Eric Gordon’s Surgery Adds to Philadelphia 76ers’ Injury Woes
It’s been a tough season for the Philadelphia 76ers, and the latest news doesn’t make it any easier. Veteran guard Eric Gordon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist this past Wednesday. The team announced on Thursday that he will be reevaluated in approximately three months. This timeline effectively sidelines the 36-year-old for the remainder of the regular season. With the Sixers currently holding a 20-38 record, they are not in the postseason picture, making Gordon’s absence even more significant.
Gordon has been a reliable shooter for the team, boasting a 40.9% success rate from beyond the arc. In his 39 games this season, 13 of which he started, he has averaged 6.8 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 rebounds. His contributions, though not headline-grabbing, have been steady and valuable, especially for a team struggling to find its footing.
The 76ers are currently on a nine-game losing streak, with their latest defeat being a close 110-105 loss to the New York Knicks. This string of losses has been exacerbated by injuries to key players, making it a season to forget for Philadelphia fans.
Injury Bug Bites Hard
Philadelphia’s season has been marred by injuries to its core players. Joel Embiid missed his second consecutive game on Wednesday as he continues to consult with doctors and the team following imaging on his troublesome left knee. Meanwhile, Paul George has been playing through injuries, a testament to his resilience but also a concern for his long-term health. Additionally, Tyrese Maxey is dealing with a right finger injury sustained during a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, which has impacted his ballhandling and shooting.
Eric Gordon’s Career Journey
Eric Gordon’s journey in the NBA has been quite the ride. Drafted No. 7 overall by the LA Clippers in 2008, he quickly made a name for himself. His standout moment came in the 2016-17 season when he was named the Sixth Man of the Year while playing for the Houston Rockets. Over his career, Gordon has averaged 15.3 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds across 925 games. His journey has taken him through stints with the Clippers (2008-11, 2023), New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2011-16), Rockets (2016-23), Phoenix Suns (2024), and now the 76ers.
Looking Ahead
As the 76ers look to the future, the focus will be on getting their players healthy and back on the court. The absence of Gordon, along with the ongoing injury concerns for Embiid, George, and Maxey, presents a significant challenge. The team will need to rely on its depth and hope for a turnaround in fortunes as they aim to end the season on a positive note.
- Eric Gordon’s surgery sidelines him for the rest of the season.
- 76ers are currently on a nine-game losing streak.
- Key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George are dealing with injuries.
- Gordon has career averages of 15.3 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds.
With the playoffs looking increasingly out of reach, the 76ers will need to regroup and focus on building for the future. The hope is that with a healthy roster, they can return to being competitive in the seasons to come.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com