This week, the Philadelphia 76ers started training camp in the Bahamas, to prepare for the start of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. In addition, Philly had a very active offseason this summer. As a result, Daryl Morey and the Sixers assembled one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in the league.
During this summer, one of the biggest acquisitions they made was signing Eric Gordon. Gordon will be a key role player for the Sixers and should bring much needed scoring to a second unit that needs it.
How Eric Gordon Can Level-Up His Skillset
Become Philly’s Sixth Man
Not having a consistent scoring threat off the bench has been one of the biggest weaknesses of multiple rosters built by the Sixers. Philly seems to have approached this offseason with the goal of making sure that they have a deeper second unit.
As a result, the sixth man role is open for someone to take, and Gordon is arguably the best to take that role with the second unit. Also, he should be a perfect fit at shooting guard or small forward if a starter gets injured.
Gordon becoming the sixth man for the Sixers should give them a dependable scorer off the bench, and someone who can be a veteran leader for the second unit. Additionally, Philly getting that sixth man role figured out will help them during the regular season and in the playoffs.
Become a Three-Point Assassin
Philly has been looking for players who can consistently hit three-pointers. Gordon is certainly a player who can do that. He made 37.8% of his three-point attempts last season, and playing in Philadelphia should open up more three-point opportunities for him. Gordon showcasing an accurate three-point stroke would be a huge development and would allow Philly to have one of the best offensive punches in the league.
As a result of more three-point shooting opportunities, Gordon should be able to increase his three-point shooting percentage to about 40% or more. That should open up the floor for Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. That will make the Sixers a nightmare for opposing teams to game-plan for, as they will have to pick their poison when playing them.
Improve As A Defender
Learning how to play defense from Nick Nurse, who is one of the best defensive minds in basketball will help Gordon improve as a defender. He is more known for his offense than his defense. However, if he can become a better defender that should give him more opportunities to be in the Sixers closing lineup.
Also, Gordon improving as a defender will add another dimension to Philly’s defensive scheme. Any team that wants to survive in the Eastern Conference needs multiple wing defenders on their roster. Gordon becoming a reliable defensive option for them would be a huge development.
Gordon and the second unit’s development will be a key factor in determining how far Philly goes this season. Doing all they can to make sure the second unit has as many contributors as possible is a huge need for Philly.
In addition, Gordon implementing these things into his skillset and taking that leap will help take Philly to the next level as a title contender this season and beyond.
