Tag: Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon thanks Rockets, fans for seven years in Houston

“It’s been an amazing seven seasons,” Eric Gordon writes. “As I get ready for my next journey, I’ll always be thankful for my time in the H. All love, Houston.”

Though Eric Gordon never won an NBA championship in his seven seasons with the Houston Rockets, it was a successful run by virtually all measures and one of the most impactful signings in free agency over the long and distinguished history of the franchise.

Those seven years included a Sixth Man of the Year award, a 3-point shootout win, and most importantly, contributions to a number of winning teams. Those included the 2017-18 group that remains the winningest team in Rockets history and an NBA-leading streak of consecutive playoff berths (until it finally ended in 2021).

Now, at 34 years old, Gordon is no longer in age alignment with a club that has entered into rebuilding movement since early 2021. That’s why, at Thursday’s trade deadline for the 2022-23 NBA season, Gordon was traded to the veteran-laden Los Angeles Clippers in a deal bringing Houston the type of future draft capital it craves.

It’s a deal that makes sense for both sides, but it’s certainly bittersweet as Gordon leaves the franchise where he’s had so much success over a long portion of his NBA career.

With that in mind, Gordon took to Instagram to compose a farewell message to the team and its fans. It reads:

Clutch city. Thank you for embracing me. Thank you for helping me grow as a basketball player and as a man. Thank you for becoming my home and my family!

Since day one, I have been blown away by the organization, the fans and this city. No words can fully express my gratitude towards Leslie Alexander, the Fertitta Family, my teammates, and all of Red Nation.

It’s been an amazing seven seasons. As I get ready for my next journey, I’ll always be thankful for my time in the H. All love, Houston.

In seven seasons with the Rockets, Gordon averaged 15.7 points (36.0% on 3-pointers) and 2.3 assists in 30.4 minutes per game.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Codg9stPuk7/

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Podcast: Rockets trade deadline reaction and Eric Gordon’s legacy in Houston

Today’s podcast with @JTGatlin and @BenDuBose features #Rockets trade reaction, with insight on a long-awaited Eric Gordon deal and why it was a win for Rafael Stone and Tilman Fertitta.

The 2022-23 NBA trade deadline is in the books, and major changes came with it for the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets.

Veteran guard Eric Gordon is finally on his way to a contender (the Los Angeles Clippers), while reserves Garrison Mathews and Bruno Fernando are out the door, as well (to Atlanta). For general manager Rafael Stone, both deals were made with future draft capital in mind.

Led by credentialed media members Jackson Gatlin and Ben DuBose, today’s “Locked on Rockets” podcast explains why this deadline should be viewed as a win for Stone and owner Tilman Fertitta.

Discussion topics include the team’s thought process behind all of its deadline dealings; Gordon’s legacy in Houston after spending nearly seven years with the franchise; what rotation changes are likely now that Gordon, Mathews, and Fernando are no longer with the Rockets; and the ripple effects from Brooklyn trading Kevin Durant.

Thursday’s “Locked on Rockets” episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, and nearly all major podcast distributors. It can also be watched on YouTube below.

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2023 NBA buyout season: Who are the candidates?

The NBA trade deadline has passed and now we enter buyout season. Over the next few weeks, we will see several big-name players, usually on expiring contracts, potentially negotiate an early release. Once these players clear waivers, they will …

The NBA trade deadline has passed and now we enter buyout season. Over the next few weeks, we will see several big-name players, usually on expiring contracts, potentially negotiate an early release. Once these players clear waivers, they will likely be pursued by the best teams in the league in hopes of adding extra juice for a playoff run. The deadline for players to get waived and retain playoff eligibility is March 1.

Reaction: Rockets trade Eric Gordon to Clippers for 2023 first-round draft swap

By trading Eric Gordon to Los Angeles, the #Rockets will be able to move up from Milwaukee’s first-round draft pick to that of the Clippers. Here’s a look at immediate reaction to the deal.

Ever since the Rockets traded James Harden to Brooklyn in January 2021, veteran guard Eric Gordon hasn’t been in age alignment with the ongoing rebuilding movement in Houston.

