Unwanted Homecoming: Eric Gordon Not Interested In Rejoining Rockets?
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HOUSTON — After three consecutive seasons of finishing at the bottom or second to last in the NBA, general manager Rafael Stone has expressed the Houston Rockets' desire to enhance their roster.
Headlined by Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., Stone and management have faith in the Rockets' young corps. But Houston's top intention this off-season is to add veterans who can help accelerate the rebuilding process.
The Rockets' determination to add veterans has linked them to a handful of former players. But following his guest appearance on The Iko System with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Eric Gordon downplayed the possibility of reuniting with the Rockets this summer.
"I will never close the door on any opportunity," Gordon said. "But I like where I'm at. I like the [Los Angeles] Clippers' situation."
The Rockets traded Gordon to the Los Angeles Clippers in February amid a three-team deal during the NBA's trade deadline. Gordon is under contract to remain with the Clippers for the 2023-24 season. But his final year is non-guaranteed.
Gordon said he enjoyed his time with the Rockets through the good and the bad. But as he begins to make preparations ahead of his 17th season, Gordon's priority is winning.
Despite the Clippers' first-round exit to the Phoenix Suns, Gordon believes Los Angeles still gives him the best chance to win his elusive championship.
Gordon also saw his 3-point shooting percentage rise by playing alongside the All-Star duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. He has shot 37.1 percent from behind the arc in his career. But in 22 games Gordon played with the Clippers, he shot 42.3 percent from deep.
"It was a bit different for me because I did not have the ball in my hands a lot," Gordon said. "When I did have the ball, the game was easier because all of the attention wasn't drawn to me.
"I shot the ball well while I was there. And they liked what I brought to the table, and I ended up having a solid year."
Gordon played seven seasons in Houston and averaged 15.7 points on 36 percent shooting from behind the arc. He won NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors during his first season in 2017. He began his career with the Clippers in 2008 as the seventh pick of the draft.
