Suns vindicated for letting former guard walk in free agency

The Phoenix Suns have won seven of their first eight and feel like the team everyone thought they could be last season. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are arguably the best scoring trio in the league, and their massive spending makes it a championship or bust season in the Valley. Key offseason additions have enhanced their roster, including replacing a veteran scorer with a defensive-minded rookie.

The Suns relied heavily on Eric Gordon last season. He averaged 11.0 points, 2.0 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 27.8 minutes per game. Phoenix lacked a true point guard, which made fitting Gordon around their Big 3 easier. He did not solve the Suns’ defensive questions, but his ability to score and space the floor made him a crucial part.

Gordon left Phoenix to sign a two-year contract with the 76ers. He is making the minimum salary this season as the Suns clearly moved on. Phoenix is not regretting that decision.

Suns vindicated for letting Eric Gordon leave in free agency

The 35-year-old is off to a rough start. The Sixers have dealt with injuries to all three of their stars and have won just one of their first seven games. With their top players out, they desperately need some scoring punch, but Gordon is struggling to be that option.

The 6’3 guard averaged 7.0 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 rebounds in 21.1 minutes over his first seven contests with the Sixers. He is shooting just 40.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent on his 3-point attempts. Take out a 15-point performance in Philly’s lone win and Gordon’s numbers are downright atrocious to begin this season.

The 76ers are 27th in offensive rating so far. Their points per 100 possessions slightly improves with Gordon on the floor, but Philadelphia has a 120.8 defensive rating in those minutes. That would be the worst mark in the NBA with the Pelicans and Raptors currently tied at 119.9. Gordon’s defense has long been problematic, but his offensive game is no longer making up for it.

The Suns have Tyus Jones and Ryan Dunn playing his minutes this season. The point guard’s ability to organize their offense and limit turnovers has done wonders. His stats may not leap off the screen, but Jones is helping Phoenix win. Dunn is a stout defender who is quickly proving to be a coveted 3-and-D wing. The Suns are much better off without Gordon and his play in Philadelphia is only further proving that point.

The Phoenix Suns hope to continue building on their fast start. They have the talent to be a serious contender but need everything to fall into place. Things have been strong so far, but stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.