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Houston Rockets: Eric Gordon has lost 15 pounds over the summer

By Tevin Williams

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 20: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a play against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 20, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 20: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a play against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 20, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Rockets guard Eric Gordon has lost 15 pounds over the summer in an effort to stay in better shape over the course of the season as he prepares for a heavier workload.

The Rockets’ lineup will look a little different next season than most expected. While a starting lineup featuring Chris Paul, James Harden, James Ennis, P.J. Tucker and Clint Capela looked likely at first, Mike D’Antoni is reportedly leaning towards replacing Ennis with Gordon as a starter.

Related Story. Starting Eric Gordon makes perfect sense

Gordon knows that he’s in line for an increased workload next season, so the 6-foot-4 guard has shed 15 pounds over the summer so that he can be more effective in his new role, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

“Yea, you know, I’m probably going to be playing a little more minutes this year. So I think losing weight will help me have a good start.”

Gordon averaged 31.2 minutes per game last season, but he’ll probably see a small uptick in minutes after the departures of Luc Mbah a Moute and Trevor Ariza. Gordon averaged 18 points per game last year, which was his highest scoring average since the 2011-12 season. Gordon’s scoring totals could increase again assuming he’s in the starting lineup.

The Rockets will also lean heavily on Gordon for defense as well. He’ll probably take a lot of Ariza’s assignments and that could cause extra wear and tear on Gordon’s body over the course of the season.

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Gordon spent five seasons with the Pelicans from 2011 to 2016 and he never played in more than 64 games in a season during that time period. Although, he’s been a lot healthier in Houston, as he has missed just 20 games over the last two seasons. Gordon says that Houston’s training staff has been huge in keeping him healthy over the last two years, according to The Athletic.

“It’s been great … It’s more of a credit to the training staff here; I think they’re the best. I just follow their lead and it’s helped me in the long haul.”

It’ll be interesting to see how Houston’s three guard starting lineup looks over the course of the regular season. With Gordon’s commitment to getting in tip-top shape, he should have a lot of success this season.

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