Gordon is not the third leader, he was also the Magic s superstar back then

On May 7, in the glittering galaxy of the NBA, Aaron Gordon's name may not be as dazzling as those superstars, but his career interprets what "all-round warriors" and "team cornerstones". From the core of Orlando Magic to the key puzzle of the Denver Nuggets, Gordon's transformation and value are seriously underestimated - he is by no means a simple "three-in-one", but one of the most underrated champion puzzles in the league.

### **The superstar in the Magic era: the bloom of talent and potential**

At the 2014 draft, Gordon was selected by the Magic with the fourth pick in the first round. At that time, he was hailed as the "Next Sean Marion", and he had both explosive power, bounce and defensive all-round. During the Magic's seven seasons, he gradually grew from a potential star to a team leader. In the 2017-18 season, Gordon averaged 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, and his three-point shooting percentage increased to 34.9%, becoming one of the most stable firepower points on the Magic's offensive end. His violent aesthetic of dunks is impressive, but what is even more rare is that he constantly polishes his skills and evolves from a pure finisher to a forward core that can hold the ball and support it.

In the 2019-20 season, Gordon ushered in the peak of his career, averaging 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, and the defensive end is the team's barrier. The Magic returned to the playoffs after many years under his leadership. Although he lost to the Bucks in the first round, Gordon's tough performance against Antetokounmpo was eye-catching. Gordon during the Magic period was the team's well-deserved offensive and defensive core. However, he was in a small market team, and his brilliance was often overshadowed by league traffic.

### **Transformation Nuggets: The wisdom from the head of the family to the championship puzzle**

The 2021 trading deadline, Gordon joined the Nuggets, and his role changed from "the big boss" to "the three bosses" or even "the four bosses". But this change just proves his professional attitude and basketball IQ. In the system of Jokic and Murray, Gordon took the initiative to sacrifice data and focused on defense, empty cuts and rebounds. In the 2022-23 season, his average of 16.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game seems mediocre, but in the playoffs, his performance against top strikers such as Durant, James, and Butler is a textbook-level. In the finals against the Heat, Gordon's defense and key scores became an important guarantee for the Nuggets to win the championship.

Gordon's value is far from the data to reflect:

1. **Universal glue on the defensive end**: From the 1st position to the 5th position, Gordon's lateral movement speed and strength make him the first iron gate on the Nuggets' outside.

2. **Out of the ball**: He knows how to find empty cut opportunities in Jokic's passing system. Behind the 2.3 dunks per game (leader in the league) is the ultimate sense of running.

3. **Dressing Room Leader**: As an experienced veteran, he plays a role in stabilizing the morale of the army on and off the court.

### **Why is it a blessing for the Nuggets to have him? **

In today's NBA, there are very few players like Gordon who are willing to be a "blue-collar" but have an All-Star talent. His existence makes the Nuggets' offensive and defensive system almost unsolvable:

- **Jokic's perfect partner**: Gordon does not need to hold the ball a lot, but can maximize Jokic's pass threat and make up for Jokic's shortcomings in moving speed.

- **Supplement to the champion gene**: During the 2023 championship, Gordon stood up at critical moments many times, such as G1's 27 points against the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, and G4's key tip-off in the finals.

- **Extremely cost-effective**: The 4-year contract of 92 million yuan is worth the most in the league where the premium is now.

### **Conclusion: Underrated Champion puzzle**

Gordon's career trajectory proves that a true superstar doesn't necessarily need a spotlight. From the core of Magic to the champion of the Nuggets, he interpreted the essence of basketball's team in his own way. If the Nuggets want to establish a dynasty today, Gordon is still an irreplaceable part - he may not be a data maniac, but he is definitely the winner's favorite teammate. As the fans said: "Gorden is not the third leader, he is the invisible MVP of the Nuggets."