Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers stayed true to their word in the offseason, streamlining the roster in an attempt to make it younger and more dynamic. After making only three appearances so far this campaign, Eric Gordon's time in Philly is under the microscope, as it is becoming more evident that he does not match the profile of the player the franchise is aiming to recruit.
The arrival of the athletic rookie VJ Edgecombe has epitomised everything that the Sixers wanted to become. Energetic, talented, and aggressive, the 20-year-old has brought a sense of dynamism to the 76ers' offense that fans have not been accustomed to over recent years. However, with Gordon heading into the twilight of his career, and veteran guard Kyle Lowry already exercising his player-option to stay in Philadelphia, did the Sixers waste a roster spot by re-signing the 36-year-old?
Gordon is becoming the 76ers' forgotten man
As mentioned, the Sixers are building a roster that is younger, quicker, and more athletic -- Eric Gordon's raging war with Father Time would suggest that these are attributes he no longer possesses. Unless Philadelphia has a broader leadership role prepared for the Indiana graduate, it is becoming more difficult to grasp why the franchise did not take a chance on a more mobile guard, such as former playmaker Jared Butler.
Head coach Nick Nurse has made it abundantly clear that even with a litany of injuries spreading throughout the 76ers' roster, Gordon is not going to play a prominent role in the rotation. So far this campaign, the former Phoenix Suns guard has only accumulated 22 minutes on the court.
To make matters worse for Gordon, after the most recent 127-117 defeat to the Miami Heat, he was handed his 13th DNP (Did Not Play) of the season, even though Edgecombe was ruled out of the fixture with a calf injury.
Despite the clear lack of motivation to allow Gordon to showcase his talents on the court, the veteran has still displayed the scoring touch that he can bring to this roster, if given the opportunity. During the 136-124 victory over the Orlando Magic, the sharpshooting guard drained eight points, while recording 75% from the floor.
Much of the Philadelphia fanbase questioned the benefit of recruiting two veterans who occupy similar positions on the floor, especially given the statement of intent by the franchise to make this squad of players more dynamic. It is safe to say that the reacquisition of Eric Gordon does not reflect this thought process.