[Scott42444Participant]

 So, NBADraft.net is my "go to" website for NBA Draft info.  I was surprised that Aaron Gordon seems to be hovering in the late-teens to early-20’s in the 2014 mock, when almost every other mock draft has him as a surefire lottery pick.  After reading the negatives listed on here, I could understand the reasoning.  He is a "tweener", who really doesn’t have the skillset as a SF to earn that "tweener" label.  His shooting is terrible, as anyone who isn’t an NBA center should be disgusted with a 50% free throw percentage.  He doesn’t shoot, dribble, or pass well enough to be an NBA wing player at this point in his career.  He isn’t the ideal height for PF and is pretty thin at 215 pounds.  That makes him appear (at first) as more of an athlete.  So, I started to agree with Aran and the guys here that he was being overhyped by most draftniks because he was a part of the fab freshman class.  Now, I am starting to doubt he drops out of the lottery.  I have been able to see a bit of Arizona this season and I am impressed with this kid’s basketball IQ.  I really think that he will be able to play as a PF in the NBA and contribute early in his career.  He jumps out of the gym and is 6’9" (w/shoes) with an almost 7′ wingspan, so I don’t anticipate him being a terrible fit in the post.  Especially with the new version of PF being played in the NBA, where guys don’t camp out in the post and the "Stretch 4" being en vogue.  He can guard NBA PF’s, assuming he can bulk up a little bit, which I think is definitely possible based on his frame.  He won the MVP of the FIBAU19 team, which shows that even among elite players he can make an impact.  I know that a player’s NBA position is many times judged on the position he can guard versus the position he can make an offensive impact, so I think PF is a definite possibility.  Also, this kid’s ability to play meaningful minutes in the post for a Top 5 NCAA team loaded with NBA talent as well as the MVP of the FIBAU19 team (as I just mentioned) is what always seems to be things that jump out at NBA GM’s.  Especially if the player has above average athleticism on top of that.

What do you guys think?  I have him as the 3rd PF off the board, after Randle and Vonleh.  I just don’t see Jerami Grant or Dario Saric going off the board ahead of him.  He has made an impact as Arizona’s SF, and due to injury he plays the PF more and I always notice him involved in almost every play no matter the spot he is playing on the floor.  

 

[Scott42444Participant]

 Also, I know I undersold his dribbling and passing ability.  I think that his lack of an outside shot limits his ability to get the space to drive in the NBA.  He isn’t a bad dribbler or passer, it’s more that he isn’t at this point a guy who would be given the space to drive from the SF position.  Baseline to baseline he can handle the rock, although I feel like he keeps the ball a little unprotected while dribbling and a bit out in front of his body too much.

[Scott42444Participant]

 Also, I know I undersold his dribbling and passing ability.  I think that his lack of an outside shot limits his ability to get the space to drive in the NBA.  He isn’t a bad dribbler or passer, it’s more that he isn’t at this point a guy who would be given the space to drive from the SF position.  Baseline to baseline he can handle the rock, although I feel like he keeps the ball a little unprotected while dribbling and a bit out in front of his body too much.

[TyroberParticipant]

 I don’t see how he possibly falls out of the lottery. I think after it’s all said and done he goes somewhere around 10. Obviously he has some things to work on but that could be said for every player in the draft. 

[TyroberParticipant]

 I don’t see how he possibly falls out of the lottery. I think after it’s all said and done he goes somewhere around 10. Obviously he has some things to work on but that could be said for every player in the draft. 

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

He’s not really a stretch 4 at this point but if he continues to work on that shot he can develop into one. His defensive intensity and motor are what sells me on Gordon, the rest of his game will come with his work ethic.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

He’s not really a stretch 4 at this point but if he continues to work on that shot he can develop into one. His defensive intensity and motor are what sells me on Gordon, the rest of his game will come with his work ethic.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

 Wow…I’m impressed. I’d love that you name 4-5 PF’s that couldn’t shoot at all from the perimeter/3pt in college and ended up developing as a stretch 4.

