I'm confused

[arctic 3.0]

Probably a stupid question and I'm sure ya'll will let me know it is but I can't figure out why Wiggins is so much more highly rated then Gordon.
Both are superior athletes, both are terrific defenders.
Wiggins is a better shooter right now but Gordon is perceived to be a better ball handler, passer and better playmaker. The biggest nock on wiggins is his apparent tendency to disappear while Gordon gives 100% effort all the time.
Given Gordon's work ethic and drive to improve I'd think he has at least as much chance to excell as a player who has been knocked for relying on natural born skill.
Please enlighten me.

[arctic 3.0]

No one wants to touch this?
Don't worry you won't get smacked down by any of the fine folks on CB if you agree 

[NorthernLightning]

When Wiggins disappears, it's not that he stops working hard, and he was playing with a few other good scorers at Kansas.

What makes Wiggins more special is his ability to defend shooting guards at an elite level while being 6'8 with long arms and elite athleticism and quickness.

He's going to be able to create his own shot with ease against either twos or threes. Gordon's offense won't translate quite as easily, although he's still an elite prospect.

[oldutican]

I've thought the same thing. Both have a boom or bust possibility on offense, and while Wiggins can defend the 2 and the 3, Gordon can check the 3 and 4. From what I read, the difference between the 2 may not be much.

[LarBrd33]

I thought Wiggins was supposed to project to be a peak Tracy McGrady type that you can build a franchise around... while Gordon has a ceiling of AK47/Marion? 

[Who]

I think Aaron Gordon's ball-handling and passing ability have been exaggerated in some quarters on C'Blog forums. Entering the league,  Aaron Gordon will be one of the most limited offensive players in the league at the SF position & he wouldn't be far off the bottom at the PF position either.

Wiggins is a skilled player. He is a good jump-shooter with legitimate three point range. He has a fantastic first step and he absolutely does have enough ball-handling ability to take advantage of it. His ball-handling is fairly average for a SF and (for now at least) limits him from being a top shot-creator ... but there is enough ball-handling ability there that he can create his shot a good amount of the time. So we have a player with legitimate jump-shooting range to the three point line, a player who can beat his man, drive to the basket and either finish or draw fouls. A multi-dimensional scoring threat who can play both on and off the ball.

There is no comparison between the two.

[D.o.s.]

I think Aaron Gordon's ball-handling and passing ability have been exaggerated in some quarters on C'Blog forums. Entering the league,  Aaron Gordon will be one of the most limited offensive players in the league at the SF position & he wouldn't be far off the bottom at the PF position either.

Wiggins is a skilled player. He is a good jump-shooter with legitimate three point range. He has a fantastic first step and he absolutely does have enough ball-handling ability to take advantage of it. His ball-handling is fairly average for a SF and (for now at least) limits him from being a top shot-creator ... but there is enough ball-handling ability there that he can create his shot a good amount of the time. So we have a player with legitimate jump-shooting range to the three point line, a player who can beat his man, drive to the basket and either finish or draw fouls. A multi-dimensional scoring threat who can play both on and off the ball.

There is no comparison between the two.

Nailed it.

[Rondo9]

I think Aaron Gordon's ball-handling and passing ability have been exaggerated in some quarters on C'Blog forums. Entering the league,  Aaron Gordon will be one of the most limited offensive players in the league at the SF position & he wouldn't be far off the bottom at the PF position either.

Wiggins is a skilled player. He is a good jump-shooter with legitimate three point range. He has a fantastic first step and he absolutely does have enough ball-handling ability to take advantage of it. His ball-handling is fairly average for a SF and (for now at least) limits him from being a top shot-creator ... but there is enough ball-handling ability there that he can create his shot a good amount of the time. So we have a player with legitimate jump-shooting range to the three point line, a player who can beat his man, drive to the basket and either finish or draw fouls. A multi-dimensional scoring threat who can play both on and off the ball.

There is no comparison between the two.

So what do you think Aaron Gordon's ceiling is?

[Celtics18]

From what I've seen, there is no way to legitimately claim that Wiggins is a better ball handler than Gordon.  Wiggins is a much better shooter, though. 

I think that if Gordon had Wiggins' jump shot, he'd easily be in the conversation among the top four. 

[Tr1boy]

Who nor Dos consider mental makeup, leadership skills, iq when when comparing these players. Gordon obviously has the edge

[NorthernLightning]

I think Aaron Gordon's ball-handling and passing ability have been exaggerated in some quarters on C'Blog forums. Entering the league,  Aaron Gordon will be one of the most limited offensive players in the league at the SF position & he wouldn't be far off the bottom at the PF position either.

Wiggins is a skilled player. He is a good jump-shooter with legitimate three point range. He has a fantastic first step and he absolutely does have enough ball-handling ability to take advantage of it. His ball-handling is fairly average for a SF and (for now at least) limits him from being a top shot-creator ... but there is enough ball-handling ability there that he can create his shot a good amount of the time. So we have a player with legitimate jump-shooting range to the three point line, a player who can beat his man, drive to the basket and either finish or draw fouls. A multi-dimensional scoring threat who can play both on and off the ball.

There is no comparison between the two.

Yeah right. You're hyping Wiggins all out and trashing Gordon all out. Their ball handling is comparable, their 3 point shooting was about identical, they are both almost the same height, same reach, both jump 40+ inches.

Gordon is clearly the better passer, and 20 pounds stronger.
Wiggins is quicker and gets more easier buckets as a result.

I rank Wiggins higher, but this "no comparison" business is laughable.

[D.o.s.]

Who nor Dos consider mental makeup, leadership skills, iq when when comparing these players. Gordon obviously has the edge

I won't speak for who, but I'm very curious to hear you explain how you came to that conclusion.

[arctic 3.0]

Who nor Dos consider mental makeup, leadership skills, iq when when comparing these players. Gordon obviously has the edge [/quote


make up is huge and the reason I think Gordon is closer to wiggins then others will argue.
The best players in the league are the best because they have the mind to match the athleticism.

[kozlodoev]

Wiggins is a better shooter right now but Gordon is perceived to be a better ball handler, passer and better playmaker.

This is the first time I hear this, ever.

Gordon is a tweener with emerging skills. That's what keeps him down. Wiggins is a considerably more polished player.

[wahz]

Probably a stupid question and I'm sure ya'll will let me know it is but I can't figure out why Wiggins is so much more highly rated then Gordon.
Both are superior athletes, both are terrific defenders.
Wiggins is a better shooter right now but Gordon is perceived to be a better ball handler, passer and better playmaker. The biggest nock on wiggins is his apparent tendency to disappear while Gordon gives 100% effort all the time.
Given Gordon's work ethic and drive to improve I'd think he has at least as much chance to excell as a player who has been knocked for relying on natural born skill.
Please enlighten me.

No need to enlighten you. Imho, you have it right. High energy, talented, driven guys do well. He is a guy like Noah in a different body, and maybe a better one