On the season, Gordon – who turns 20 on Christmas Day – is averaging 8.1 points, 2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game and has appeared in 23 games with 10 starts. Among all rookies, Gordon currently ranks 5th in free-throw percentage (80%), 6th in steals (1.04) and 9th in assists. But as any NBA novice will attest, there is a sharp learning curve that comes with your first season in the league. His head coach seconds the motion.
While Dunleavy believes Gordon "still has a lot to learn" he applauds the rookies' individual defense. Now he'd like to see Gordon be more aggressive offensively.
"I think he gets that way some just like any other young guy," Dunleavy said when asked if Gordon is hesitant with the ball in his hands.
"You are dealing with a confidence level. I've been really pleased with where he is defensively. We put him on really tough guys and he's responded well. He's still got a lot to learn."
With roughly nine weeks into the NBA season, Gordon is starting to realize the facets of his game that need fine-tuning. He knows he plays sound defense. He wants to "be more consistent with hitting shots" and "moving without the ball a little more." Even still, the Clippers couldn't be more pleased with Gordon's progress despite the teams overall struggles this season.
"We like Eric because he has the overall ability to play the game," added Dunleavy.
"What's important to me is how he defends, how hard he plays and how he attacks the rim. He does a lot of good things for us every night."
HoopsWorld
