Eric Ambrose Gordon Jr. Bio
Eric Ambrose Gordon Jr. is a Bahamian-American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on December 25, 1988, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Gordon has established himself as one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA over a career spanning more than 15 seasons. Known for his exceptional three-point shooting and scoring ability, Gordon has been a consistent offensive threat throughout his professional journey, earning numerous accolades including NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2017 and an NBA Three-Point Contest championship that same year. Gordon was drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2008 NBA Draft and has since played for multiple NBA franchises, making a significant impact as both a starter and a reserve throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Gordon was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, where his basketball journey began at a remarkably young age. At just four years old, he started playing sports at the Jewish Community Center near his childhood home, initially focusing on soccer before quickly transitioning to basketball. By age seven, Gordon was already competing in organized basketball at Municipal Gardens, demonstrating the dedication and natural talent that would define his future career. His mother, Denise, is a native of Nassau, The Bahamas, which would later factor into his international basketball eligibility.
Gordon attended Fox Hill Elementary School in Indianapolis, followed by Northview Middle School. He then enrolled at North Central High School, where he played varsity basketball all four years. During his senior year in 2007, Gordon achieved legendary status at North Central by scoring 43 points in a game against Loyola Academy of Wilmette, Illinois, which featured Michael Jordan’s sons, Jeffrey and Marcus. That game was broadcast on ESPN. He went on to score 50 points twice during the season and led North Central to the Indiana 4A title game. Gordon averaged 29 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 57 percent from the field, 77.9 percent from the free-throw line, and 46.2 percent from three-point range.
Path to Professional Basketball
Gordon’s exceptional high school performance earned him Indiana’s Mr. Basketball award in 2007, along with McDonald’s All-American honors. Rivals.com ranked him as the nation’s number two high school prospect in the class of 2007, trailing only Michael Beasley. During his AAU career, Gordon played on teams alongside future NBA players including Mike Conley Jr., Josh McRoberts, Daequan Cook, Derrick Rose, and Greg Oden, further sharpening his skills against top competition.
Gordon initially committed to play at the University of Illinois under coach Bruce Weber but later switched his commitment to Indiana University after Kelvin Sampson became the Hoosiers’ head coach. Gordon signed his National Letter of Intent with Indiana on November 8, 2006. At Indiana, he wore number 23 and quickly proved himself as one of the top collegiate players in the nation. He finished his freshman season leading the Big Ten in scoring at 21.5 points per game and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Third-team All-American, and First-team All-Big Ten. Gordon set records at Indiana and in the Big Ten with 669 points scored, making him IU’s all-time leading freshman scorer. He announced his entry into the 2008 NBA Draft on April 4, 2008.
Eric Ambrose Gordon Jr. Career
Los Angeles Clippers (2008–2011)
Gordon was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. He made an immediate impact during summer league play, scoring 23 points in his first NBA Summer League game in Las Vegas and averaging 19 points across two summer league games. On January 23, 2009, Gordon set a Clippers franchise record with 41 points scored by a rookie, a record later broken by Blake Griffin. He was named NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January and averaged 16.1 points per game, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting and earning unanimous selection to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
During the 2009-10 season, Gordon participated in the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend, competing in the inaugural Sprite All-Star Slam Dunk-In against DeMar DeRozan. He was also selected to the sophomore team for the T-Mobile NBA Rookie Challenge. Gordon improved his scoring to 22.3 points per game in the 2009-10 season, along with 2.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists, and led the Clippers in scoring 16 times. He was later named to the 2010-12 USA Men’s National Team Program.
New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2011–2016)
On December 14, 2011, Gordon was traded to the New Orleans Hornets in a major deal that sent Chris Paul to the Clippers. In his Hornets debut against the Phoenix Suns, Gordon recorded 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, hitting the game-winning shot with 4.2 seconds remaining for an 85-84 victory. However, he was later diagnosed with cartilage damage in his right knee and underwent arthroscopic surgery in February 2012, missing significant time. Despite the injury-shortened season, Gordon averaged 20.6 points per game in just nine games played.
After a injury-plagued 2012-13 season, Gordon bounced back during the 2013-14 season, scoring 35 points against the Houston Rockets in January and finishing the season averaging 15.4 points per game. During the 2014-15 season, Gordon overcame a torn left labrum that caused him to miss 21 games but still managed to shoot 44.8 percent from three-point range, ranking second in the league behind Kyle Korver. The Pelicans qualified for the playoffs that year, and Gordon recorded 29 points in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Golden State Warriors.
Houston Rockets (2016–2023)
Gordon signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets on July 9, 2016. He made an immediate impact, setting an NBA record with 180 three-pointers made in 49 games off the bench during the 2016-17 season. Gordon won the Three-Point Contest during the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend, edging out Kyrie Irving in the final round. He was subsequently named NBA Sixth Man of the Year, becoming the first player in franchise history to receive the award after averaging 16.2 points per game in 75 games.
During the 2017-18 season, Gordon scored a season-high 33 points against the Utah Jazz and played a crucial role in the Rockets’ run to the Western Conference Finals. In Game 5 of the Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Gordon scored 24 points off the bench and his steal on the Warriors’ last possession secured a 98-94 victory that gave Houston a 3-2 series lead. The Rockets ultimately lost the series in seven games.
