Eric Gordon to have knee surgery, out another six weeks

Indianapolis native Eric Gordon has fought through his share of injuries during his basketball career. Now in his fourth NBA season, Gordon is struggling to get healthy.

The New Orleans Hornets announced late Monday that Gordon will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday.

According to doctors, surgery is necessary after his knee did not fully heal with treatment and rest. They expect Eric will be fully recovered and able to return to playing in up to six weeks.

“After consulting with our medical staff, we concluded that surgery was the best route and in the best interest of Eric for the long term. We had hoped with rest and rehab, Eric’s knee would have healed.” General Manager Dell Demps said in a statement. “Eric is eager to return to the court and we are confident Hornet Fans will get to see him soon.”

He sustained the injury on the day after his 23rd birthday (also Christmas) in just the Hornets second game of the season. In that game, he scored the game-winning shot to lift the Hornets past the Suns. Gordon has played in just two of the Hornets 28 games this season.

Eric will have surgery back home in Indianapolis, where he has a longer relationship. Remember, he has been in New Orleans less than three months. His doctor is the team doctor of the Indianapolis Colts.

After being traded to the Hornets in a blockbuster trade that sent Chris Paul to the Clippers, Gordon was set to become the face of the franchise. Despite the early injury, the Hornets (owned by the NBA) offered EJ a 4-year deal worth about $51M. He declined the offer and will be a restricted free agent this summer.

In high school, at North Central, it was his back and wrist. Last season with the Clippers, Gordon missed 26 games because of another wrist injury.

Gordon is an incredible athlete with a quick step and deep range. During the NBA lockout earlier this year, I called the Indiana-University of Indianapolis exhibition game with him on BTN. In the summer of 2010, Gordon was on Team USA for the World Basketball Championships.

Follow Scott