New Orleans Hornets: Eric Gordon’s Ankle Surgery Just Another Setback

The Phoenix Suns have to be thanking their lucky stars they missed on Eric Gordon. Photo Credit: Mark Allison, Flickr.com

Have you ever heard the term “poor investment”? If not, just take a look at what the New Orleans Pelicans have invested in young shooting guard Eric Gordon, formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers. On Dec. 14, 2011, the Clippers traded Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and a 2012 first-round pick to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for Chris Paul and two future second-round picks. Needless to say, that entire trade has backfired in their face, with Gordon and company not making even half the impact Chris Paul made on the roster, or the city; but who really expected that? It was merely a way to make Chris Paul happy and stop him from being a distraction.

Shortly after Gordon’s arrival in New Orleans, it was discovered that he had pre-existing cartilage damage in his knee. Gordon has since found himself oft-injured during his somewhat tumultuous tenure as a member of the Hornets.

Fast forward to April of this year. Gordon found himself in a screaming match with coach Monty Williams during a game against the Utah Jazz, ultimately leading to Williams benching Gordon. General manager Dell Demps has refused to commit to Gordon as part of the teams’ plans for 2013-14.

Is Gordon’s injury just another medical setback? Or is it more than that?

Since Gordon’s break out season for the Clippers in 2010, he has declined in nearly every statistical category since, regardless of the fact that he’s basically been the focal point of the offense in New Orleans.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/15/2013.

As you can see, Gordon’s production has steadily declined. While that may be attributed to his lack of good health, it’s clear that there’s been time for him to play for the Hornets while “healthy” and he hasn’t produced. Every single one of Gordon’s career highs came during his tenure with the Clippers, not the Hornets. It’s simple, Gordon isn’t a player you build around, but more of a solid role player you surround a superstar or multiple superstars with. Gordon has yet to be the player the Hornets traded for nearly three years ago. Hell, Gordon didn’t even want to return to the Hornets. He signed a four-year, $58 million offer sheet with the Phoenix Suns in 2011 that the Hornets eventually matched, ultimately keeping Gordon in New Orleans. It’s clear that he hasn’t enjoyed his time in New Orleans.

So I ask this, is this a setback? Or is Gordon doing all he can to get himself relieved of what’s burdening him in New Orleans? Only time will tell, but it certainly looks as though Gordon is playing the Hornets for fools.