[Scott42444Participant]

 Yeah, after reading that comment I thought that I accidently typed that he would be a stretch 4.  He is the complete opposite of a stretch 4, IMO.  I don’t think that will EVER be his game.  I cannot personally think of anyone who became a stretch 4 when they couldn’t even hit half of their free throws.  A lot of guys extend their range, but I think he just needs to get range out to 15 feet consistently and then he will be able to develop some post moves and strength to score consistently.  His points will be earned nearer to the basket, but his free throw shooting is below (still?) 50% so I don’t anticipate him making an impact with his shooting touch.  He’s not as skilled as Blake Griffin, but I think that would be the style of player he should work towards being.  He’s got the basketball IQ and the athleticism, but asking for such a huge leap in shooting form will take years.  I think that his work ethic, with his IQ and jumping ability, will allow him to get to an all-star level if he can make defenders respect his shot.  Being a stretch 4 is most likely out of the question.

[Scott42444Participant]

 Yeah, after reading that comment I thought that I accidently typed that he would be a stretch 4.  He is the complete opposite of a stretch 4, IMO.  I don’t think that will EVER be his game.  I cannot personally think of anyone who became a stretch 4 when they couldn’t even hit half of their free throws.  A lot of guys extend their range, but I think he just needs to get range out to 15 feet consistently and then he will be able to develop some post moves and strength to score consistently.  His points will be earned nearer to the basket, but his free throw shooting is below (still?) 50% so I don’t anticipate him making an impact with his shooting touch.  He’s not as skilled as Blake Griffin, but I think that would be the style of player he should work towards being.  He’s got the basketball IQ and the athleticism, but asking for such a huge leap in shooting form will take years.  I think that his work ethic, with his IQ and jumping ability, will allow him to get to an all-star level if he can make defenders respect his shot.  Being a stretch 4 is most likely out of the question.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

 Wow…I’m impressed. I’d love that you name 4-5 PF’s that couldn’t shoot at all from the perimeter/3pt in college and ended up developing as a stretch 4.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

gordon has a great work ethic,he’s a great defender and he’s aggressive..those are 3 things you rarely found in any young player let alone a freshman…..scouts seem to love his athleticism and upside…and considering the hype surrounding the freshmen,i doubt he gets out of the lottery…

dominique wilkens said the other day on a radio show,that gordon reminds him of himself when he was in college…

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

gordon has a great work ethic,he’s a great defender and he’s aggressive..those are 3 things you rarely found in any young player let alone a freshman…..scouts seem to love his athleticism and upside…and considering the hype surrounding the freshmen,i doubt he gets out of the lottery…

dominique wilkens said the other day on a radio show,that gordon reminds him of himself when he was in college…

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The 5-15 range is wide open.  Just like the top 3 picks are Embiid, Parker, and Wiggins in some order and with Julius Randle at the 4 or 5 spot (with Dante Exum in the other spot), the rest of the lottery is a toss up.  I DO like Aaron Gordon though.  It will depend on "fit". 

With a great tournament, I can see Aaron Gordon going as high as 5 or 6.  With a bad tournament he could fall to the 18-20 range.  I don’t think he falls much further than that. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The 5-15 range is wide open.  Just like the top 3 picks are Embiid, Parker, and Wiggins in some order and with Julius Randle at the 4 or 5 spot (with Dante Exum in the other spot), the rest of the lottery is a toss up.  I DO like Aaron Gordon though.  It will depend on "fit". 

With a great tournament, I can see Aaron Gordon going as high as 5 or 6.  With a bad tournament he could fall to the 18-20 range.  I don’t think he falls much further than that. 

