Eric Gordon regrets making controversial comments during the summer – NBA Update
Eric Gordon was the very reason why the Chris Paul deal between New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers went through during the 2010-11 season. The young shooting guard is considered as one of the best young talents in
the league, and when he became a restricted free agent this summer it was a common belief that he will be offered a maximum contract from the Big Easy franchise.
Things however didn’t turn out to be that smooth for oft-injured Gordon, and when the player saw a block in his financial dues, he played the Phoenix Suns card.
The desert city franchise was genuinely interested in signing up the guard, and offered him a maximum four year – $ 55 million dollar deal. The Hornets still delayed the re-signing, prompting a frustrated Gordon to make a statement
that he has now come to regret;
“I strongly feel they are the right franchise for me. Phoenix is just where my heart is now,” he had said, prompting a furious response from the Hornets fans.
Hornets eventually had no choice but to match the offer sheet, and did say by declaring Gordon as the man around whom they would want to build their team. The shooting guard has been plagued with knee injury since the start of
the season, and in the few games he did play, the crowd response was understandably unfriendly;
Gordon is now close to making a return to the practise court and while talking to Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports, he talked in detail about the circumstances behind the controversial statement;
“Of course I did [regret it],” Gordon said. “But that was the only way to push the table on the Hornets. To get a deal done I was willing to negotiate. My agent and I were going through negotiations with them. But they weren’t
leaning into really giving me one. So I had to ride with Phoenix and from Day 1 they weren’t playing games.”
The good part for the Hornets is that the guard has realized his mistake, and is willing to put forward his best foot when he makes a return. Looking at the present status of the team, they certainly need some star pedigree.
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