Now, after years of rumors, a trade has finally reached the finish line. Gordon, now 34 years old, is headed to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team deal also involving the Memphis Grizzlies.

“Throughout six-and-a-half seasons, Eric did everything we asked of him and more, both on the court and in the community,” said general manager Rafael Stone. “We wish him nothing but the best and want him to know he’ll always have a home here in Houston.”

Though the Rockets acquired veterans Danny Green (from Memphis) and John Wall (from the Clippers) in the trade for salary matching purposes, both could be quickly waived, and neither was the primary incentive for the deal. The incentive was a 2023 first-round swap right acquired from the Clippers, which allows them to move up from the Milwaukee pick that Houston owns (currently at No. 28 in the order) to the Los Angeles selection (currently at No. 18 overall).

As for Gordon, the 2022-23 season was his seventh with the Rockets, where he was by far Houston’s longest-tenured player. In seven seasons with the franchise, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year averaged 15.7 points (36.0% on 3-pointers) and 2.3 assists in 30.4 minutes while providing steady and capable defense, as well.

Most importantly, he routinely improved his play in the playoffs, where the Rockets consistently found themselves during Gordon’s first four seasons with the team. Postseason performance is no longer a relevant variable in Houston, given the youth movement, but it does explain his appeal to a likely playoff team, such as the Clippers.

Here’s a look at how fans and media members responded to the trade agreement in real-time, along with early analysis of the deal.

Rockets Twitter reacts in disbelief as late whistle takes away apparent win versus Kings

The #Rockets thought they had a feel-good win over the Kings, but with 0.3 seconds left, NBA official Ray Acosta had other ideas. Here’s how the surreal scene played out in real-time.

The clock at Toyota Center read 0.0, the last-second shot by Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox was way off, and fans erupted as the host Houston Rockets were up on the scoreboard, 128-127. It appeared to be a rare bright spot during another rebuilding season.

But Wednesday’s happy scene didn’t last thanks to Ray Acosta, whose whistle couldn’t even be heard over the roar.

Acosta, one of three on-court officials, whistled a foul on Rockets guard Eric Gordon. The contact was minimal, and Fox had kicked his right leg backward, in Gordon’s direction, seemingly in hopes of a call. But once the whistle was blown, little could be changed.

The officials went to the monitor, but all that could be replayed was the time on the clock at the time of the whistle. Whether the call was accurate could not be reviewed without Houston using a coach’s challenge, which Stephen Silas could not do since he had already used one. In a rare postgame interview with a pool reporter, crew chief Gediminas Petraitis said he believed the call was correct.

Whatever the case, the whistle was blown at 0.3, and Fox — a great shooter — buried all three free throws to give the Kings a 130-128 victory (box score). Sacramento improved to 31-23, while Houston dropped its fourth straight game to fall to an NBA-worst 13-42.

To no surprise, fans watching the game — and especially those in Houston, partial to the Rockets — exploded upon witnessing the surreal scene. Here’s a real-time look at how it all went down.

Report: Rockets very unlikely to make significant trade by deadline

Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the #Rockets appear very unlikely to make any significant moves at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

With less than 24 hours until the NBA’s trade deadline for the 2022-23 season (at 2 p.m. Central on Thursday), significant deals were very unlikely for the Rockets as of Wednesday night, per longtime beat writer Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

“Rockets veteran Eric Gordon is a trade target of several teams, but is not considered the primary target,” Feigen writes. “That, combined with the Rockets still valuing his play and his contract beyond this season, has made any trade of Gordon unlikely unless deadline pressure, most likely from a team that loses out on its top targets, leads to a change in the offers the Rockets have received.”

Feigen notes Houston could be better positioned to make trades in the offseason, which is when the team will have significant salary cap room and would not be required to match salaries in deals.

The Rockets effectively hold a team option on Gordon’s contract for the 2023-24 season. That means they could consider various options, including either retaining him or trades, at that time.

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Rockets veterans Eric Gordon, Jae’Sean Tate draw interest as NBA trade deadline nears

#Rockets veterans Eric Gordon and Jae’Sean Tate are drawing interest from several teams as the NBA trade deadline nears, per @KellyIko of The Athletic.

