Do you think Aaron Gordon will emerge as a breakout star this year?

[SOUL]

I think AG's second season was considered "good" for the role he had and the impact he had on the floor. It reflected in the advanced stats as well. First year he broke his foot and had up and down games like any rookie, third year he looked great as a PF and shaky as a SF. I don't get this revisionist history of him having 3 "awful" years by a lot of people before breaking out this year.

[PrimeThyme]

Giannis, Lebron and Westbrook are superstars, not stars. There is a difference. AG can certainly become a star and its absolutely ridiculous to say he won't be one ever like you did.

Go read some of his earlier posts in this thread. It won't come as a surprise to you that he sees AG "AT most a starting level player". He is a notorious AG hater on this board. && I generally like most of the things MagicMatic has to say, but when it comes to AG he has a clear agenda.

I say he has surpassed my expectations and has clearly stepped up his level of play and become a better player this season... but I have an agenda? Got it.

I haven’t been a huge fan of AG up to this season - that’s obvious. Mostly because he has been considered the face of the franchise for 3+ years and our most valuable asset without a “good” season until now - his contract year.

Considering you told me before this season that he didn't deserve starting minutes or even extended time on the floor, exceeding your expectations isn't saying much. Now he's just considered a starting level player in your eyes. Anyone that has watched him this year can tell that he's been more than just a solid or average starter. He is playing at an All-star level.

[JF5]

He's playing well but percentage adjusted to at least 40 percent (3 point shooting) and he's essentially a 16 or 17 point scorer. I'm really happy to see his shot improve as he's a very hard worker. But I'm skeptical given most of his scoring has been through spot ups and cuts to the basket. Shots opponents are willing to give him. Handle is still pretty weak and he lacks versatile shot creation. But for a guy like him he's made it pretty damn far from what he's started with. I like AG but he just seems like a solid player playing off a hot start, at least now. Maybe he'll continue to prove me wrong. But I think its a danger to start labeling him an allstar/star when all he's done is improve his jumpshooting.

[PrimeThyme]

He's playing well but percentage adjusted to at least 40 percent (3 point shooting) and he's essentially a 16 or 17 point scorer. I'm really happy to see his shot improve as he's a very hard worker. But I'm skeptical given most of his scoring has been through spot ups and cuts to the basket. Shots opponents are willing to give him. Handle is still pretty weak and he lacks versatile shot creation. But for a guy like him he's made it pretty damn far from what he's started with. I like AG but he just seems like a solid player playing off a hot start, at least now. Maybe he'll continue to prove me wrong. But I think its a danger to start labeling him an allstar/star when all he's done is improve his jumpshooting.

He was a 16 ppg scorer at Pf last year shooting 28% from 3. His overall offensive game has developed. He's getting to the line now, hitting mid-rangers, and shooting the 3 at a 4 attempt clip. He is also one of the top defenders on the team. All I am saying is he's playing at an All-star level right now. Im not saying he's a lock for it. But I have confidence he's going to be around the 19-22 ppg area the rest of the season. I also strongly disagree that AG has a suspect handle. He's flashed a solid handle last year and has displayed an above average handle for a four this year.

[fklt]

as much as this is an amazing and unbelievable jump in his play, I think there is one more leap to be had in AG's game. this is just scratching the surface. he's gonna beat people off the dribble a lot (just like against len vs suns), he is gonna start using screens more to get open (like he kinda against the knicks), he is gonna get a lot more crafty and less bull in a china shop. he is too hardworking, talented, athletic and smart not to. and we started winning just at the right time for him to not pick-up bad habits.

some people may argue what a star is or whether he'll be one. I'm still pretty sure he is gonna be at the top of the league soon.

[JF5]

He's playing well but percentage adjusted to at least 40 percent (3 point shooting) and he's essentially a 16 or 17 point scorer. I'm really happy to see his shot improve as he's a very hard worker. But I'm skeptical given most of his scoring has been through spot ups and cuts to the basket. Shots opponents are willing to give him. Handle is still pretty weak and he lacks versatile shot creation. But for a guy like him he's made it pretty damn far from what he's started with. I like AG but he just seems like a solid player playing off a hot start, at least now. Maybe he'll continue to prove me wrong. But I think its a danger to start labeling him an allstar/star when all he's done is improve his jumpshooting.

