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Aaron Gordon had a timely breakthrough season in 2017-18, finally showing more than mere flashes of brilliance for the Orlando Magic throughout the entirety of the campaign. New head coach Steve Clifford has taken notice of his star's prowess, but notes he must make a jump at the less lauded end of the floor in order to be considered an All-Star caliber player.
“I think, as much as everything, he’s made a jump every year offensively. Now, it’s about purpose of play on the offensive end,” said Clifford, according to John Denton of Magic.com. “He can put up similar numbers or even better with increased efficiency. But to me, the biggest things that I have been talking to him about are his defense and rebounding.”
“This league is so much about having two-way players and I told him that if he wants to be considered an all-star level player you are going to impress more coaches and basketball people by becoming the defender that you can be. If he’s first or second-team All-Defense with 19 (points) and 9 (rebounds), he’s going to become an All-Star. To me, that’s where it all starts for him. He’s a capable guy and that’s been my message to him every time that we’ve talked.’’
Clifford has never been known for being complacent, and he's not going to change his ways anytime soon, likely pushing Gordon as he did with Charlotte Hornets floor general Kemba Walker, who bloomed into an All-Star in 2016-17 and then again last season as a replacement.
The Magic have a few players capable of scoring, but they will ultimately need a defensive presence to win games — so what better way than with their franchise player providing the spark?
Gordon brims with athleticism, and even at 6-foot-9, his wingspan and fast-twitch reactions should help him become better in the steals and blocks department, sprinkling some intangibles into his better-rounded offensive game.
