Comparing Aaron Gordon and Lauri Markkanen Head to Head

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than Aaron Gordon vs Lauri Markkanen. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Lauri Markkanen takes 4 categories while Aaron Gordon claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the F position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Aaron Gordon's Assists Per Game of 2.7 compared to Lauri Markkanen's 1.5 represents a 80% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Lauri Markkanen falls 46.4% below the career average of 2.8 in this category while Aaron Gordon exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Aaron Gordon's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Field Goal %, where Aaron Gordon posts 48.5% against Lauri Markkanen's 45.8% — a gap of just 5.9%. Aaron Gordon can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Field Goal % is the statistical ammunition for the Aaron Gordon side.

The forward position in professional basketball demands versatility — the ability to score, rebound and defend at an elite level. The most decorated forwards in NBA history have excelled across multiple statistical categories.

The verdict favors Lauri Markkanen — 4 categories to 3 — but Aaron Gordon makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Aaron Gordon has real statistical ammunition particularly in Field Goal % where the gap narrows to just 5.9%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.