Orlando Magic: 5 reasons re-signing Aaron Gordon was the right choice
By Bret Stuter
3. Versatility
When all is said and done, the best reason to re-sign a player comes down to versatility, production, affordability and potential. Right now, Gordon scores high marks in all four categories. Presently, that is exactly what the Orlando Magic needs on the roster.
The modern NBA commands versatile players. With screens, pick-and-rolls, stretch-5s, stretch-4s, and more. Great players feed off other great players, forcing the defenders to cover too much of the court. By creating players to fall out-of-position, and defending the wrong offensive skill-set, offenses dictate their success.
Defenders must be able to defend multiple roles in response. A rim protector is useless against a stretch-5. Quick backcourt defenders simply do not have the strength and verticality to defend with their backs to the basket. Offensive schemes know this. Their goal then becomes placing defenders in less than optimal positions.
Gordon delivers. He has continued to improve in his per 36 minutes offensive production, starting at 11.0 points, and concluding last season at 19.3 points per 36. Over four seasons, his offensive rating is scored at 107, while defensively he is 108. That’s fairly impressive for his first four seasons considering how bad the Magic have been as a team.
In the end, it’s that improving offense and solid defense which makes this signing a smart choice for the Magic. Aaron Gordon is still a young 22 years old, and with four seasons as an NBA veteran, his game will continue to trend upwards.