Aaron Gordon has failed to shoot at least 30% from the three-point line in four out of his six NBA seasons, including this one. While he’s not entirely limited to playing in the paint, he’s a poor perimeter shooter like Westbrook, too.
Take a deeper dive. AG is playing on Magic team this season that already has a dearth of shooters and system is based on half court slow down game, plus he plays mostly alongside another non shooting big in Khem Birch which shrinks floor even more. AG shot 40% from 3 in last year's playoffs and his 3P% last season was 36% and season before was 35%, so he has improved in this area. And still only 24. And while AG is fantastic perimeter/switch defender his primary role on Rockets will not be perimeter shooter. Think Draymond green instead, screener, roller, ball handler, rim protector, rim runner, small ball 5. Draymond is shooting 25% from 3 this year. And 3P% was 28%, 30%, 31% the last 3 seasons when GSW was playing 5 out and considered the most dominant team in the history of the NBA.
You literally can NOT have another non-shooter in the lineup with Westbrook. Capela, Gordon, anyone. If we trade Clint, we need to be bringing big legitimate shooters back to space the floor for James.
It’s not about his height, it’s the fact that you can’t have two guys only capable of making layups next to James Harden, who is in desperate need of spacing. They either need to deal Capela, or vastly reduce his minutes so he only plays when 1 of James/Russ is on the floor. Harden in misery = Houston Rockets in misery.
Aaron Gordon’s career best three-point percentage came last season at 35%, and his only other season above 30% was the year prior when he shot 34%. It’s also a terrible sign that he has regressed to a sub-30% three-point shooter this season on four attempts a game. His percentage should be much better, regardless of Clifford’s offensive scheme. It certainly shouldn’t have taken a deep nose dive like it has so far this season. However, you are right that Aaron Gordon would fit in the Rockets’ switching defense perfectly, and his athleticism is worth salivating over. Also, comparing Gordon to Draymond Green is an insult to Green. Gordon can’t hold Green’s jock as a playmaker nor as a defender. That’s not to say he doesn’t have skills in those areas, but, instead, speaks to how good Green is. Finally, the Rockets need an elite 3&D guy back in any trade for Clint Capela. Aaron Gordon fits only half of that equation.
We have enough size in other positions where we don't necessarily need a traditional center. Westbrook is arguably the best rebounding guard of all time, Harden can defend most PF, and PJ is rugged enough to defend most centers. It's always nice to have a more legit 5 on the court, especially when Russ is resting, but for the most part I'm liking out super small ball lineup with Westbrook terrorizing the defense.
Scheme matters when space is compressed and 3's are contested vs. uncontested. And IMO Draymond is just another player if not surrounded by all stars like Steph, Klay, Iggy, Durant, etc. Sub AG for Draymond and GSW does not miss a beat, except better offensively.
Just confirming I heard the talks are about a Capela / Collins swap. Houston is shopping Clint around again and Tilman approved trading additional 1sts to improve the team this year. The championship window is 2 years right now.
Hawks are really considering trading Collins for Clint? 22 years old, averaging 19 & 10, higher block % then Clint, on a rookie deal, what am I missing? Is it Clint plus two first?
Unique player. positives Elite finisher at the rim Respectable (but not great) 3PT shooter Good rebounder Good shot blocker Very athletic 22 on a rookie deal negatives Small for the center position, only 6'9 235 with a 6'11 wingspan Not a good defender outside of some shot-blocking Not a good midrange shooter Not a ball handler Got suspended for PEDs? Not sure if this is a neg, I'd bet he learned his lesson.
Need a 5 that can play 5 out but not liability as post/perimeter/switch defender or rim protector. 76ers Jonah Bolden 6'10 7'5 wingspan 35% 3P
2 year window? Ouchhhhh when harden and wb are locked in for Atleast 3 more years on their contract. I thought the ship window was supposedly extended? Oh must of meant LTS window. Oh boy
I can't believe the Hawks are shopping Collins, this is crazy to me, i wonder if there's a reason behind this but hopefully they're just making a mistake...regardless, if we can get him i'll be super happy.
