Aaron Gordon is known more for his dunking ability than his pure basketball ability. We have seen high level glimpses of Aaron Gordon, but it’s been a lot more downs than ups. Recently, the Timberwolves called Orlando to check in on Gordon’s availability. I’m guessing maybe Robert Covington would be the piece going to Orlando. In a sluggish trade deadline, Gordon could be the best piece that actually gets moved. After 6 years in Orlando, should the Magic give up on Aaron Gordon?
The biggest problem for the Magic is that they have failed to realize what Aaron Gordon is. For a lot of his career, they have surrounded him with bigs and forced him to play the 3. The Magic have gone through 5 head coaches in 6 of his years. That’s not fair for any developing player. Especially one who is trying to develop.
Gordon’s role has changed a lot over the years. Sill, I don’t think he has been used properly. Gordon should be that Blake Griffin type of player with more athletic ability, more range, and high flying dunks. Instead, the Magic have tried to turn into Kawhi Leonard on the outside. It’s just not who he is.
At his best, Gordon should either be a 4 or 5 around a bunch of shooters where he can drive and go up for dunks. Orlando has not used Gordon as a screener, which makes no sense. During his career, Gordon has been used on a screen and roller just 69 possessions in 6 years. On the rare occasion, Orlando uses him this way, it’s beautiful to watch.
There is also the possibility that Gordon just isn’t that good. Maybe it’s best to sell Gordon while he still has some value. Gordon is shooting 41.8 percent this year and 28.6 from 3. Not great any way you slice it. His free throw percentage even stinks at 64.4 percent. Even if Gordon can turn into a Blake Griffin type of guy, is that someone you even want on your team? Nobody is winning a championship with Blake Griffin.
This is such a tough call for Orlando. Gordon, 24, still has time to figure it out. Still, he’s not progressing. You can even say he’s regressing. Orlando is stuck in the middle ground with the 7 seed. Making a decision on Aaron Gordon should be the first thing on the to do list.
