Back To The Basics

By: Brock Sanders

Yeah, yeah, New Orleans got the number one pick.  Surprisingly, that is not their number one priority this offseason, Eric Gordon is.  Eric Gordon is by far the most important player to this team, averaging 20.6 points per game; five points more than anyone else.  Although he only played nine games this year due to arthroscopic knee surgery, he has proven his excellence with the Los Angeles Clippers in his first three years.  He is a very strong, powerful guard with a great jump shot.  You can’t compare many people to Chris Paul, but Eric Gordon is the fill in for Paul in New Orleans.  If they were to lose Gordon, they would lack the player to put up points night after night.  Not saying that Anthony Davis and the number one pick isn’t important, but Davis cannot come in and completely take over the game as a rookie like Jordan or Magic could do.  It is hard for any big man to come in and take over the game just like that.  He is going to need somebody to come and take some of the load, and not many point guards in the NBA are more explosive and high powered than Eric Gordon.

There are going to be a lot of people in the hunt for Eric Gordon this offseason, including the Knicks, 76ers, Suns, Trail Blazers, and probably the biggest contender, Gordon’s hometown Pacers.  That is why it would suit the Hornets best to sign Gordon early, even if they have to give up a little money.  The value of having Gordon secured early is huge because you don’t have to worry about other teams taking him.  Then you can focus on getting Davis and your other draft picks signed.  Gordon is one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA.  His quiet scoring and ability to break down the defense and get into the paint is what he brings to the table, which is necessary for any team, let alone a struggling team that is about ready to draft one of the most valued college players in the draft since Derrick Rose.  Davis will definitely be huge this season for the Hornets, but if they want to win games this season, resigning Eric Gordon is a must.