LA’s draft history: Ranking every #8 overall pick

LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1982: Tom Chambers #22 of the San Diego Clippers shoots a free throw against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1982 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Chambers played for the Clippers from 1981-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1982: Tom Chambers #22 of the San Diego Clippers shoots a free throw against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1982 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Chambers played for the Clippers from 1981-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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LA Clippers logo
LA Clippers logo (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

2. Lancaster Gordon

LA Clippers stats: 5.6 ppg, 1.5 apg, 1.3 rpg

Outside of having an incredibly cool name, there was nothing captivating about Lancaster Gordon’s game. During his four-year run in Louisville, the pass first guard got incrementally better.

As a freshman, Gordon scored just 8.6 points a night. As his senior season rolled by, however, Gordon’s game became noticeably better, pumping up his scoring average to 14.7 points a game.

Still, despite his improvements, Gordon never appeared to be an NBA-worthy guard, let alone a first-round lottery selection. But, regardless of his physical limitations, LA hitched their wagon to his coattails in 1984, drafting him with the eighth overall pick.

As Gordon illustrated in college, he struggled in the NBA on the offensive end. His best season would come in his third year, as he went on to average 7.5 points per game. To LA’s credit, they were patient with Gordon, allowing him to find his way. But, despite handing him a roster spot and attempting to push his development, Gordon’s time in the league officially came to an end at the age of 25.