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When the Orlando Magic re-signed power forward Aaron Gordon to a four-year, $80 million deal last summer, the franchise wanted the high-flyer to take the next step in his development and impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Gordon heard the Magic's plea loud and clear, as the 23-year-old is having a sound season for Orlando and becoming more than just a scorer.
Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman believes Gordon has made strides this season and that the fans can even tell he's a different player compared to last season.
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“Some of it is evident in numbers and some of it, I think, is evident in his floor game. But I can tell you — no surprise — that Aaron works as hard as anyone and he cares about winning as much as anyone,” Weltman told Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “Aaron is 23 years old, and I think he’s made huge strides this year in trying to understand how his talents, how his energy can best be applied to winning.
“I think we’re seeing that on the court. If you’re a Magic fan, I think you’ve seen a difference in him this year.”
In 62 games this season, Gordon is averaging 16.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest while shooting 44.6 percent from the field, 33.2 percent from beyond the arc and 72.4 percent from the free-throw line.
The Magic are trying to make the playoffs this season for the first time since 2012. They will need Gordon to keep playing well as the season comes to a close.
