7 Teams in 3 Years, 8 Superstar Teammates, and No Championship: How Unlucky Is Eric Gordon?

In the world of professional basketball, winning a championship often requires a mix of talent, hard work, and a bit of luck. While superstars can rely on their skills to lead teams to titles, role players often need to make the right moves at the right times to secure their rings. Take PJ Tucker, for example. After realizing the Houston Rockets were no longer contenders, he requested a trade and joined the Milwaukee Bucks. Four months later, Tucker was a champion, fulfilling a lifelong dream. In stark contrast, his former Rockets teammate Eric Gordon has not been as fortunate.

A Promising Start and Injury Setbacks

Eric Gordon's career began with high expectations. He was named Mr. Basketball in Indiana and averaged over 20 points per game as a freshman in college. Entering the NBA, Gordon quickly showcased his All-Star potential. However, his career was plagued by frequent injuries, causing significant setbacks. Despite these challenges, Gordon found a new opportunity in 2016 when Chris Paul invited him to join the Houston Rockets, initiating his pursuit of a championship.

In Houston, Gordon achieved individual success, earning the Sixth Man of the Year award. However, his journey to a title has been fraught with obstacles, despite playing alongside numerous superstars over the past seven years. Gordon's quest for a championship has seen him join three different teams and collaborate with eight different All-Star caliber players, yet the coveted ring has remained elusive.

Houston Rockets: Harden, Paul, Westbrook

Gordon's best shot at a title came during his time with the Houston Rockets. With James Harden and Chris Paul leading the charge, the Rockets posted a franchise-best 65-win season, showcasing a level of play that rivaled the peak Golden State Warriors. The Rockets made a deep playoff run, eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz before facing the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.

The series went to a decisive Game 7, but the Rockets fell short. Paul missed the game due to injury, and despite Harden's 32-point performance and Gordon's 22 points, the Warriors prevailed. This marked the first time the Durant-era Warriors were pushed to a Game 7, highlighting how close Gordon came to achieving his dream.

LA Clippers: Leonard, George

With the Rockets entering a rebuild following Harden's departure, Gordon found himself in need of a new team. A trade eluded him until the 2023 trade deadline, when he was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team deal. The Clippers, featuring superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, seemed poised for a title run. However, injuries once again played a pivotal role. Leonard's load management and George's season-ending injury resulted in a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

Phoenix Suns: Durant, Booker, Beal

In the summer of 2023, Gordon opted not to remain with the Clippers. After a buyout, he became a free agent and drew interest from several contenders. This time, Gordon took a more cautious approach, closely observing the offseason moves of various teams. When the Suns acquired Bradley Beal to form a "super team" alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, they became instant favorites for the championship. Gordon decided to join them.

Despite being fourth in championship odds, the Suns had a lackluster season, nearly falling into the play-in tournament. Their postseason performance was even more disappointing, as they were swept by the young and hungry Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Gordon's misfortune continued as he failed to capture a title despite playing with an array of MVPs and All-NBA talents.

Collaborating with Superstars

Over his seven-year pursuit of a championship, Gordon has teamed up with a who's who of NBA superstars. Besides Harden, Paul, Westbrook, Leonard, George, Durant, and Booker, he also played alongside Bradley Beal, who, while not an MVP, is considered an All-Star level talent. Despite these high-profile partnerships, Gordon's luck in securing a championship has been abysmal.

A New Chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers

This summer, Gordon declined his player option and once again became a free agent. At 36, with diminishing athleticism and speed, he remains a sharpshooter, averaging 11 points per game last season and hitting 2.2 three-pointers per game at a 37.8% clip. His shooting prowess still makes him an attractive piece for contending teams.

In a surprising move, Gordon chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers, who had just acquired Paul George, one of the biggest free-agent signings of the offseason. While George's move to Philadelphia seems financially motivated, the team still has a fighting chance to contend. However, the odds are not overwhelmingly in their favor, suggesting that Gordon's championship window might be closing.

Reflecting on Gordon's Championship Pursuit

Eric Gordon's career is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NBA. His early years were filled with promise, but injuries and bad luck have kept him from reaching the ultimate prize. Despite playing with some of the game's best players and joining multiple contending teams, Gordon's championship quest remains unfulfilled.

As he embarks on another chapter with the 76ers, fans and analysts alike wonder if his fortunes will finally change. Gordon's persistence and resilience in the face of repeated setbacks make his story one of the more compelling narratives in the league. Whether or not he secures a championship, Gordon's career will be remembered for his contributions to every team he played for and his unwavering dedication to the game.