Aaron Gordon, a high-flying forward with the Denver Nuggets, has carved out a niche in the NBA with his athleticism, defensive prowess, and improving offensive game. Let’s delve into his statistical journey, exploring what the numbers tell us about his impact on the court.
Career Averages: A Well-Rounded Contributor
Across his 10-year career split between the Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets, Gordon has established himself as a well-rounded contributor. Here’s a look at his career averages:
- Points: 13.5 PPG (points per game)
- Rebounds: 6.3 RPG (rebounds per game)
- Assists: 2.7 APG (assists per game)
- Steals: 0.8 SPG (steals per game)
- Blocks: 0.6 BPG (blocks per game)
- Field Goal Percentage: 50.3%
- Three-Point Percentage: 30.7%
These numbers paint a picture of a player who can score efficiently around the rim (thanks to his high shooting percentage), contribute on the glass, and facilitate for teammates. While his scoring average might not jump off the page, his well-rounded skill set makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
A Look Deeper: Strengths and Weaknesses Revealed
Scoring Breakdown:
Gordon’s scoring primarily comes within the paint area, where he utilizes his athleticism for strong finishes around the rim. He’s not a prolific three-point shooter, but his accuracy has improved over the years, with a career average of 30.7% from beyond the arc.
Rebounding:
Gordon’s rebounding numbers are respectable, averaging over 6 rebounds per game throughout his career. However, there’s room for improvement, especially on the offensive glass.
Defense:
Defense is arguably Gordon’s strongest attribute. His size, wingspan, and jumping ability make him a disruptive force. While his steal and block numbers might not be the highest, his defensive IQ and ability to guard multiple positions are invaluable.
Assists:
Gordon’s facilitating skills are a developing aspect of his game. While his career average sits at 2.7 assists per game, there have been glimpses of his potential as a playmaker, particularly in Denver’s fast-paced offense.
Evolution of a Player: Pre-Denver vs. Denver Nuggets
Gordon’s NBA career can be broadly divided into two halves: his time with the Orlando Magic (2014-2021) and his current stint with the Denver Nuggets (2021-present). The statistical breakdown across these periods reveals an interesting evolution in his game.
Orlando Magic:
- Points: 12.9 PPG
- Rebounds: 6.2 RPG
- Assists: 2.4 APG
During his Magic tenure, Gordon primarily functioned as a slasher and finisher around the rim. While his scoring was consistent, his overall offensive repertoire was limited. Defensively, he remained a force, contributing to the Magic’s defensive identity.
Denver Nuggets:
- Points: 14.7 PPG
- Rebounds: 6.4 RPG
- Assists: 3.0 APG
Since joining the Nuggets, Gordon’s role has expanded. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic, the league’s reigning MVP, has opened up new offensive opportunities. Gordon’s scoring average has increased, and he’s shown flashes of improved playmaking ability. The transition to a faster-paced offense seems to suit his skillset.
Fan Favorite: The Slam Dunk Contest Legacy
Beyond the numbers, Aaron Gordon is a fan favorite, largely due to his spectacular performances in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
He is a two-time runner-up (2016, 2017), most notably known for his iconic near-miss against Zach LaVine in 2016, a dunk many consider the greatest ever attempted. These high-flying displays solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most athletic players.
Looking Ahead: Continued Development and Championship Aspirations
At 28 years old, Gordon is in the prime of his career. With the Denver Nuggets, he finds himself on a team with championship aspirations. His continued development as a scorer and playmaker will be crucial for the team’s success. Here are some key areas for him to focus on:
- Three-Point Shooting: Consistency from beyond the arc would add another dimension to his offensive game and make him an even greater threat on the floor.
- Playmaking: Further honing his passing skills would unlock even more offensive possibilities for the Nuggets, especially with the creative force of
FAQs
Q: What are Aaron Gordon’s career averages?
- Points: 13.5 PPG (points per game)
- Rebounds: 6.3 RPG (rebounds per game)
- Assists: 2.7 APG (assists per game)
- Steals: 0.8 SPG (steals per game)
- Blocks: 0.6 BPG (blocks per game)
- Field Goal Percentage: 50.3%
- Three-Point Percentage: 30.7%
Q: What are Aaron Gordon’s strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths:
- Finishing around the rim (high shooting percentage)
- Rebounding (respectable averages)
- Defense (disruptive force with size, wingspan, and jumping ability)
Weaknesses:
- Three-point shooting (career average of 30.7%)
- Offensive consistency (outside of the paint)
Q: How have Aaron Gordon’s stats changed since joining the Denver Nuggets?
There’s been a slight increase in:
- Points: 12.9 PPG (Magic) to 14.7 PPG (Nuggets)
- Assists: 2.4 APG (Magic) to 3.0 APG (Nuggets)
This suggests an expanded role with the Nuggets, with more scoring opportunities and a focus on playmaking alongside Nikola Jokic.
Q: Is Aaron Gordon good defensively?
Yes, defense is considered Gordon’s strongest attribute. His size, wingspan, and jumping ability allow him to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses. While steal and block numbers might not be the highest, his defensive IQ is valuable.
Q: How many Slam Dunk Contests has Aaron Gordon been in?
Aaron Gordon is a two-time Slam Dunk Contest runner-up (2016, 2017). He’s known for his high-flying dunks, with his near-miss against Zach LaVine in 2016 being a legendary moment in the contest’s history.
Q: What are Aaron Gordon’s future prospects?
At 28, Gordon is in his prime. Playing with the championship-contending Denver Nuggets, his development as a scorer and playmaker will be crucial. Areas for improvement include:
- Three-point shooting for a more well-rounded offensive game.
- Playmaking to unlock more possibilities for the Nuggets’ offense.
Q: Where can I find more highlights of Aaron Gordon?
You can find highlights of Aaron Gordon’s dunks, games, and plays on various platforms:
- NBA.com
- YouTube channels like NBA Official Highlights, SLAMdunk, and House of Highlights
- Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram
Conclusion: A Valuable Piece in Denver’s Championship Puzzle
Aaron Gordon’s statistical profile paints a picture of a versatile and impactful NBA player. His ability to score efficiently around the rim, contribute on the boards, and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
While there’s room for improvement, particularly in his three-point shooting and playmaking, Gordon’s development trajectory is promising. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic in Denver’s fast-paced offense has opened up new possibilities, and his scoring average and assist numbers have seen a rise.
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