NBA Awards Watch: Rookie Of The Year

Nov 4, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (3) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

9. Aaron Gordon – Orlando Magic/PF

Last Week: No. 7

Gordon is starting to cool down on his rookie season. Though he’s a project in the making on the offensive side of the basketball, Gordon makes an impact when he does play. Recently, however, Gordon has seen his playing time diminish. Since our first rankings, Gordon has not played more than 14 minutes in a game.

In fact, Gordon’s played two games with seven minutes per game. With Tobias Harris, Channing Frye and Maurice Harkless playing the bulk of his minutes, Gordon has to do more to stand out to play.

Offenisviely, Gordon loves to shoot jump shots, and that’s OK because he needs to keep the defense honest. If the defense plays too far back then he wont have any driving room inside of the lane

. What impresses me is when Gordon uses his quickness to get inside of the mid-range area, about 10-15 feet away from the rim, elevates for a jump shot and makes the defense pay when they think he’s going to miss the shot.

Gordon also shoots 3-pointers, which isn’t bad because he has to keep the defense playing him honest, but if he keeps missing 3-pointers, then the defense is going to sag off of him more and allow him to take those shots.

Gordon’s minutes are going to increase pretty soon because Orlando has to develop him. He needs to keep working hard and staying the course.