Clips' Gordon evolves into star scorer, defender (USA Today)

Post #1 » by **mkwest** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:12 am

"It was a good confidence-booster," Gordon said on the first day of the Clippers' training camp. "It shows where I am in my career. I really know what I can do now."

"Eric's aggressiveness at this level hasn't been commensurate with his skill," said Olshey, the longtime personnel executive who succeeded Mike Dunleavy. "He's going to get that into his game now, and I'll put him up against anybody in his draft class, and anybody with three years left on his deal. I think he's as good as any of them, but in his first two years, he has deferred a lot to veterans."

Olshey believes that mentality died in Europe, where Gordon came off the bench to average 8.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in the Americans' nine victories.

Del Negro and Olshey also expect Gordon to take a larger leadership role this fall. Veterans Baron Davis and Chris Kaman already say Gordon is recognized as a leader by example, but they would love to see him step up vocally <emdash /> something Gordon says he's willing to do.

"I'm just trying to step it up even more now," Gordon said. "I'm still young, but trying to be more vocal, to be more of a leader, is a big deal for me."

"Part of what holds Eric back is that he's got a quiet demeanor," Olshey said. "He's a kid from Indiana who just goes about his business, and I think that hurts him in people's perceptions of what he can do. After his performance for Team USA, a lot of that anonymity is going to go away, but he still doesn't make it about him. That's why he's a great guy to lead us in the future and change our culture."

Greg Beachem, AP/USA Today

Forte IV · Post #2 » by **Forte IV** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:41 am

I'm feeling 25 ppg from him

JJ LoDuca · Post #3 » by **JJ LoDuca** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 2:54 am

It's great that he's going into the season with confidence. Hopefully he turns into one of those scorers who demands the ball in the clutch--and delivers. We haven't had one of those types of guys since......well...... :roll:

RiversideClips · Post #4 » by **RiversideClips** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 4:24 am

I said 2 months ago, just after the 2nd last cut of Team U.S.A., Gordon will win Most Improved Player of 10-11.
If EJ stays healthy, the Clips will win over 40 games b/c of his leadership and finishing games.
EJ will bring down Staples this season!

mj_shoefanatic · Post #5 » by **mj_shoefanatic** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:26 pm

This dude has 20ppg scorer written all over him. Thank you Team USA from making him into a stud (No Bruno).

RiversideClips · Post #6 » by **RiversideClips** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 9:56 pm

I so agree w/ MJ_ SF // Thanks Team USA & the Coaching Staff!

Post #7 » by **thanumba2clippersfan** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 12:58 am

I could tell last season that EJ would sometimes deffer to other players. I hope that he becomes a real leader on this team this season. I'm glad that team USA could help his game and his confidence and I had a feeling that it would.

Post #8 » by **mkwest** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 4:21 am

I'm really looking forward to seeing the more confident EJ this season. He's really embracing the idea of being more outspoken and instrumental in the direction and success of this team.

I thought he would put up around 19ppg last season, but he wasn't get the touches and wasn't hitting his free-throws. If his free-throw shooting is more like it was his rookie season and he gets a few more touches, putting up 19 or 20 a game could be attainable.