Averaging Just 5 Points: Why Has 35-Year-Old Eric Gordon Declined So Rapidly?

The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as one of the most disappointing teams this NBA season. Despite a high-profile offseason that saw them assemble a "Big Three" of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, and a supporting cast that includes veterans and young prospects, the team has struggled mightily. Sitting at 8-16 after the first third of the season, they rank near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, well behind teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Chicago Bulls.

Among the factors contributing to the 76ers' poor performance are injuries to their stars and the decline of key role players like Eric Gordon, whose sharp drop in production has raised serious concerns about his future in the NBA.

Injuries Take a Toll

The Sixers’ season has been riddled with injuries to their stars. Joel Embiid has already missed 18 games, Paul George 10, and Tyrese Maxey 8. The trio has played together in just three games so far this season. Embiid, dealing with a sinus fracture, is expected to miss even more time, further hampering Philadelphia’s cohesion and chemistry.

With the Big Three frequently unavailable, the team has struggled to find consistency. This lack of stability has exposed weaknesses in their supporting cast, particularly Eric Gordon, who was signed in the offseason to provide scoring and veteran leadership off the bench.

Gordon’s Disappointing Production

Gordon, once known for his scoring prowess and three-point shooting, has been a shadow of his former self. In 17 games with the 76ers, he is averaging just 5.1 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 17.1 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency is alarmingly poor, with splits of 34.1% from the field, 27.7% from three, and 77.3% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage (TS%) of 46.9% ranks 293rd out of 316 qualified players this season.

For context, Gordon’s performance in recent seasons was much stronger:

• 2022-23 with the Clippers: 11.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, TS% 62.9%
• 2023-24 with the Suns: 11.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, TS% 58.0%

These numbers demonstrate that Gordon was still a reliable scorer and shooter in previous seasons, even while playing for contending teams. However, his decline with the 76ers has been stark and unexpected.

Competition for Minutes

One factor affecting Gordon’s playing time is the emergence of rookie Jaden McCain. The young guard has impressed with his energy and scoring ability, earning more minutes and pushing Gordon further down the rotation. Given the choice between developing a promising rookie and giving minutes to a struggling veteran, head coach Nick Nurse has understandably prioritized McCain’s growth.

Gordon’s struggles are further highlighted by his poor three-point shooting. Among players who have appeared in at least 10 games and average 2.5 or more three-point attempts per game, Gordon ranks in the bottom 13 in three-point percentage. For a player whose offensive game is heavily reliant on perimeter shooting, this is a major concern.

Falling Out of the Rotation

Gordon’s underwhelming performance led to him falling out of the rotation entirely at one point this season. When asked about this decision, Nick Nurse said:
"If someone falls out of the rotation, the first step is for them to figure out what they need to do to get back in. Gordon has been training hard and staying ready."

Gordon recently returned to the rotation due to an injury to McCain and showed glimpses of his old self, scoring 9 points on 3-of-5 shooting (all three-pointers) in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. However, his impact was limited, as he posted a -1 plus-minus in a game the Sixers won by 13 points. This continues a season-long trend, with the team posting a -4.5 net rating per 100 possessions when Gordon is on the court.

Long-Term Concerns

At 35 years old, Gordon’s decline raises questions about his future in the league. While he has a player option for the second year of his two-year, $6.77 million contract, his current trajectory suggests that his role in the NBA may diminish further if he cannot find consistency.

Gordon’s journey over the past few years has been challenging. Once considered a cornerstone player for the Clippers, injuries derailed his development. He reinvented himself in Houston as a complementary scorer alongside James Harden, but those Rockets teams repeatedly fell short of their championship aspirations. After stints with the Clippers and Suns, Gordon joined the 76ers hoping to contribute to a contender. Instead, injuries to stars and his own poor form have left him struggling to make an impact.

The Road Ahead

With McCain expected to return soon, Gordon’s role could again be reduced to limited minutes or even another stint out of the rotation. For a veteran looking to extend his career, this is a precarious position. Gordon must seize every opportunity to prove that he still has value as a scorer and shooter.

As for the 76ers, their championship hopes look increasingly bleak. The Eastern Conference is stacked with formidable teams, including the reigning champion Celtics, the revamped Bucks, the surging Knicks, and the upstart Magic and Cavaliers. If the Sixers cannot overcome their early-season struggles, it seems unlikely they will make a deep playoff run, let alone contend for a title.

For Gordon, this season represents a critical juncture. If he can rediscover his form, he could still contribute meaningfully to Philadelphia’s rotation or another team in the future. If not, his days in the NBA may be numbered.