'It's Something That Needed to Happen': Eric Gordon Discusses Knee Surgery, Injury Rehab

Rockets guard Eric Gordon discussed his knee surgery and subsequent rehab at the Toyota Center on Monday night. Gordon said he hopes to return to the floor by Christmas.

"It's something that needed to happen," Gordon said. "I know it's going to be a six-week process, I just gotta follow it and get back out there as soon as I can."

Gordon's injury wasn't forced by a sudden injury. The 30-year-old said he had been battling knee pain since last season, and he chose to play through the injury until he felt as though it was a necessity.

Gordon said he did not think surgery was required over the summer. 

"I've been dealing with it for a long time, it just got worse over time," Gordon said. "I couldn't be as athletic as I wanted to be and that's what I was worried about. ...Here we always do the best we can to stay on the floor."

The Indiana product struggled mightily to start the 2019-20 season as he dealt with the knee pain. Gordon averaged a career-worst 10.9 points per game in nine appearances, and his 30.9% mark from the field ranks 135th of the 137 players to attempt at least 100 shots this season. 

Houston has cruised without Gordon of late, winning seven straight before Monday's matchup with Portland. Gordon is confident in his teammates' ability to continue their hot start as he works to return to the floor by Christmas.

"That's the goal," Gordon said. "By the time I come back, hopefully we continue to keep thriving."