Looking back on the 2023 postseason, the LA Clippers had the potential to advance to the second round. Although they were without superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, several role players chipped in and helped keep the score within reach.
Former Clipper and fan favorite Russell Westbrook led his squad despite age and outside noise. Though he was heavily criticized throughout his tenure with the Lakers, the triple-double king remained clear-minded and averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 38.4 minutes. These performances gave fans flashbacks of his 2017 MVP showcase.
However, Westbrook was not the only veteran leaving an impact. 2017 Sixth Man of the Year, Eric Gordon, provided what the Clippers needed offensively. He received 29.8 minutes per night through five games, proving he belongs on a championship-contending roster.
Conversely, there was one particular reason why the Clippers’ front office chose not to re-sign Gordon to a long-term deal. This was a crucial decision in the 2023 offseason and parallels his regression on the Philadelphia 76ers.
The LA Clippers shifted away from veteran guard Eric Gordon due to his defensive limitations.
Former LA Clipper Eric Gordon is among the most electrifying three-point shooters the team has had in recent years. He consistently caught defenses off guard and drilled threes from well beyond the arc, which is how Gordon made a living in the NBA as a 17-year veteran.
The unfortunate reality of age in basketball is the loss of mobility. Most players find themselves slower on their feet as they grow older, making it harder to attain minutes on teams with high aspirations. This is the drawback with Gordon as he nears the end of his basketball career.
76ers head coach Nick Nurse is realizing why the Clippers refrained from offering Gordon a fair contract. He is great offensively, but the 36-year-old is continuously hunted by the best scorers in the league. This makes him unplayable, as he turns into a liability on defense.
Moreover, Gordon’s scoring has spiraled downwards since signing with Philadelphia. He is only averaging 5.0 points on 48.1% true-shooting. Both of these statistics stamp career lows, backing up the Clippers’ thought process in the summer of 2023.
Had the Clippers re-signed Gordon for multiple years, they would have moved backward on their path toward winning a championship. The 76ers, currently 13-18 and outside the play-in tournament, face the repercussions of signing the former seventh-overall pick.