Rockets Plan Major Role for Eric Gordon Next Season
The Houston Rockets are currently engaged in a long-term rebuild but still have some veteran talents from the previous era on their roster. Names like Eric Gordon and Christian Wood have been in no shortage of trade speculation.
Gordon, 33, is coming off a 2021-22 season with averages of 13.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. While his scoring average was the lowest since 2014, he was highly efficient as an initiator of the offense and playing off the ball.
If the Rockets sought to trade Gordon, doing so sooner rather than later would be a wise move. He is set to earn just under $19.6 million in 2022-23 and has a $20.9 million non-guaranteed final-year salary in 2023-24. Houston could command real value in trade talks.
According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets want to keep Gordon — hoping that his veteran presence in the starting lineup can help their young team continue to develop defensively.
“The Rockets want to be a better defensive team, and right now, all signs are pointing to veteran Eric Gordon reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup once he returns.”
The Rockets appear unlikely to be much for players in free agency, meaning most of their moves will likely occur using the 2022 NBA Draft. Currently, the consensus projection for Houston is to select Paolo Banchero with the No. 3 overall pick.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
Banchero projects as being a four in the NBA and that would leave the Rockets still needing a veteran at the three spot. Ultimately, that would be the case whether they ended up with Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren, too.
With Jalen Green surely set to shoulder more of the offensive load in his sophomore campaign, Gordon's off-ball strengths will become all the more valuable. Especially if they were to work Banchero into their half-court attack.
In recent years, teams pairing up high potential prospects with cohesive veteran talents have helped the overall success of a franchise. The Phoenix Suns are a strong recent example. Not only has Chris Paul's presence changed their franchise, other veterans like Jae Crowder only help, too.
