2024 Suns Player Review: Eric Gordon wasn't’ what the Phoenix Suns expected

Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series where we do individual PLAYER REVIEWS of each man who contributed in the 2023-24 season. We go through the roster to analyze what went right/wrong for them, and what they can do to get better for next season.

Eric Gordon

• Position: Shooting Guard, Small Forward
• Vitals: 6’3”, 215lb, 35 years old
• Experience: 16 Years
• Stats: 68 GP, 11.0 PPG (44.3 FG%, 37.8 3PT%), 2.0 APG

Contract Details

Eric Gordon signed a 2-year contract with the Phoenix Suns on July 6, 2023. He has a player option this offseason.

Career Progression

Eric Gordon entered the NBA in 2008, being selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 7th overall pick. His first season may have been an indication as to what his tenure in the NBA would be like, injuring his hamstring on July 12, in a Summer League matchup against the Charlotte Bobcats. Yes, that long ago. He would miss the remainder of the summer.

Returning for the start of the regular season, Gordon put the NBA on notice. Scoring 33 Points in just 31 minutes, in a Clippers victory over the Sacramento Kings. In Gordon's time at the Los Angeles Clippers, he even set a franchise record, for most points scored by a rookie. (Gordon had 41 points since broken by Blake Griffin). His performances during this time, elevated him to be the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January, and also be selected for the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Averaging 16.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG in 34.3 minutes. Needless to say, this was quite a good start for Gordon's career.

In 2011 Gordon moved onto the New Orleans Pelicans. After bumping knees with Phoenix Suns legend Grant Hill, Gordon would only play in 9 games this season. He kept the bench really, really warm though! Such a nice guy. Handsome too.

July of 2012 would see the Phoenix Suns have their eyes set on Gordon for the first time. With EG signing an offer sheet worth a reported $58 Million over 4 years. 3 days later the Charlotte Hornets would match the offer. Missed it by that much.

2016 Gordon would sign with the Houston Rockets on 4 year $53 Million deal, where he would stay until 2023. This is where EG really became the 3-point juggernaut I fell in love with. When his time in Houston came to an end, he was traded in return to the Clippers, which resulted in him being waived on June 28th. Yes! He was free, available and we wanted him! Lets go PHX!

On July 6th, 2023 Eric Gordon finally signed with the Phoenix Suns. We did it! Eric Gordon would wear a Suns jersey. I was excited, I really was. I did have concerns though, we all did. Was it too late in his career? Would he be the “Air Gordon” we have been wanting in The Valley for so long? We were about to find out.

Regular Season Recap

In my short opinion, no. I don't think that this was the Eric Gordon we were hoping for. His numbers weren't bad for the season, but overall he looked lost and lazy at times. All of us were hoping for that 3-point monster we had seen in the past, but he wasn't there. His confusion on offense, poor passing, and lackadaisical approach this season, turned a lot of fans off his game. He had some incredible nights where he was “lights out”, but overall all we received a watered-down version of “The Hobbit”. Was this due to his age, fitness level, care factor or just bad coaching?

Postseason Recap

Let's face it, we knew this postseason wasn't going to be great. In the first matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gordon went 0-5 FG and 0-4 on 3PT. This is not what we needed from EG. This is not who we thought we would get, when we signed him. It’s hard to lay all the blame on Gordon. Our team was in absolute shambles come the start of the playoffs. We were lucky to even be there. I believe EG has one more good season left in him.

Biggest Strength

Experience. During his time in the NBA, the game has changed, and EG has managed to adapt parts of his game to overcome and outperform. His wisdom will help any locker room he is in. He has played with big egos and still maintained himself, not getting caught up in any drama.

Biggest Weakness

Consistency. Again, I do not knowing if this is due to his body finally wearing down or the coaching staff around him this past season, but I want to see more on the precision passing side of things, and less silly turnovers (73 This past season). It seems he is always just that bit too far from where the ball is going to end up.

What to Work On

General fundamentals of the game. Take it back to square one. Work on passing, shooting and all around ball handling. We know he has the talent, but is his heart in the game anymore?

Likelihood of Return

3: Unless the new coaching staff see something we do not, I wouldn't expect to see him return. I hope I am wrong, and we get to find out next season. I personally think under Coach Mike Budenholzer, a player like EG, can really be a key factor to success.

Overall Grade: C-

Meh.

• Overall grade as an NBA player: B-
• Relative grade to preseason expectations: C-