Aaron Gordon didn't enter the league as a three-point shooter. But he's certainly become one. Gordon appeared on "The Kevin O'Connor Show" to discuss the Nuggets' season thus far and delve into what has helped transform Gordon into a jump shooter, and aspects of his game that transformation has really opened up, that the Nuggets could receive a boost from in the push for and in the playoffs.
O'Connor asked Gordon about his progress over his career in the shooting department, and Gordon pointed to work in his mechanics. "I got my hand under the ball, and behind the ball a little bit better," Gordon said. He said this helped his shot to be "less hitchy, more fluid."
And the proof is in the pudding, er, shooting. Gordon started his career in Orlando with the Magic as a poor three-point shooter, averaging just 28.5% over his first three combined years, while shooting close to 45% from the floor. He was also a poor free-throw shooter, averaging only 69.5% during his time with the Magic.
Gordon turned the shooting around in Denver
Gordon was quick to remind O'Connor that despite his numbers with the Magic, "I was still shooting three at 40% in the playoffs." He called himself a "gamer" who shows up when the spotlight is on, and Gordon's mental preparedness via meditation and mindset is next level. He credits the preparation of "knowing that you're going into the game shooting the ball" as a key reason he was able to let everything go and just shoot.
And the numbers back it up. Gordon's averaging 54% from the floor with the Nuggets, and he's shooting 39.5% from three-point range this season, after shooting 43.6% last year. And his free-throw numbers have dramatically improved. Gordon shot 81% last season, and he's shot 78% so far this year. Overall, Gordon's shot is the best it's ever been.
Gordon's new dimension could be a huge benefit in the playoffs
O'Connor referenced Gordon's 1.2 points per isolation as "one of the better marks" in the NBA. Gordon said he's looking to shoot first and drive around defenders second. That's been on display for the Nuggets, and against the Lakers, it was clearly an advantage down the stretch.
Gordon hit three huge three-point shots in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets loss to the Lakers while displaying a move that shows he knows what he's talking about. Gordon caught a pass in the corner and used a jab-step to fake the move around the defender, pulled back, and buried the three.
That's exactly the type of play he's able to execute now. Gordon's ability to create his own shots and hit them at a rate comparable to the best shooters on the team is a huge added weapon for the Nuggets as the playoffs approach. Plus, he can make free throws at the end of games now instead of being a liability. Gordon's a player that the Nuggets have needed back in the lineup.