He was a 16 ppg scorer at Pf last year shooting 28% from 3. His overall offensive game has developed. He's getting to the line now, hitting mid-rangers, and shooting the 3 at a 4 attempt clip. He is also one of the top defenders on the team. All I am saying is he's playing at an All-star level right now. Im not saying he's a lock for it. But I have confidence he's going to be around the 19-22 ppg area the rest of the season. I also strongly disagree that AG has a suspect handle. He's flashed a solid handle last year and has displayed an above average handle for a four this year.

So he's going to shoot nearly 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3 for the rest of the season? That's the only way he'll continue to score nearly 20 without disrupting the offense.

And I'm not disagreeing with you with improved shooting or fts. But you even look at his highlights scoring wise that's how he's been able to generate offense. Its rare to see him take anyone off the dribble outside a few plays. That might change in the future it right now that's reality.

[King Close]

as much as this is an amazing and unbelievable jump in his play, I think there is one more leap to be had in AG's game. this is just scratching the surface. he's gonna beat people off the dribble a lot (just like against len vs suns), he is gonna start using screens more to get open (like he kinda against the knicks), he is gonna get a lot more crafty and less bull in a china shop. he is too hardworking, talented, athletic and smart not to. and we started winning just at the right time for him to not pick-up bad habits.

some people may argue what a star is or whether he'll be one. I'm still pretty sure he is gonna be at the top of the league soon.

I think drawing fouls is the next step to improve his game.

[PrimeThyme]

He's playing well but percentage adjusted to at least 40 percent (3 point shooting) and he's essentially a 16 or 17 point scorer. I'm really happy to see his shot improve as he's a very hard worker. But I'm skeptical given most of his scoring has been through spot ups and cuts to the basket. Shots opponents are willing to give him. Handle is still pretty weak and he lacks versatile shot creation. But for a guy like him he's made it pretty damn far from what he's started with. I like AG but he just seems like a solid player playing off a hot start, at least now. Maybe he'll continue to prove me wrong. But I think its a danger to start labeling him an allstar/star when all he's done is improve his jumpshooting.

He was a 16 ppg scorer at Pf last year shooting 28% from 3. His overall offensive game has developed. He's getting to the line now, hitting mid-rangers, and shooting the 3 at a 4 attempt clip. He is also one of the top defenders on the team. All I am saying is he's playing at an All-star level right now. Im not saying he's a lock for it. But I have confidence he's going to be around the 19-22 ppg area the rest of the season. I also strongly disagree that AG has a suspect handle. He's flashed a solid handle last year and has displayed an above average handle for a four this year.

So he's going to shoot nearly 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3 for the rest of the season? That's the only way he'll continue to score nearly 20 without disrupting the offense.

And I'm not disagreeing with you with improved shooting or fts. But you even look at his highlights scoring wise that's how he's been able to generate offense. Its rare to see him take anyone off the dribble outside a few plays. That might change in the future it right now that's reality.

No, but he's proven that he can score 16 ppg with sub-par shooting numbers. If he even gets back to average shooting numbers closer to 38% from 3 im expecting him to still score in the 19ppg range. If his shot starts to fall a bit I expect him to find more of his buckets off the dribble and closer to the basket with more opportunities at the free throw line. He's been on such a hot streak he hasn't had to.

[melasdas]

He can shoot now. However he continues without handles to create his own shot, that's his problem actually

[JF5]

He was a 16 ppg scorer at Pf last year shooting 28% from 3. His overall offensive game has developed. He's getting to the line now, hitting mid-rangers, and shooting the 3 at a 4 attempt clip. He is also one of the top defenders on the team. All I am saying is he's playing at an All-star level right now. Im not saying he's a lock for it. But I have confidence he's going to be around the 19-22 ppg area the rest of the season. I also strongly disagree that AG has a suspect handle. He's flashed a solid handle last year and has displayed an above average handle for a four this year.

So he's going to shoot nearly 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3 for the rest of the season? That's the only way he'll continue to score nearly 20 without disrupting the offense.

