[high floorParticipant]

Pros – Elite-freak athlete, increased his free throw percentage to 72%, was able to switch onto pg’s in pick and roll situations, developed some nice chemistry with Elfrid Payton in transition, elite reaction on closeouts, good man to man D, and doesn’t foul

Cons – Shot 18% from three point range final 20 games, difficulty guarding bigger traditional 4’s in the post, acts like a SG on offense with his handle, no mid range game, average wingspan for a PF, not a shot blocker yet

 

He’s only 19, so Gordon has plenty of time to work on his deficiencies (excluding wingspan obviously). Hopefully Scott Skiles gives him a defined role on offense and he can increase his 3pt%. Gordon also needs to understand that he creates more of a mismatch as a 4 on offense instead of a 3.

I’m a cautious believer

 

 

 

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

Sounds like Tyrus Thomas to Me!!

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 Derrick Williams would be your fools gold reference in comparison to Thomas who entered the draft the same exact way as Williams. 

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 Derrick Williams would be your fools gold reference in comparison to Thomas who entered the draft the same exact way as Williams. 

[Robb_CParticipant]

Sounds like Tyrus Thomas to Me!!

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 Believer! He MUST stay healthy or that will derail his untapped potential for a lengthy run to expand his game all-around.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 Believer! He MUST stay healthy or that will derail his untapped potential for a lengthy run to expand his game all-around.

[Robb_CParticipant]

Well digging a little deeper.. Aaron Gordon and Tyrus Thomas eerily put up the same numbers rookie year in pts rbs and ast.

[Robb_CParticipant]

Well digging a little deeper.. Aaron Gordon and Tyrus Thomas eerily put up the same numbers rookie year in pts rbs and ast.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

• Tyrus Thomas – 72 GP 4 GS ’06-’07
• Aaron Gordon – 47 GP 8 GS ’14-’15

How much of difference would you have believed Gordon’s numbers to fluctuate if his game totals were around the same for this year’s rookie wrap-up?

[Lotto StudParticipant]

• Tyrus Thomas – 72 GP 4 GS ’06-’07
• Aaron Gordon – 47 GP 8 GS ’14-’15

How much of difference would you have believed Gordon’s numbers to fluctuate if his game totals were around the same for this year’s rookie wrap-up?

[Sewok15Participant]

He is prototypical tweener right now but he is young enough and by all accounts a hard enough worker to add the things to his game he is missing. The first thing he needs to work on is his strength to guard 4’s inside. Then he also clearly needs to improve his shooting from the outside and his ball handling.

I actually except him to break out somewhat this year and I would guess he will be playing an undersized 4 position a lot with a Magic team that is going to need to get out and run. He could be a 12 and 6 guy in his 2nd year if he gets 28+ minutes a game.

[Sewok15Participant]

He is prototypical tweener right now but he is young enough and by all accounts a hard enough worker to add the things to his game he is missing. The first thing he needs to work on is his strength to guard 4’s inside. Then he also clearly needs to improve his shooting from the outside and his ball handling.

I actually except him to break out somewhat this year and I would guess he will be playing an undersized 4 position a lot with a Magic team that is going to need to get out and run. He could be a 12 and 6 guy in his 2nd year if he gets 28+ minutes a game.

[rileymcshea3Participant]

Im a Aaron Gordon believer. I wasnt when he got drafted 4th overall because he was simply taken way too early, but that isn’t his fault. I do like Aaron Gordon tho because of the way the league is shifting to small ball. 

Most teams are running 4 out offenses with ball screen after ball screen. More perimeter offense and less big men to protect the rim, guys like Draymond Green and Aminu are at a premium. They can switch screens to guard guards with their quickness, yet still athletic and lanky enough to recover or guard bigs. That is so vaulable in todays NBA and you need guys like that on the court if you really want to have a good defense. 

Gordon is still only 19, so I dont understand how any one can give up on him his early, when back in the day most NBA rookies were 22 year old, 4 year college graduates. Not teenagers, give the guy some time. 

 

 

[rileymcshea3Participant]

Im a Aaron Gordon believer. I wasnt when he got drafted 4th overall because he was simply taken way too early, but that isn’t his fault. I do like Aaron Gordon tho because of the way the league is shifting to small ball. 