[uabasketballParticipant]

I have seen every az basketball game this year and I can tell you all with absolute certainty that if Gordon strives to be a stretch 4 he would be killing his uniqueness and also probably wouldnt succeed due to his horrid shooting. Just to keep it short and sweet, if Gordon was smart, he would strive to be the next shawn marion. not necessarily strictly a wing player, but also not strictly a stretch 4. Unitl recently it has taken me all season to come up with a true comparison for Gordon, and if you watch if closely, striving for a Shawn Marion (with the suns)  type of game would put him in the best situation to succeed and reach his full potential in the league.

[uabasketballParticipant]

I have seen every az basketball game this year and I can tell you all with absolute certainty that if Gordon strives to be a stretch 4 he would be killing his uniqueness and also probably wouldnt succeed due to his horrid shooting. Just to keep it short and sweet, if Gordon was smart, he would strive to be the next shawn marion. not necessarily strictly a wing player, but also not strictly a stretch 4. Unitl recently it has taken me all season to come up with a true comparison for Gordon, and if you watch if closely, striving for a Shawn Marion (with the suns)  type of game would put him in the best situation to succeed and reach his full potential in the league.

[jgunnaParticipant]

I truly hope Aaron sticks around another year and works on his game, but I doubt he does.  With Stanley Johnson coming in next year with a more refined wing game who can also slide over to the 4 if needed, I believe Aaron would be exposed and shown that he’s really just an athlete…a very good one. 

Aaron does remind me more of an athletic David Lee from his Freshman year at Florida.  Same body; both were really athletic etc…I’m sorry, but I’m not buying into the hype on this kid.  He needs a ton of work.  At this point in their Freshman seasons, I think Jordan Mickey from LSU is a little better.

[jgunnaParticipant]

I truly hope Aaron sticks around another year and works on his game, but I doubt he does.  With Stanley Johnson coming in next year with a more refined wing game who can also slide over to the 4 if needed, I believe Aaron would be exposed and shown that he’s really just an athlete…a very good one. 

Aaron does remind me more of an athletic David Lee from his Freshman year at Florida.  Same body; both were really athletic etc…I’m sorry, but I’m not buying into the hype on this kid.  He needs a ton of work.  At this point in their Freshman seasons, I think Jordan Mickey from LSU is a little better.

[BGfor3Participant]

 Overrated. He’s not even the best prospect from Arizona. RHJ > Gordon imo

[BGfor3Participant]

 Overrated. He’s not even the best prospect from Arizona. RHJ > Gordon imo

[HitsterParticipant]

 Mocks are just that mocks. Aran judges players as he sees fit and his view of players will differ from other people’s views especially the further you go down the mock boards. Some sites have Aaron Gordon as high as 8th  so it is all subjective as mocks on sites take no account of team needs.

As you all may know I never really complete my draft mock until after the draft lottery as until I know who will be picking as it’s a bit pointless IMO maybe writing about how say Embiid would be a natural fit for lets say Philly if we then find out that say Orlando wins the draft lottery.

Aaron Gordon is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft if he declares and so he’ll have that upside going for him along with his athletic ability. But I agree that he does need to find his best position and would be very much a work in progress. Personally I’d say his current lottery range is maybe 12 to 18 but that is only my view

He is the sort of player that a contender could move up for or a team with multiple first rounders could use their 2nd first rounder on and bring him along slowly.

If his draft stock is a solid mid first round pick then I think he will declare as it only needs one GM to like him but he could do worse than spend another year on a strong Arizona team under a smart coach in Sean Miller.

 

 .

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Mocks are just that mocks. Aran judges players as he sees fit and his view of players will differ from other people’s views especially the further you go down the mock boards. Some sites have Aaron Gordon as high as 8th  so it is all subjective as mocks on sites take no account of team needs.

As you all may know I never really complete my draft mock until after the draft lottery as until I know who will be picking as it’s a bit pointless IMO maybe writing about how say Embiid would be a natural fit for lets say Philly if we then find out that say Orlando wins the draft lottery.