And I'm not disagreeing with you with improved shooting or fts. But you even look at his highlights scoring wise that's how he's been able to generate offense. Its rare to see him take anyone off the dribble outside a few plays. That might change in the future it right now that's reality.

No, but he's proven that he can score 16 ppg with sub-par shooting numbers. If he even gets back to average shooting numbers closer to 38% from 3 im expecting him to still score in the 19ppg range. If his shot starts to fall a bit I expect him to find more of his buckets off the dribble and closer to the basket with more opportunities at the free throw line. He's been on such a hot streak he hasn't had to.

Considering he's not a triple threat and they use him off the ball a lot (unless its in transition). His scoring will drop once his hot streak subsides. Unless he's kept his driving ability hidden because of his shooting (which seems ridiculous since its his contract year and he needs to show off the full skillset to get paid more). I dont think you'll see a massive difference as the season continues in his game (IMO).

[Instincts]

huh? "that is the only way he can score 20ppg". really, you have had first row seat for one of the most dramatic shooting form conversions in memory and yet you still find reasons to doubt. the improvement is not just shooting, it is across the board, and when the defenses start coming out to contest these 3pt shots, he is definitely going to find other ways to score, just like he did last night when the defender closed out and ag went right by him, straight line to the rim.

keep doubting, i think you are drastically underestimating ag's basketball iq and ability and desire to improve. really at this point someone is going to have to prove that he cant do something before i listen to these nay say arguments...according to a lot of stat guys this was not even possible, so why would he not continue to defy the odds in not only shooting but other categories and skill sets.

can you even think of a comparison for the player ag could become, a 6'9" elite athlete, sharp shooter, shut down defender, high bball iq? who comes to mind?? and i dont want to hear shawn marion or drymond green anymore, he will be more than that in his prime, which is still 5 years away. and trust me i like drymond green and marion, and yes they share qualities, but ag is a different type of player with a wider range of skills, elite athleticism, elite defense, and what appears to be nearly perfect form on his jumper.

He's playing well but percentage adjusted to at least 40 percent (3 point shooting) and he's essentially a 16 or 17 point scorer. I'm really happy to see his shot improve as he's a very hard worker. But I'm skeptical given most of his scoring has been through spot ups and cuts to the basket. Shots opponents are willing to give him. Handle is still pretty weak and he lacks versatile shot creation. But for a guy like him he's made it pretty damn far from what he's started with. I like AG but he just seems like a solid player playing off a hot start, at least now. Maybe he'll continue to prove me wrong. But I think its a danger to start labeling him an allstar/star when all he's done is improve his jumpshooting.

He was a 16 ppg scorer at Pf last year shooting 28% from 3. His overall offensive game has developed. He's getting to the line now, hitting mid-rangers, and shooting the 3 at a 4 attempt clip. He is also one of the top defenders on the team. All I am saying is he's playing at an All-star level right now. Im not saying he's a lock for it. But I have confidence he's going to be around the 19-22 ppg area the rest of the season. I also strongly disagree that AG has a suspect handle. He's flashed a solid handle last year and has displayed an above average handle for a four this year.

So he's going to shoot nearly 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3 for the rest of the season? That's the only way he'll continue to score nearly 20 without disrupting the offense.

And I'm not disagreeing with you with improved shooting or fts. But you even look at his highlights scoring wise that's how he's been able to generate offense. Its rare to see him take anyone off the dribble outside a few plays. That might change in the future it right now that's reality.

[Instincts]

I'm ready to see ag in the playoffs, where he will really show off his two way potential. I could easily see multiple 20/20 games and also being locked on the opposing teams best player when needed, he can literally guard any position 1-5 at a high level, and i cant wait to see him let it loose and take over in multiple facets.

i love when for example lebron in the playoffs would smother the opposing pg when needed...ag has that dominant defensive potential, we forget because at the moment he is diverting energy to offense, when the playoffs role around, i think they let him loose, hopefully this year, but it is coming.

and close the thread, he is a breakout star, with more breaking out still to come over the next 5 years.

