The Philadelphia 76ers confirmed that guard Eric Gordon recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right wrist. This surgery has led the team to announce that Gordon will be sidelined for approximately three months, meaning he will not play for the remainder of the regular season. This decision comes as the 76ers find themselves struggling, currently sitting at a disappointing 20-38 and outside the playoff picture.
Gordon’s absence could be detrimental to the team, not just in terms of scoring but also in leadership and experience. At 36 years old, the veteran guard has been a steady contributor this season, boasting a three-point shooting percentage of 40.9%. His average of 6.8 points, alongside 1.7 assists and 1.2 rebounds over 39 games (13 of which were starts), indicates his role, albeit diminished, is still crucial to the 76ers’ offensive schemes.
The 76ers are currently on a nine-game losing streak, highlighting a season marred by difficulties. Their most recent loss to the New York Knicks—an agonizing 110-105 defeat—exemplifies their current struggles to secure wins. The situation has been exacerbated by injuries to key players. Star center Joel Embiid is dealing with ongoing knee issues that forced him to miss a second consecutive game, while young guard Tyrese Maxey is battling a right finger injury, which has hindered his performance.
This season has showcased how critical health is to a team’s success in the highly competitive landscape of the NBA. Gordon’s injury adds to a lengthening list of woes that have plagued the team and raises questions about their ability to compete effectively in future games.
Drafted seventh overall by the LA Clippers in 2008, Gordon has had a storied career that includes a Sixth Man of the Year award in 2016-17 while playing for the Houston Rockets. His career statistics reflect his status as a reliable scorer, with averages of 15.3 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds accumulated over 925 games with various franchises including the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns.
As Gordon enters this challenging recovery phase, his future in the NBA may also come into question. While he is a seasoned player with a wealth of experience, the implications of a significant wrist injury at this stage in his career could potentially influence his performance upon return. The 76ers, meanwhile, must navigate the rest of the season possibly without one of their more reliable contributors. The combination of injuries and losses leaves the team at a critical juncture, necessitating an urgent reevaluation of strategy and player roles moving forward.
Eric Gordon’s injury serves as a vivid reminder of the challenges that NBA teams face over the course of a grueling season. As the 76ers contend with their current struggles, they will need to adapt and find resilience in adversity if they aim to salvage their season.