L.A. Media Loves Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon was bought into the Time Warner Cable Sports Net studio for an interview.  This is the first draft interview open to the public, not behind closed doors.  During the interview, he talks about his family, his versatility, his competitiveness, what he brings to the table, and what got his attention at the Lakers practice facility.

Aaron Gordon Video Interview with Coach Dave Miller and Chris McGee.

Byron Scott and Coach Dave Miller have sung their praises about Aaron Gordon as well.  As soon as both found out the Lakers had the #7 pick, they both know who they wanted.

Aside from defense and intangibles, Aaron Gordon brings something unique to the NBA floor.  He brings the ability to rebound and push the tempo up-court.  Lamar Odom did an excellent job for the Lakers with that unique skill.  It was an easy two-to-four points a game without the team having to break a sweat on offense.  Transition play is something those Lakers teams lacked, but Odom, along with Ariza and Shannon Brown, helped give the Lakers some easy buckets.

Gordon’s best attributes are based around his hoop IQ, athleticism, defense, and work ethic.  Defensively, he is a stunning positional defender.  He wasn’t asked to force turnovers for Arizona, but forced his opponents to low percentage shots from the field.  Gordon’s ability to hang with the most skilled NCAA player in the draft, Jabari Parker, speaks volumes about his defensive ability.

Gordon has all of the tools to develop an offensive game.  The fact that he can explode to the basket and has above average ball-handling for a power forward, opens up a lot of options.  The jumpshot is already transformed into a fluid motion.  Additional fundamentals such as shooting in catch-and-shoot situations, off-the-dribble, and pull-up shots in the key will expand his offensive game tremendously.

The groundwork is all there.  If Gordon becomes a Laker, there is reason to be happy in L.A.