Eyebrows were raised when the Philadelphia 76ers entered the season with both Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry on the active roster. Two veterans who are very much in the swan songs of their NBA careers. It was always expected that Lowry would transition into a coaching role alongside Nick Nurse; however, Gordon's role on the squad was never as obvious. Now, with no appearances since December 24, it is clear that the veteran has no future with the franchise.
Gordon last featured for the 76ers in a 114-106 shock defeat to the struggling Brooklyn Nets. An appearance that highlighted that the 37-year-old could still have a positive contribution to a team with championship ambitions -- scoring 12 points in 17 minutes, while draining four of his eight field-goal attempts.
Despite the encouraging cameo, Philadelphia's head coach has deemed Gordon surplus to requirements by not fielding the aging guard at all during the next nine fixtures. At this point, his future in the 'City of Brotherly Love' is all but confirmed.
Gordon's grim reality
Unfortunately, the end of Eric Gordon's career will not be coveted in stardust like other players, such as LeBron James, who is still contributing ridiculous numbers despite his age. The former Los Angeles Clippers guard will have to settle for a solemn ride into the sunset as the curtain begins to close on his time in the NBA.
Unless the Philadelphia front office is planning on using the veteran in a trade deal with a team in the midst of a major facelift and is seeking an expiring contract to alleviate salary cap restrictions, then Gordon will only be utilised in extreme cases of injuries by his employers.
Alternatively, the Sixers could be more creative with Gordon's remaining time with the franchise. Nobody can deny the struggles that sophomore guard Jared McCain is facing. Many would argue that this regression in his game is simply a moment in time, and his career can be reignited with a prolonged stint in the G-League. Allowing Gordon to absorb McCain's minutes would be a more positive solution rather than completely shattering a young man's confidence.
Evidence would suggest that this idea will not come to fruition, and Eric Gordon will see out the remainder of his Philadelphia 76ers tenure in a minuscule role. This prompts a more inquisitive question: Will this be the veteran's final pitstop of his exceptional NBA career? Unless he is desperate for a pay cheque, a retirement celebration could be on the horizon.