huh? "that is the only way he can score 20ppg". really, you have had first row seat for one of the most dramatic shooting form conversions in memory and yet you still find reasons to doubt. the improvement is not just shooting, it is across the board, and when the defenses start coming out to contest these 3pt shots, he is definitely going to find other ways to score, just like he did last night when the defender closed out and ag went right by him, straight line to the rim.

keep doubting, i think you are drastically underestimating ag's basketball iq and ability and desire to improve. really at this point someone is going to have to prove that he cant do something before i listen to these nay say arguments...according to a lot of stat guys this was not even possible, so why would he not continue to defy the odds in not only shooting but other categories and skill sets.

can you even think of a comparison for the player ag could become, a 6'9" elite athlete, sharp shooter, shut down defender, high bball iq? who comes to mind?? and i dont want to hear shawn marion or drymond green anymore, he will be more than that in his prime, which is still 5 years away. and trust me i like drymond green and marion, and yes they share qualities, but ag is a different type of player with a wider range of skills, elite athleticism, elite defense, and what appears to be nearly perfect form on his jumper.

He was a 16 ppg scorer at Pf last year shooting 28% from 3. His overall offensive game has developed. He's getting to the line now, hitting mid-rangers, and shooting the 3 at a 4 attempt clip. He is also one of the top defenders on the team. All I am saying is he's playing at an All-star level right now. Im not saying he's a lock for it. But I have confidence he's going to be around the 19-22 ppg area the rest of the season. I also strongly disagree that AG has a suspect handle. He's flashed a solid handle last year and has displayed an above average handle for a four this year.

So he's going to shoot nearly 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3 for the rest of the season? That's the only way he'll continue to score nearly 20 without disrupting the offense.

And I'm not disagreeing with you with improved shooting or fts. But you even look at his highlights scoring wise that's how he's been able to generate offense. Its rare to see him take anyone off the dribble outside a few plays. That might change in the future it right now that's reality.

[j-ragg]

I just wish they’d run some god damn plays for him instead of 7 Evan and Vuc pick and pops until one gets open every play.

[Anti Chalmers]

I just wish they’d run some god damn plays for him instead of 7 Evan and Vuc pick and pops until one gets open every play.

It’s amazing he’s averaging close to 20 ppg being the 3rd option

[Skin]

He can shoot now. However he continues without handles to create his own shot, that's his problem actually

[JF5]

He can shoot now. However he continues without handles to create his own shot, that's his problem actually

He took a Center off the dribble... is anyone supposed to be impressed or surprised by that?

[NBA Fan 1234]

Hey guys,

As some of you guys might know, I have a new basketball front office site (see below). I spent some time after undergrad / before law school working with the Tulsa Shock's front office and just decided to start a new site discussing trades, player and game evaluations, signings, and other front office related stuff. I've been posting it on RealGM, Reddit, LinkedIN (got some comments from FO execs and agents), Facebook, and Twitter and I've gotten some pretty good feedback so far.

I wrote analysis on the Bledsoe trade and just wrote a 9 game analysis on Frank (I just got access to Synergy, so I have clips, better stats, and better analysis for this one), if you guys wanna check that out.

Would you guys be interested in a writeup on AG? Ever since Vogel moved him to PF last year, he's really taken off...but this season it looks like he's taken another step. He's my #2 in MIP so far this year.

[Audi]

...how many PF's really have great handles and score consistently off the dribble?

[JF5]

...how many PF's really have great handles and score consistently off the dribble?

That's the conundrum with AG... in a league with new breeds of PFs like Giannis and Porzingis, it puts him in a weird position. He has to have a strength where he's able to keep up with those type of players.

[Bakomagic]

He can shoot now. However he continues without handles to create his own shot, that's his problem actually

He took a Center off the dribble... is anyone supposed to be impressed or surprised by that?

I feel like he still gets a lot of great looks from three because the league has not yet adjusted to his improved shot, when they do, he will start blowing by defenders who aggressively close out on him leading to easy layups/dunks. The threat to make a jump shot is underestimated when talking about taking some off the dribble. If you can't make a jump shot you can stand out there putting on a dribbling exhibition all day if you want but your not getting past the defender who is sagging off you.

I've seen great shooters with below average handles get layups due to massive driving lanes because the threat of their jump shot Ala Klay Thompson