Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) shoots against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Sixers re-signed veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon, the team announced on Tuesday night.
According to Derek Bodner, it's a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
Gordon shot 41 percent on 3.5 threes attempted per game last season. At 36 years old, his rim rate was tied for the second lowest of his career, whereas his three-point rate was the highest of his career.
Gordon obviously pushes the team's average age up, and last season certainly showed the effects of trending older. But even with the ball consistently being jarred out of his hands as he drove to the hoop and defense that went as expected for a player of his age, Gordon was one of the lone bright spots in Philadelphia's three-point arsenal.
Even if that is true in a remarkably forgettable season and most would prefer younger players, his shooting is a bankable skill, especially at a veteran minimum. More than that, he was teammates with prized rookie VJ Edgecombe on the Bahamas team that played in last summer's Olympic qualifiers. So there is some personal equity that makes Gordon especially valuable to the Sixers.
Disinterest in Gordon returning is understandable. But it was likely a formality. His cap hit in the second year of his previous contract with the Sixers was higher than it would be if he declined his option and re-signed on a one-year deal. Furthermore, he comes away with more money by signing a new deal than he would have by picking up his player option.
So Gordon opting out and re-signing is a mutually beneficial outcome.
In an ideal world, Gordon wouldn't be playing nearly as important a role on the court as he was last season. But between the shooting and relationship with Edgecombe, it's an acceptable use of a veteran minimum.
