The Rockets continue to value Eric Gordon very highly and despite several teams inquiring about his availability, including the Sixers, Heat, Bucks, Suns and Lakers, Houston has not shopped the veteran guard and has turned down trade offers for his services, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle.
Gordon has been working out with his young teammates in preparation for next season and is taking a wait-and-see approach to his future with the franchise.
“I know how the business works,” Gordon said, per Feigen. “I don’t know what is going to happen. All I can worry about is how I play basketball, and I’ll see what happens. Anything can happen in this business.”
Gordon’s brother, Eron Gordon, who went undrafted out of Valparaiso, is a member of Houston’s Summer League squad and said it’s a “special” opportunity.
“It’s definitely pretty special. It’s pretty special for my family. Not too many times in the world two brothers play on a major, professional sports team. So, it’s definitely a special moment for the Gordon family,” Eron said.
As Feigen notes, Eron is very unlikely to make the NBA club, but the Rockets value both brothers’ professionalism, which is why he was given a chance.
“His being on a roster definitely means a lot to me,” Eric said. “As soon as he starts playing, he’ll figure it out.”
Here’s more on the Rockets:
- First-rounder Tari Eason, the No. 17 pick of last month’s draft, has produced solid results during Summer League and looks like he could be a quality contributor for the Rockets, according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports. “Everything that I bring here I think translates to an NBA court. I don’t think I’m playing out of myself, doing too much,” Eason said. “I think that my ability to space the floor, rebound, defend, and knock down an open three are all things that I’ve tried to showcase to the people that I could do here, and I think all those things would translate.” Eason put up 22 points and 10 rebounds in his latest outing.
- Second-year guard Josh Christopher is still trying to find the right balance between being aggressive and playing under control, Feigen writes in another story for The Houston Chronicle. Christopher has an innate ability to attack the paint, but he’s still working on making good decisions and proper reads instead of relying on talent alone, Feigen notes.
- Kevin Porter Jr. believes the team’s rookies will help bring a defensive identity Houston has lacked the past couple of seasons, as Feigen relays. “Oh man, I think we’re shaping up good,” Porter said. “Watching these past games in the summer league, I’ve been paying attention to the defensive end. We look like we have the pieces to be a phenomenal defensive team. We already know what we can do on the offensive end so we’re not much worried about that. Defensively, that’s what I’ve been focusing on. I’m excited.” The Rockets ranked 27th in defensive rating in 2020/21 and 29th last season, so there’s certainly room for improvement on that end.
Why trade him when they can just send him home after the preseason?
Eric Gordon. He of the trade rumors for eleven years running.
He should be mayor.
No, he wants to be Commisioner. Then he would be Commisioner Gordon, get it?
They want to keep him for a veteran to the newbies and young crew. Doubt value like CP3 with the Suns. But Eric does not want out and does not seem like he wants to be on top team to finish out. How much longer will play who knows. But think May retire a Rocket if is not sent out at trade deadline. Rockets just like him around as a mentor. Wonder if will be bench if still with team
Porter has to gooooooooo …..
TyTy is the Real Deal. Porter is a wandering soul. All he plays for is a contrac. Just like Wood. Get rid of him now …….
Patience. He’ll be gone before they try to compete again.
Porter just turned 22 and was balling to close out the year. You must not watch the rockets, which I get, but he has a ton of talent. Remember, he didn’t play his rookie year and his first season with the rockets he dealt with Russ and harden being traded. This past season, at only age 21, was essentially his rookie year and he looked great. If he continues to progress like he has, he’s easily on track to put up dujante Murray numbers or better in the next couple years. Down the stretch after they benched Wood, KPJ averaged 27, 8, and 7. And he just turned 22!
I had Eason higher for sure. Thought Washington should have taken him at 10, although there were guys on the board at that time I didnt expect to be there either
Josh Cristopher is a Nick Young clone, with a better head on his shoulders, and a better defender. It’s actually crazy. I said the same last year. It’s like this dude went back in time somehow and just changed his name and became young again
Rockets have a lot to figure outs KPJ, Green, Christopher, TyTy, Gordon, Nix, and Schroder all fighting for playing time at both guard positions.
Sengun, Eason, Smith, Garuba, Martin Jr, Tate Jr, and Matthews playing for forwards and center.
3 draft picks last year and 3 more this year, that’s 6 guys potentially on the roster of 15. If you count all the names above, that’s 14 spots. Guards on the Rockets is overloaded and not enough minutes for all. I can see 2 or 3 of Nix, Gordon, Schroder, and KPJ being traded. I can also see one of Martin Jr or Matthews being moved too. I prefer Martin Jr to be dealt in a package with Schroder or Gordon to clear up some minutes. Rockets have the talent and depth, but does that transition to winning basketball? TBD and follow up after this season.
Schroeder is not a rocket, he’s a free agent and I don’t see the rockets resigning him. Gordon most likely will be moved at some point, my guess would be at the trade deadline. I think/hope KPJ gets extended, he showed enough at the end of the season to warrant an extension and only just turned 22. As for the rest of the guys you mentioned, I think they all remain rockets as there is really no need to move them and the rockets can have depth and competition, and one more season to evaluate their players heading into next year’s free agency when they will have a ton of cap space