Tuesday, February 11, 2014

NBA Draft: Aaron Gordon Scouting Report

Measurements
Age: 18; Height: 6-9, Weight: 225, Wingspan: 6-11.5, Reach: 8-10.5

Season Stats (as of 2/11)
30.8 mpg, 11.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.9 bpg, 1.4 tpg, 1.9 fpg, .471 FG, .296 3P, .418 FT

Strengths
-Good height and reach for a power forward
-Great frame, could add 25 more pounds
-Top level explosiveness and athleticism
-Tremendous second jump
-Very good hands
-Strong finisher above the rim
-True threat on lob plays and putbacks
-Good ball handler for his size
-Effective passer
-Very good rebounder
-Excellent defender with lockdown potential
-Capable of guarding both forward positions
-Willing help defender
-Defends without fouling
-High motor, plays very hard
-Very good feel for the game, high IQ
-Great teammate, willing to do dirty work

Weaknesses
-Below average wingspan
-Limited offensive player right now
-Jumpshot needs a lot of work
-Little post game
-Very poor free throw shooter
-Despite defensive ability, just average in terms of steals and blocks 

NBA Comparison
Amir Johnson is close in size (6-9, 210) to Gordon with similar explosiveness. In Johnson's first couple years, he made his name on defense and took most of his shots in the immediate basket area, not taking less than 70% of his shots from point blank range until his fifth season. Later in his career, Johnson became an above-average midrange shooter, even extending out to the 3-point line. Gordon should follow a similar arc: rebounding, defending, and finishing a high percentage of short shots, while slowly expanding his game outwards. Gordon has more upside than Johnson due to his bigger frame and ball moving skills.

Draft Projection
Gordon is still a baby, both physically and skill-wise, so he will be drafted a lot on the hope his offense catches up to the defense. Right now, he is a lock for the top 10, but will have to battle Noah Vonleh to be the second power forward drafted after Julius Randle.
Aaron Gordon Highlights

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