What Eric Gordon Brings to Phoenix Suns

Eric Gordon figures to be a key piece in the Phoenix Suns' title pursuit.

The Phoenix Suns finally have their guy eleven years after Eric Gordon and the franchise nearly partnered after he signed a four-year offer sheet in July 2012. 

Gordon, a former McDonald's All-American, has been linked to Phoenix ever since that offseason in various trade rumors. 

The dream to add Gordon became a reality when the combo guard was waived by the Clippers and became free to sign with any team. The Suns were reportedly chosen over several other overtures from contenders such as the Golden State Warriors. The reasons why Gordon is so coveted around the league even going into year 17 will be explored.

Shooting 

The 6-foot-3 guard came into the NBA known as more of a freak athlete than anything else, but has become one of the most feared knockdown shooters in the game over the last decade. His quick, low release-point shot coupled with a well-balanced lower body makes for a consistent jump shot. 

I've always found Eric Gordon's jumper aesthetically pleasing. Probably the widest base for a jump shot in the NBA pic.twitter.com/96JmPj747S

— mhonkasalo (@mhonkasalo) January 16, 2016

Gordon isn't only known as a three-point threat, he's one of the most dangerous shooters from 30+ feet out. The ability to stretch the floor to that degree adds another dimension to the Suns' offense this season.

Finishing

Although Gordon's strongest attribute is shotmaking from deep, the guard is still a strong finisher. 

The new member of the Suns is a combo guard who can handle the ball when need be. A common criticism of the Bahamas native's game is reliance on over-dribbling/ tunnel vision, but that shouldn't be as much of an issue in Phoenix. 

Gordon is still a sneaky good athlete at 34, with a quick first step combined with a sturdy build that is meant to withstand physical defense at the rim. 

Not to step on @polarfall's toes or anything, but it really is a treat to watch Eric Gordon decelerate from his top speed to his finishing speed at the rim. He is so effective at using his two steps to slow him down and put himself in the best position to score at the rim pic.twitter.com/NVgyDKOTSV

— Mike Zavagno (@MZavagno11) May 5, 2019

Gordon is far from a one-trick player and offers quite a bit on offense.

Defense

Although his defense hasn't been as strong in the last three seasons, it's certainly possible the post-Harden Rockets and purgatory Clippers weren't the best situations to showcase his ability in team-oriented defense. 

Incredible defense by Eric Gordon.

Better shot by Paul George. pic.twitter.com/VjiblstzL6

— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) November 1, 2022

Although he isn't a consistent point-of-attack option on defense any longer, he still displays flashes of the ability to go toe-to-toe with talented scorers such as Paul George. 

At the end of the day, Gordon should be a serviceable, switchable piece on the defensive side, and a piece that coach Vogel can throw in different looks.

The Indiana University product showed up to Phoenix 11 years too late, but very well may be a key cog in the quest for the franchise's first NBA championship in 2023-24.