03-16-2021, 02:14 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-16-2021, 02:32 PM by dirkfansince1998.)
(03-16-2021, 01:38 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: Interesting. I know AG has all the tools to be a defensive monster. His length, size, agility, all are amazing. But there is still something lacking about him. know from the Magic games I've seen he takes plays off more often that I'd like. But I assume that can be attributed to being on pretty bad teams.
But I agree with you, AG locked in on defense is a huge selling point.
It´s difficult to isolate Gordons impact on defense. His raw on/off numbers aren´t impressive but that´s easy to explain. In the last few years he played most of his minutes next to guys like Fournier and Vucevic. His boxscore numbers are mediocre as well. Solid rebounder. Below average steal+block numbers.
I think his hustle numbers explain some of the issues. He isn´t getting any deflections. He isn´t contesting a lot of shots.
The eye test matches the numbers. When I watch Gordon I see a good on ball defender (especially against bigger wings like Luka) that plays mediocre team/help defense. I guess taking plays off is one way to say it. He just lacks the instinct/ IQ/intangibles (however we want to call it). Athleticism alone cannot fix the lack of fundamentals.