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Houston Rockets: 5 buy-low candidates the Rockets should target

By N.B. Lindberg

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 30: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a three point shot during the second half against Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 30, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 30: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a three point shot during the second half against Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 30, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets buy-low candidate #4: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon has been languishing in Orlando and needs a fresh start to realize the potential he flashed his first-four seasons in the league. While Gordon’s career seems to have stalled, it shouldn’t be forgotten that he made major strides each of his first four seasons in the league.

Gordon went from averaging 5.2 points per game as a rookie, to 9.2 points, to 12.7 points, to 17.6 points in what has remained his career-high. Gordon made massive strides as a player from age 19 to 22 and then he hit a wall of his own team’s creation.

The Magic continuously drafted frontcourt players and the presence of Nikola Vucevic forced Gordon to play more small-forward and in lineups with little spacing. The Magic had a player who was trending towards being an All-Star and decided to build a roster that completely ignored his skillset.

Related Story. 4 trades to send Aaron Gordon to the Rockets

The Rockets could offer Gordon the chance to be on a team that builds around his strengths and allows him to continue the trajectory he showed early on in his career. The reality is, Gordon is a slashing power forward with enough of a 3-point stroke to be credible but not enough to be a true stretch four.

The Rockets should be aggressive about pursuing Gordon because he is young, under contract for one more season, and could be a core piece of their rebuilding effort. It’s not every day a franchise does everything in their power to stunt a talented young player and torpedo their value but that’s exactly what the Magic did and the Rockets should act now before someone else does.

Next: #3

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