Most teams are running 4 out offenses with ball screen after ball screen. More perimeter offense and less big men to protect the rim, guys like Draymond Green and Aminu are at a premium. They can switch screens to guard guards with their quickness, yet still athletic and lanky enough to recover or guard bigs. That is so vaulable in todays NBA and you need guys like that on the court if you really want to have a good defense. 

Gordon is still only 19, so I dont understand how any one can give up on him his early, when back in the day most NBA rookies were 22 year old, 4 year college graduates. Not teenagers, give the guy some time. 

 

 

[Lotto StudParticipant]

For the believer in you to see him come to life one of these days.

http://www.nbadraft.net/forum/you-will-never-view-aaron-gordon-same-way-again-ever

[Lotto StudParticipant]

For the believer in you to see him come to life one of these days.

http://www.nbadraft.net/forum/you-will-never-view-aaron-gordon-same-way-again-ever

[HobbyOGParticipant]

 Would thrieve in the right system, Westcoast running team he would be great. If not then’s he’s Derrick Williams 2.0

[HobbyOGParticipant]

 Would thrieve in the right system, Westcoast running team he would be great. If not then’s he’s Derrick Williams 2.0

[GBeeParticipant]

 He should’ve never been taken as high as he was.  He’s just an athlete.  His ability to defend the perimeter is overrated too because he plays with a high center of gravity and he overcommits. Unless he plays off, he routinely gets beaten off the dribble.  Defensively as a 4 he doesn’t like the rough stuff and he lacks length.  Offensively, he’s just a mess.  He looks goofy to me out there trying to handle the ball with his predetermined moves and trying to create with guys sagging 5-6 feet off of him.  Even when he tries to rip and run he doesn’t accomplish much of anything other than wasting time.  If he embraced a Kenneth Faried- like role with energy, rim running and crashing the glass, maybe he could be a valuable rotation player. Unfortunately, I’d question his willingness to embrace that role given his warped sense of what kind of player he really is.  I mean, this kid compared his game to that of Pip and Magic coming out of college and said that he could run point.  What a weirdo.  Good thing they drafted Hezonja though so the SF Gordon experiment can die early.

[GBeeParticipant]

 He should’ve never been taken as high as he was.  He’s just an athlete.  His ability to defend the perimeter is overrated too because he plays with a high center of gravity and he overcommits. Unless he plays off, he routinely gets beaten off the dribble.  Defensively as a 4 he doesn’t like the rough stuff and he lacks length.  Offensively, he’s just a mess.  He looks goofy to me out there trying to handle the ball with his predetermined moves and trying to create with guys sagging 5-6 feet off of him.  Even when he tries to rip and run he doesn’t accomplish much of anything other than wasting time.  If he embraced a Kenneth Faried- like role with energy, rim running and crashing the glass, maybe he could be a valuable rotation player. Unfortunately, I’d question his willingness to embrace that role given his warped sense of what kind of player he really is.  I mean, this kid compared his game to that of Pip and Magic coming out of college and said that he could run point.  What a weirdo.  Good thing they drafted Hezonja though so the SF Gordon experiment can die early.

[high floorParticipant]

I think Orlando is hoping he develops into a Draymond Green type player in 2-3 more years. 

You articulated several of his weaknesses perfectly. He looks goofy as #$%! on offense when he’s trying to dribble penetrate, and his handle seem like wasted movement most of time. I heard him say his favorite player was Magic during his introductory press conference, but he actually compared his game to Magic?? Lol

However.. I watched more Magic games last year than I care to admit and I feel Gordon moves VERY well laterally. Plus he has great discipline i.e not biting on up fakes, gets low to the floor, verticality on the opposition’s drives, etc… Hoping he develops into a 35% 3pt shooter though, then he could potentially provide similar value to his team like Draymond Green has for the champs

 

 

 

[high floorParticipant]

I think Orlando is hoping he develops into a Draymond Green type player in 2-3 more years. 