Aaron Gordon is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft if he declares and so he’ll have that upside going for him along with his athletic ability. But I agree that he does need to find his best position and would be very much a work in progress. Personally I’d say his current lottery range is maybe 12 to 18 but that is only my view

He is the sort of player that a contender could move up for or a team with multiple first rounders could use their 2nd first rounder on and bring him along slowly.

If his draft stock is a solid mid first round pick then I think he will declare as it only needs one GM to like him but he could do worse than spend another year on a strong Arizona team under a smart coach in Sean Miller.

 

 .

 

 

[TenSecondTomParticipant]

 I don’t see him falling out of the lottery either, but I do see the chance for Saric to move up ahead of him possibly. I like them both.

[TenSecondTomParticipant]

 I don’t see him falling out of the lottery either, but I do see the chance for Saric to move up ahead of him possibly. I like them both.

[HaleParticipant]

He’s basically a more athletic, younger James McAdoo. That’s not good for his future in the NBA. His offensive game is so far behind right now. He’ll be a good energy player off the bench because he’s a very good defender and a great athlete but unless he improves offensively I doubt he ends up being more than a journeyman.

[Scott42444Participant]

 I don’t think he is ANYTHING like McAdoo.  McAdoo is a non-factor after being at NC for years.  Gordon IS a factor in most Arizona victories without a defined skill set.  I don’t think they are even remotely close.

[Scott42444Participant]

 I don’t think he is ANYTHING like McAdoo.  McAdoo is a non-factor after being at NC for years.  Gordon IS a factor in most Arizona victories without a defined skill set.  I don’t think they are even remotely close.

[HaleParticipant]

 I don’t see how you can watch both and possibly come up with that conclusion. Maybe you should watch more.

[HaleParticipant]

 I don’t see how you can watch both and possibly come up with that conclusion. Maybe you should watch more.

[HaleParticipant]

He’s basically a more athletic, younger James McAdoo. That’s not good for his future in the NBA. His offensive game is so far behind right now. He’ll be a good energy player off the bench because he’s a very good defender and a great athlete but unless he improves offensively I doubt he ends up being more than a journeyman.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

gordon & mcadoo are tweeners,great athletes and lack a perimeter game..but after that the comparisions end… mcadoo doesn’t have gordon’s motor nor his work ethic..

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

gordon & mcadoo are tweeners,great athletes and lack a perimeter game..but after that the comparisions end… mcadoo doesn’t have gordon’s motor nor his work ethic..

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 i wouldnt touch him in the lottery.

like you stated, he has no skills on the perimeter. he also has no post moves, he jus gets by with this athleticism in college. with his thin frame, i dont think he can do that in the NBA.

i agree with that he’s a smart player, i dont think thats enough to get him by with such a small skill set. he’s a good defender in college, but thats about it. i dont know if he can rebound well enough in the NBA with his size.

i really dont care about his HS accolades. theres alot of players in the NBA with similar or better acolades that have busted or arent that good. 

also, everybody always brings up "new PF’s" of this era when a tweener is brought up, that still didnt help past tweeners like Derrick Williams,Beasley, Thomas Robinson, Anthony Bennet now, and alot of others from busting or dissapointing.

 

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 i wouldnt touch him in the lottery.

like you stated, he has no skills on the perimeter. he also has no post moves, he jus gets by with this athleticism in college. with his thin frame, i dont think he can do that in the NBA.

i agree with that he’s a smart player, i dont think thats enough to get him by with such a small skill set. he’s a good defender in college, but thats about it. i dont know if he can rebound well enough in the NBA with his size.

i really dont care about his HS accolades. theres alot of players in the NBA with similar or better acolades that have busted or arent that good. 

also, everybody always brings up "new PF’s" of this era when a tweener is brought up, that still didnt help past tweeners like Derrick Williams,Beasley, Thomas Robinson, Anthony Bennet now, and alot of others from busting or dissapointing.

 

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