Tonight, Eric Gordon returns home to Indianapolis for his yearly game at Conseco Fieldhouse. The 2007 Indiana Mr. Basketball and Big Ten Freshman of the Year in currently in his third year in the NBA after being drafted 7th by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Gordon is thriving in his time on the west coast. The Clippers have consistently struggled, so much so that they are known as the other team in LA. At just 1-11 on the year including losers of seven in a row, injuries are weighing down the Clippers more than anything.
Tonight they will be without the services of injured starters Baron Davis (knee) and Chris Kaman (ankle). Luckily Blake Griffin, the number one pick in 2009 has returned after missing all of last season. Despite the lack of success for the Clippers, Gordon has improved his game each year.
EJ is is coming off his second-straight 30-point game in a 113-111 losing effort last night in Minnesota. Not only did he score 30 points, but he dished out seven assists and grabbed three boards.
Before the season, the Clippers picked up the 4th-year team option on Gordon. After next year, expect EJ to be a popular free agent. As for this year, the team is leaning on Gordon more than any year before. He is averaging 23.6 points per game, 3.6 rebounds and 5 assists.
EJ is near the top of multiple NBA statistical categories. He is currently 7th in free throws made and points per game, and 22nd in minutes per game.
The only downfall thus far has been his 3-point shooting. The usual streaky shooter has made just 10 of 53 shots beyond the arc this year for a measly 19%. However, Gordon has been bothered by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for a few games.
Hopefully fans in Indiana come out tonight to Conseco Fieldhouse and support the Hoosier star. The former North Central and Indiana standout is excited about playing in his hometown.
“Ready to get back to NAPTOWN…hope everyone can make it Thursday.”