You articulated several of his weaknesses perfectly. He looks goofy as #$%! on offense when he’s trying to dribble penetrate, and his handle seem like wasted movement most of time. I heard him say his favorite player was Magic during his introductory press conference, but he actually compared his game to Magic?? Lol

However.. I watched more Magic games last year than I care to admit and I feel Gordon moves VERY well laterally. Plus he has great discipline i.e not biting on up fakes, gets low to the floor, verticality on the opposition’s drives, etc… Hoping he develops into a 35% 3pt shooter though, then he could potentially provide similar value to his team like Draymond Green has for the champs

 

 

 

[4ngetnmoreDUKEParticipant]

 Total non believer in Aaron Gordon, when i see Aaron Gordon play all i see is an undersized Power Forward with skill. To me I think he is the epitomy of what is wrong with the NBA draft. Teams continue to draft based on potential and I see no potential, just cause he can jump and defend some? He isnt a good ball handler horrendous shooter and definately not first round pick worthy, whwn you are as bad as the Magic you dont draft potential players those are for good teams that accidently got ibto the lottery and there also lower first round guys, i like the tyrus thomas conparison but he is alot stronger and perimetern oriented, thomas was more of a post guy and gordon has almost no post game and his more perimeter oriented, i think everyone realozes and gordon should too that he needs todevelope into DPOY forget about everything except hit the wide open three and block out. If he can develope a wide open corner 3 and developes on D he cpuld be a modern day bruce bowen good size at 6’7 6’8 doesnt need the ball and embraces defense and hits a wide open three when vucevic and oladipo are doubled or defense collapses and also crash the boards. I lile his potebtial in that but the reason teams ruin there future on potential is because they draft guys like this. You want a guy to be the cornerstone on your franchise at least make sure he can score hit free throws and doesnt need years of development. With a loterry pick you should always draft the sure thing……

[4ngetnmoreDUKEParticipant]

 Total non believer in Aaron Gordon, when i see Aaron Gordon play all i see is an undersized Power Forward with skill. To me I think he is the epitomy of what is wrong with the NBA draft. Teams continue to draft based on potential and I see no potential, just cause he can jump and defend some? He isnt a good ball handler horrendous shooter and definately not first round pick worthy, whwn you are as bad as the Magic you dont draft potential players those are for good teams that accidently got ibto the lottery and there also lower first round guys, i like the tyrus thomas conparison but he is alot stronger and perimetern oriented, thomas was more of a post guy and gordon has almost no post game and his more perimeter oriented, i think everyone realozes and gordon should too that he needs todevelope into DPOY forget about everything except hit the wide open three and block out. If he can develope a wide open corner 3 and developes on D he cpuld be a modern day bruce bowen good size at 6’7 6’8 doesnt need the ball and embraces defense and hits a wide open three when vucevic and oladipo are doubled or defense collapses and also crash the boards. I lile his potebtial in that but the reason teams ruin there future on potential is because they draft guys like this. You want a guy to be the cornerstone on your franchise at least make sure he can score hit free throws and doesnt need years of development. With a loterry pick you should always draft the sure thing……

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

 whats his best case scenario? Marion, if he learns how to shoot? I just don’t know what his ceiling is. I’d probably want him as my 3/stretch 4 off the bench if I was the Magic. They still need a 4 that can stretch the floor and protect the rim. Maybe he can be that in the future but as of now his shit is broke

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

 whats his best case scenario? Marion, if he learns how to shoot? I just don’t know what his ceiling is. I’d probably want him as my 3/stretch 4 off the bench if I was the Magic. They still need a 4 that can stretch the floor and protect the rim. Maybe he can be that in the future but as of now his shit is broke

[Sewok15Participant]

Everyone wants a 4 that can stretch the defense and protect the rim but there aren’t a lot of Rasheed Wallaces out there.

There were only 3 players in the league last year to average at least one three pointer and one blocked shot per game.

1. Serge Ibaka

2. Draymond Green

3. Danny Green (surprisingly as a 6-6 guard).

Josh Smith came very close and if you only count his time with the Rockets he would be on this list as well.

 

[Sewok15Participant]

Everyone wants a 4 that can stretch the defense and protect the rim but there aren’t a lot of Rasheed Wallaces out there.

There were only 3 players in the league last year to average at least one three pointer and one blocked shot per game.

1. Serge Ibaka

2. Draymond Green

3. Danny Green (surprisingly as a 6-6 guard).

Josh Smith came very close and if you only count his time with the Rockets he would be on this list as well.

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 I’d be pretty impressed if he expanded his wingspan. 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 I’d be pretty impressed if he expanded his wingspan. 