Gordon signed a four-year, $75.6 million contract extension with the Rockets in September 2019. On January 27, 2020, he scored a career-high 50 points on 14-of-22 field goal shooting in a win against the Utah Jazz, becoming the third Rocket that season to score 40 or more points and the first player other than James Harden to score 50 or more points in 24 years. Gordon continued to battle injuries throughout his Rockets tenure, with knee and groin issues limiting his availability in subsequent seasons.
Phoenix Suns (2023–2024)
On July 6, 2023, Gordon signed with the Phoenix Suns on a two-year, $6.5 million contract. He appeared in 68 games for Phoenix during the 2023-24 season, averaging 11.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. On June 27, 2024, Gordon opted out of his player option to become a free agent.
Philadelphia 76ers (2024–Present)
Gordon signed a two-year, $6.7 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 10, 2024. He played in 39 games for Philadelphia during the 2024-25 season, averaging 6.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. On February 26, 2025, Gordon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist, requiring a three-month recovery period that ended his season. On June 29, 2025, Gordon declined his $3.4 million player option and entered free agency before re-signing with the 76ers on July 1, 2025, on a one-year, $3.6 million contract. Gordon appeared in six games for Philadelphia during the 2025-26 season, averaging 5.5 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gordon is renowned for his exceptional three-point shooting ability and quick release, making him a constant threat from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess allows him to contribute effectively both as a starter and as a sixth man, which earned him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. Gordon possesses strong driving ability and can create his own shot, showing versatility in his offensive approach. His experience playing alongside elite players like Chris Paul, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook has refined his basketball IQ and ability to play within different team systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Gordon has achieved several significant milestones including winning the NBA Three-Point Contest in 2017, earning NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors that same year, and scoring a career-high 50 points against the Utah Jazz in January 2020. His recruitment battle between Indiana and Illinois during high school garnered national attention, and his performance in the 2010 FIBA World Championship helped Team USA win a gold medal. Gordon’s consistency from three-point range has made him a valuable role player throughout his career, and he set the NBA record for most three-pointers made while coming off the bench in a single season during the 2016-17 campaign.
Eric Ambrose Gordon Jr. Career Highlights
Gordon has accumulated numerous achievements across his professional and collegiate career, establishing himself as one of the premier shooting guards of his generation. His ability to contribute as both a starter and reserve has made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for, and his three-point shooting ability remains a constant threat to opposing defenses.
NBA Achievements
Gordon’s NBA career highlights include winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2017, capturing the NBA Three-Point Contest championship in 2017, and being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2009. He set the NBA record for most three-pointers made by a reserve in a season with 180 during the 2016-17 campaign. Gordon has appeared in multiple playoff series and played crucial minutes in high-stakes games, including his defensive stand in Game 5 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals. His career scoring high stands at 50 points achieved in January 2020 against Utah.
International Competition
Gordon represented the United States in the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, where he helped the team win a gold medal with a perfect 9-0 record. He averaged 8.6 points per game and finished second on the team in three-pointers made with 19 and second in three-point percentage at 45.2 percent. In August 2023, FIBA permitted Gordon to switch his national team allegiance to The Bahamas, where his mother is from. He played at the 2024 Olympics Pre-Qualifying Tournament and led the Bahamas in scoring with 27 points in the championship game to help the team qualify for subsequent Olympic qualifying tournaments.
Eric Ambrose Gordon Jr. Family
Family Background
Gordon comes from a basketball-oriented family. His father, Eric Gordon Sr., played basketball at Liberty University and still ranks as the school’s 18th-leading scorer. His mother, Denise, is originally from Nassau, The Bahamas, which explains Gordon’s Bahamian heritage and his later decision to represent The Bahamas in international competition. Gordon has two younger brothers, Evan and Eron, both of whom played college basketball at various programs including Liberty, Arizona State, Indiana, Seton Hall, and Valparaiso University.
Personal Life
Outside of basketball, Gordon opened Eric Gordon’s Greek’s Pizzeria in Bloomington, Indiana, in November 2020. The restaurant is located directly across from Memorial Stadium. Gordon maintains an active presence on social media with verified accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). His Bahamian heritage has remained important throughout his life, leading to his eventual decision to represent The Bahamas internationally after receiving FIBA approval in August 2023.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers saw Gordon appearing in 39 games, starting 13 of them, while averaging 6.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His scoring average represented a decrease from his career norms, as injuries played a factor in his performance throughout the season. On February 26, 2025, Gordon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist, which required approximately three months of recovery and effectively ended his season. The injury came at a challenging time for Gordon as he was working to establish his role within the 76ers’ rotation.
Following the season, Gordon declined his $3.4 million player option on June 29, 2025, entering free agency. However, he quickly re-signed with the 76ers on July 1, 2025, on a one-year, $3.6 million contract, demonstrating his commitment to remaining with the organization. Gordon appeared in six games during the early portion of the 2025-26 season, averaging 5.5 points per game before a significant roster change occurred. On February 5, 2026, Gordon and the right to swap second-round picks in 2032 were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the draft rights to Justinian Jessup. The following day, Gordon was waived by the Grizzlies, making him available for other teams. Despite the mid-season transition, Gordon’s career continues as he remains a free agent seeking his next opportunity in the NBA.