The Los Angeles Clippers are having another one of their horrendous seasons. The annual ills of injuries and poor roster management have once again caused the Clips to fall to the NBA cellar. However, one bright spot for the Clippers this season has been the development of Eric Gordon. After having a so-so start, Gordon has taken off the last few weeks, averaging 22.3 points per game through his six games this month. Of course he's only shooting 41.2% over that span and 43.5% for the year, but he's a rookie guard, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
People often compare Gordon to his namesake, Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls. The Ben Gordon comparisons are there because of his lack of height, his ability to hit from deep, and his low shooting percentage. However, he distinguishes himself from Ben by being able to get to the free throw line. The rookie from Indiana University has shot ten or more free throws in three of his last six games. This isn't surprising, as the kid is a freak athlete, with a bowling ball meets locomotive mentality. Now all he has to do now is work on his shot selection.
With injuries taking a toll on the Clipper line up, Gordon has basically been given a green light to shoot. But just like Kevin Durant finally learned this season, having the green light doesn't mean take any shot. For Eric, learning this could mean the difference between being the focal point on a team and just another scorer with an inflated sense of self.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-14-2009 @ 4:05PM
ManofSteelo said...
Gordon has played much better than I was willing to give him credit for early on in the season -- I just wish he would actually guard somebody in addition to his scoring output. Still, he's a borderline NBA player, really, because his shot is streaky and he's mad undersized, with a shaky handle. I could easily see him becoming an NBA Has-Been as much as a bona fide star. We'll see by next season.
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1-15-2009 @ 8:31PM
dwitt said...
How is he a borderline NBA player? I don't understand why you'd think this. He is really not that much undersized either. About two inches short for the average SG, but he is without a doubt one of the most athletic two guards in the league! Now, with regards to your defense reference, he has gained much acclaim from his coach for being able to lock down defenders on the perimeter. With his strength, length, and great quickness, he has all the tools to be a great defender. For a very young rookie, he has done extremely well on all aspects of his game. Not to mention the fact that he is on a horridly underachieving team. Gordon has def. proved that he should have been drafted higher than 7th.
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