Eric Gordon Not A Fan of 6th Man Role

[jonathanlambert33]

Going into next season, New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Eric Gordon could have to adjust coming off the bench instead of starting for the first time in his career.

With swingman Tyreke Evans emerging as a solid starter in the backcourt after Gordon missed the final 14 games because of a left knee injury, Pelicans coach Monty Williams said he has thoughts about Evans in a starting role, but it will be something under discussion throughout the offseason before a final decision is made.

Gordon, though, is gearing toward returning as a starter. When asked if he would feel comfortable assuming the team's sixth man role he said in an email response Sunday,''I won't get into that because I thought they brought me here to lead and set the tone for the team.

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2014/05/post_110.html

 

[Hurricane Season]

This dude bitches a lot.  Strong sense of entitlement for a guy that hasn't really had a decent season in 4 years.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

The guy isn't rational. Exactly why I've been saying him opting out is a VERY strong possibility. He really thinks he's a centerpiece of a team, a tone setter and leader.

Trading Gordon for an expiring isn't out the window, though unlikely. Or they'd likely have to take back another not so favorable contract. But what if Gordon's deal goes from being a 2 year/$30 million contract to a 1 year/$15 million contract? Does he become easier to trade then? Without a doubt. If it becomes an expiring for an expiring swap, I could envision some teams that would rather one year of Eric Gordon over one year of an over the hill over paid player.

What they need to do is do the exact opposite of what Chris Paul did when he was traded. Chris Paul had to agree to opt in before the trade was finalized, Eric Gordon needs to agree to opt out. Tell him and his agent that they can get him to the destination he wants and play the role he wants if he agrees to opt out. Then the Pelicans and Gordon's agent can work together at trying to resolve the situation. Pels get Gordon off the books for next summer (the summer he NEEDS to be off the books, because the next summer Anthony Davis will get his $20M dollar max extension) and Gordon gets to go somewhere to show case his skill set.

And if you are Gordon, why wouldn't you agree to opt out? By his comments, he obviously still believes he's capable of leading a franchise and "setting a tone." Time for him to prove it if he truly believes that much in himself.

 

[footballplaya52]

I try to like Gordon but he just never does anything

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Hes not gonna get as much $$ as he thinks he will.

 

[playmaker7]

I just don't think he's happy with any part of being a Pelican tbh lol

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I just don't think he's happy with any part of being a Pelican tbh lol

I know for a fact that he's indifferent to the city. But I also know that he's kind of neutral to playing here. I'm not going to say New Orleans would be in his top 5 NBA cities he'd like to play in, but I do know he does like the people he is surrounded with. Was it always like that? No, I've heard from people that are in the know that he was the very definition of a locker room cancer when he first got here, it's not like that anymore. Honestly I'm not sure if Eric Gordon would really be happy anywhere he goes.