Eric Gordon Pleads for Bigger Role on Star-Studded, Slumping Suns

The veteran guard believes a larger role could help Phoenix break out of its recent plunge.

Veteran guard Eric Gordon wants a larger role on a nightly basis with the Phoenix Suns.

Gordon attempted just two shots in 25 minutes during the Suns’ 120–105 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday at Golden 1 Center. But prior to Friday’s loss, Gordon went 1 of 7 from the floor in the Suns’ 109–104 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

“I came here to win, but what I do is score,” Gordon told Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes after the Suns’ loss Friday. “And I think when I score, it really opens up the door for a lot of people because I can score in big games and in big ways. Everybody knows the type of player I am and what I’m about.”

Gordon’s fluctuation in his shot attempts comes at the expense that he plays on a talented Suns team featuring stars  Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, injuries have taken a toll on Beal, who has only played in six of the team’s 28 games due to a back injury and most recently a sprained ankle.

Gordon, who turns 35 on Christmas, has earned significant minutes in Beal’s absence. He’s just frustrated with the lack of an offensive role, as he has failed to score in double figures in four of his last six games played.

"Early on in the season, it was better,” Gordon told Haynes. “And lately, there just hasn't been an emphasis [to get me more looks]. So, it's definitely different. Lately I haven't been getting hardly any touches really."

After the game, Suns coach Frank Vogel admitted that he hasn’t done enough to get Gordon involved in Phoenix’s offense lately.

“He’s a guy that can really help us.”

Phoenix (14–14) has lost eight of its last 11 games and is currently 10th in the Western Conference standings. Since Beal won’t be re-evaluated until the beginning of January, the Suns could use the extra boost of offense from a veteran with a track record of scoring consistently.

Gordon is averaging 13.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 45.5% from the floor and 39% from three-point range.