Houston Rockets veterans Eric Gordon and Jae’Sean Tate are drawing interest from multiple teams as Thursday’s trade deadline for the 2022-23 NBA season approaches, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Teams showing interest in Gordon include the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. Those interested in Tate include the Suns, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, Iko reports.

In theory, the rebuilding Rockets could use a trade of either player to open  playing time for younger players, such as rookie Tari Eason, while consolidating their roster ahead of 2023 free agency. With up to $60 million in salary cap space and two 2023 first-round draft picks, Houston is likely to bring in significant talent this offseason, which could make freeing up minutes a priority.

On paper, the 34-year-old Gordon feels like a better trade candidate than the 27-year-old Tate for a rebuilding franchise. However, the details make it more complicated. For example, simply keeping Gordon and having the option of letting him drop off Houston’s salary books this offseason — there’s effectively a team option on his contract for 2023-24 — is better than taking back long-term salary in a deal.

As for the circumstances that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone might trade Gordon, Iko writes:

If a team comes in offering either a future first-round pick, an interesting young player, or another defensive-minded veteran on team-friendly money who could kickstart their climb back up the ladder, Gordon’s days as a Rocket would be over.

Note the clear emphasis on contract structures. Young players are inherently less expensive, and the term “team-friendly money” speaks for itself. The question is whether Gordon, at 34, carries enough trade value to fetch that type of return — and without a team offloading less desirable salary to match Gordon’s $19.6 million cap figure.

If not, it sounds as if the Rockets are content to keep Gordon on the roster and roll his situation into the summer. At that point, they would have multiple options, including simply letting him go for cap space or perhaps keeping him around as a veteran role player that could be paired with another external addition (say, James Harden).

In the event there is no trade, Iko writes Gordon is not expected to pursue a contract buyout from the Rockets.

Unlike Gordon, there’s no age pressure for the Rockets to deal Tate. However, the 27-year-old’s friendly contract terms — two years are still left after this season — might bolster the market for Tate, who could help a number of playoff teams with defense and leadership.

“As is the case with any player, if there was a ‘can’t-turn-down’ type offer, it would be considered,” Iko writes.

Trading Tate would lessen but not eliminate Houston’s roster crunch and perhaps open more salary cap room for the 2023 offseason. However, because he’s clearly one of the team’s best defensive players and a valued voice in the locker room, Stone and the Rockets will likely have a lofty asking price.

Iko also reports trade interest in 22-year-old forward KJ Martin and 21-year-old guard Josh Christopher. However, given their ages and the fact both are on very cheap contracts (under $2.5-million annually, since these are their first NBA deals), there wouldn’t seem to be a clear incentive for the team to move them.

Both Martin and Christopher are already under contract for the 2023-24 season. Thus, there’s no risk of either leaving the Rockets over the offseason for no compensation.

Iko said Houston isn’t interested in trading Martin, a second-round pick from the 2020 NBA draft, for another second-round pick. In other words, Stone would need to be blown away by the value.

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In rookie battle, Keegan Murray shoots Kings past Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets

In a battle of the No. 3 and No. 4 overall picks from the 2022 draft class, rookie forward Keegan Murray and the Kings clearly outshined Jabari Smith Jr. and the Rockets.

Two nights after allowing an astonishing 153 points in a loss at Oklahoma City, the defensive results weren’t much better for the young Houston Rockets in a 140-120 home loss (box score) to Sacramento. The Kings led comfortably for most of Monday’s game, with their 65 first-half points providing a formidable cushion.

In a battle of two rookie forwards drafted in the top-four picks of the 2022 first round, Sacramento’s Keegan Murray clearly outshined Jabari Smith Jr. of the Rockets. Smith, the No. 3 overall selection, saw his first-year offensive struggles continue with 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting (33.3%) and 1-of-6 on 3-pointers (16.7%).

Meanwhile, Murray — the No. 4 overall pick — led the Kings with 30 points and 6 rebounds on 11-of-17 shooting (64.7%), including 8-of-12 from 3-point range (66.7%). Sacramento (30-23) remains in an impressive third place in the Western Conference standings.

