player. He led the league in rebounds in 1987.

Gordon would only dream to reach Barkley’s levels.

But this is definitely a former player Gordon needs to reach out to for advice on how to take his talents to the next level.

Barkley was always considered one of the best, if not the best power forward in the game during his era and made his first All-Star appearance during his third year as a NBA player. Barkley made 11 straight All-Star appearances during his 16-year career and won a NBA MVP trophy in 1993 over Michael Jordan — Jordan got his revenge in the Finals though Barkley had a historic series, averaging 27.3 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in the six-game loss.

Gordon needs to watch film on Barkley’s skill set post moves and fakes to see how Barkley dominated the paint even though he was undersized as a power forward.