Mar 19, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 74-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Gordon has found himself in a tough spot with New Orleans Pelicans fans. After being the crown jewel of the package the Pelicans got back from the Los Angeles Clippers for Chris Paul, Gordon was supposed to be the type of player the franchise could build around.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case at all and Gordon has been viewed as not only a major disappointment by fans, but as a player which whom many of the Pelicans problems can be blamed on. While Gordon certainly did not endear himself to fans with some of his actions, like making it very clear he would have rather been a member of the Phoenix Suns instead of continuing his career in New Orleans a few summers ago, there are plenty of things out of Gordon’s control that have led to his struggles.
The biggest problem for Gordon has been injuries as Gordon has missed 10 or more games every season he has been in New Orleans. Many of the injuries, like the separated shoulder that cost him a few months this past season, could be viewed as flukes. On the other hand, Gordon’s knees have repeatedly been a problem and cost him games and some of the explosiveness that once made him so promising.
That said, Gordon doesn’t deserve all the hate. Despite all the injuries, Gordon has worked hard and reinvented himself as a player, turning into an elite shooter last season. In certain moments Gordon would channel his former self to attack closeouts, but it is unmistakable that he has become a different player.
Heading into the 2015-16 season there is hope for Gordon. If that shooting is an actual real improvement going forward, Gordon should fit into Alvin Gentry’s system very well. With the salary cap exploding and his contract up at the end of this season, Gordon’s future depends on another good year. Just how good can it be? We touch on that and more.
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