Aaron Gordon (SF/PF, ORL) - NBA Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add for Upside

OWNED: 41% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues

Orlando took Aaron Gordon, a super-athletic but raw combo forward, 4^th overall in the 2014 draft. Gordon’s rookie year was a bit of a disappointment, but the athleticism and potential was on display for all to see. Many expected a significant jump in year two this season, both from a minutes perspective and in his overall numbers. It’s been a slow climb for Gordon this season, but there is reason to believe that the time is now for Gordon to see more consistent minutes to finally reach that upside that has fantasy owners so intrigued.

From a fantasy perspective, Gordon’s stock has been hampered by his own raw play but also Orlando’s desperation to stretch the floor by over-using Channing Frye as a stretch-four. However, over the Magic’s last 7 games, the coaching staff has flipped the script, and given Gordon more minutes than Frye (24 mpg to 17 mpg), even trusting him on the floor late in games and in crunch time situations. In those 7 games for Gordon, his per-game averages have been solid: 8.7 ppg/6.7 rpg on over 50% shooting with the ability to knock down the occasional long-ball (0.7 3PM in that stretch). Those numbers not only show improvement, but his upside is absolutely worth taking a gamble on as he gets more comfortable in a more prominent role.

Bottom Line: Gordon is still capable of inconsistency and mistakes on the floor.  However, his arrow is clearly pointing up in terms of minutes, role, and overall numbers. The coaching staff appears ready to trust him with increased opportunities and responsibilities, finding plenty of time on the court alongside star combo-forward Tobias Harris. It sounds like a broken record at this point, but Gordon’s upside and potential for diverse stat lines makes him worthy of an add sooner rather than later.