Eric Gordon Bio
Eric Ambrose Gordon Jr. is a Bahamian-American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on December 25, 1988, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Gordon gained fame in high school, becoming Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2007 while playing for North Central High School. He played one year of college basketball at Indiana University, where he was recognized as a top collegiate player and led the Big Ten in scoring. After being drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2008 NBA Draft, Gordon has played for multiple NBA teams, making a significant impact as a shooter and scorer throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Eric Gordon was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He began playing sports at the Jewish Community Center near his home at the age of four, initially starting with soccer before transitioning to basketball. By age seven, he was playing competitive basketball at the Municipal Gardens. His early exposure to basketball laid the foundation for his future career, and it was at the Jewish Community Center that he announced his decision to enter the NBA draft. Gordon attended North Central High School, where he played varsity basketball all four years. During his senior year, he led North Central to the Indiana 4A title game and averaged 29 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His impressive performance earned him the title of Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2007, as well as a spot as a McDonald’s All-American.
Path to Basketball
Gordon’s recruitment was highly publicized, with early verbal commitments to the University of Illinois. However, after the hiring of a new coach at Indiana University, he switched his commitment, which was a significant event in his recruitment saga. He signed a National Letter of Intent with Indiana on November 8, 2006. At Indiana, Gordon played one season, where he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and made the third team All-American. He set a record for the most points scored by a freshman in Indiana’s history, finishing the season with 669 points. His standout performance in college led him to declare for the NBA draft after just one year.
Eric Gordon Career
Early Career (2008–2011)
Eric Gordon was drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2008 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact, scoring 23 points in his first NBA Summer League game. During his rookie season, he set a franchise record for most points scored by a rookie with 41 points in a game. Gordon’s performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He participated in the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend and was recognized as one of the top young talents in the league.
Breakthrough (2011–2016)
In December 2011, Gordon was traded to the New Orleans Hornets, where he continued to showcase his scoring ability. He had a strong start with the Hornets, scoring 20 points in his first game and hitting the game-winning shot. However, injuries plagued his time in New Orleans, leading to multiple surgeries and limited playing time. Despite these challenges, he finished the 2013-14 season as the team’s leading scorer.
Notable Works and Milestones
Gordon’s signature achievements include winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2017 and being crowned the NBA Three-Point Contest champion the same year. He has consistently been recognized for his shooting prowess and scoring ability throughout his career.
Eric Gordon Award Nominations
Eric Gordon has received several nominations throughout his career, including recognition for his performances in the NBA All-Star Weekend and various player awards.
Eric Gordon Awards Won
Eric Gordon has won notable awards, including the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award and the NBA Three-Point Contest champion title. He has also been recognized as a member of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Eric Gordon Family
Eric Gordon’s family background includes his mother, Denise, who is from Nassau, The Bahamas. He has two younger brothers, Evan and Eron, both of whom have played collegiate basketball.
Personal Life
In November 2020, Eric Gordon opened a pizzeria named “Eric Gordon’s Greek’s Pizzeria” in Bloomington, Indiana, contributing to his local community. He continues to be an influential figure both on and off the court.