Key offensive statistics for the Rockets (13-41), who continue to hold the NBA’s worst record on the 2022-23 season, included:

  • Jalen Green: 27 points, 3 assists, 2 steals; 10-of-21 shooting (47.6%), 5-of-11 on 3-pointers (45.5%)
  • KJ Martin: 18 points, 8 rebounds; 8=of-10 shooting (80.0%), 2-of-2 on 3-pointers
  • Eric Gordon: 16 points, 8 assists, 2 steals; 5-of-7 shooting (71.4%), 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists; 4-of-10 shooting (40.0%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%)

Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interview reaction. Next up for Houston is a rematch with the Kings in the same Toyota Center arena on Wednesday night, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. Central.

Podcast: Rockets trade deadline preview, Kyrie Irving deal reaction

What will Rafael Stone and the #Rockets do by Thursday’s deadline, and what does Kyrie Irving’s Brooklyn departure mean for Houston? Today’s @TheLagerLine explores.

What will the Houston Rockets do at this Thursday’s trade deadline for the 2022-23 NBA season? What should they do?

The latest episode of The Lager Line podcast evaluates the plan, as well as the considerations for general manager Rafael Stone.

Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, discussion topics include:

  • What Kyrie Irving’s departure from the Nets (by forcing a trade to Dallas) means for Stone and the Rockets, who control Brooklyn’s first-round draft assets through 2027;
  • If Kevin Durant demands a trade, should the Rockets attempt to get involved? Could they pursue both Durant and James Harden this offseason?
  • Is Eric Gordon’s recent surge helping his trade market?
  • Whether KJ Martin or Jae’Sean Tate could be dealt;
  • Would Stone consider as a veteran addition of significance at the deadline, or are the Rockets compelled to wait until they have significant salary cap room in the 2023 offseason?

Sunday’s full podcast can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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As trade rumors swirl, Eric Gordon plays his best basketball for Rockets

“No, I hear stuff all the time,” Eric Gordon said when asked if this could be his final week with the Rockets. “All I can do is just play basketball.”

HOUSTON — Since the franchise shifted into rebuilding mode, Rockets guard Eric Gordon has heard his name placed in some outlandish scenarios over the last two years.

One person on social media proposed Gordon be sent to the Rockets G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers, so the team could develop more of its young talent.

Another individual called a local sports radio show and said he would start a GoFundMe donation drive to help pay for Gordon’s salary, if the Rockets would cut him from the team immediately.

And those are the more friendly remarks made toward the 34-year-old veteran. The others get more bizarre and expletive-laced.

Yet, Gordon does not pay attention to outside noise, even when it comes from local reporters who want to know his feelings on whether he wants to remain in Houston or be traded to a contender.

After a 117-111 loss to Toronto on Friday night, Gordon was asked if he felt like this was his final week with the team. After all, the NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 9.

“No, I hear stuff all the time,” said Gordon, now in his seventh season with the Rockets. “All I can do is just play basketball.”

The court has been Gordon’s sanctuary this season. It is a place he can get away from all of the outside chatter on his status with the Rockets moving forward. Without the services of the starting backcourt, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, over the last three games, Gordon has set season highs in scoring in each game. He has been the focus of Houston’s offense when he is on the court.

His 25.6 points, 5 assists and 1.6 steals per game averages, all while hitting 53% of his shots during that three-game stretch, has led to a 2-1 record for the Rockets. He has also averaged 34.1 minutes in the last three games, bringing him to 32.3 over his previous nine games.

Gordon’s durability has been questioned, and he is still usually limited to one game on back-to-backs. That makes his minutes count over the last three games particularly impressive.

“Really good,” Gordon said when asked about his health. “This (health) is definitely where I want to be.”

“I always want to play well,” Gordon said. “I always want to see the team do well and that’s just what it is. I just want to be playing at a high level, and that’s all I ask for: We continue to play hard, like we have been lately, and give ourselves a chance to win games.”

With less than a week left until the Feb. 9 deadline, the uncertainty of where Gordon will be playing looms large around Toyota Center.

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