[moochieeParticipant]

 Not a believer as a number 4 draft pick, but think he has a role in the NBA as a energy/defender off of the bench. Size and skills just aren’t there as a starting power forward 

[moochieeParticipant]

 Not a believer as a number 4 draft pick, but think he has a role in the NBA as a energy/defender off of the bench. Size and skills just aren’t there as a starting power forward 

[llperez]

I don’t think he will bust, he does too much on defense to not find his niche as at least a solid role player off the bench. But I don’t see him as being anything special. If I’m the magic I’m looking for my pf of the future still if the opportunity arrives. 4 was a reach for him

[llperez]

I don’t think he will bust, he does too much on defense to not find his niche as at least a solid role player off the bench. But I don’t see him as being anything special. If I’m the magic I’m looking for my pf of the future still if the opportunity arrives. 4 was a reach for him

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 I think with a full healthy season and another year of experience, he will have a much bigger season.  He may never be a great scorer, but I think he is going to have a very good career.  He still is a great athlete and is too versatile to be likely to completely bust.  I do think his future is going to be as a PF – he just needs to get stronger, but his lack of shooting and ballhandling will prevent him from being effective at SF except situationally.  At PF, his athleticism and ability in transition could make him a mismatch.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 I think with a full healthy season and another year of experience, he will have a much bigger season.  He may never be a great scorer, but I think he is going to have a very good career.  He still is a great athlete and is too versatile to be likely to completely bust.  I do think his future is going to be as a PF – he just needs to get stronger, but his lack of shooting and ballhandling will prevent him from being effective at SF except situationally.  At PF, his athleticism and ability in transition could make him a mismatch.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Non-believer here. Pulling a Meyers Leonard and improving his shooting is a very risky proposition. His defense is overrated. Someone already mentioned it: Right now he’s just an athlete.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Non-believer here. Pulling a Meyers Leonard and improving his shooting is a very risky proposition. His defense is overrated. Someone already mentioned it: Right now he’s just an athlete.

[NYFLAVA2K9Participant]

It all depends on what you’re expecting. A Superstar? No. A solid career as a 3rd option on a good team? Yes. Aaron Gordon is one of those players who contributes beyond traditional stats as his energy is relentless and infectious.He’s from a basketball family and judging from his interviews I get a sense that he genuinely wants to improve. With position-less basketball becoming more of the trend, I believe he can be an effective two-way player. In the traditional offernsive categories (PTS/REB/APG), I can see him posting similar numbers to a prime Josh Smith but with way more efficiency and a lot less headaches.When it comes to defense and intangibles, I can see the Shawn Marion comparisons.

[NYFLAVA2K9Participant]

It all depends on what you’re expecting. A Superstar? No. A solid career as a 3rd option on a good team? Yes. Aaron Gordon is one of those players who contributes beyond traditional stats as his energy is relentless and infectious.He’s from a basketball family and judging from his interviews I get a sense that he genuinely wants to improve. With position-less basketball becoming more of the trend, I believe he can be an effective two-way player. In the traditional offernsive categories (PTS/REB/APG), I can see him posting similar numbers to a prime Josh Smith but with way more efficiency and a lot less headaches.When it comes to defense and intangibles, I can see the Shawn Marion comparisons.

[CoachWyersParticipant]

It is true he is a 4 not a 3 so hopefully Orlando plays him at his right position. Depends on what you are expecting from him ,but he was slowed by injuries and showed flashes of potential so not all is lost with him.

[CoachWyersParticipant]

It is true he is a 4 not a 3 so hopefully Orlando plays him at his right position. Depends on what you are expecting from him ,but he was slowed by injuries and showed flashes of potential so not all is lost with him.

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

 If you saw what Draymond Green did last year, Aaron Gordon is going to be that but much more athletic. I’m a believer, he isn’t Blake Griffin but he may live up to being Shawn Marion. He can guard 4 positions, he can run the floor, he improved his free throws, he’s a hard worker, he’s intelligent. I’m a believer in his talent BUT… I am not a believer in Scott Skiles..

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

 If you saw what Draymond Green did last year, Aaron Gordon is going to be that but much more athletic. I’m a believer, he isn’t Blake Griffin but he may live up to being Shawn Marion. He can guard 4 positions, he can run the floor, he improved his free throws, he’s a hard worker, he’s intelligent. I’m a believer in his talent BUT… I am not a believer in Scott Skiles..

[Author]

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