Houston Rockets: Five players who will earn an NBA award

#2 Eric Gordon – Sixth Man of the year

Eric Gordon could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the James Harden trade considering his scoring potential. Despite averaging only 14.3 points-per-game this season, Gordon is actually having a good season.

Through seven games has averaged 25.6 minutes-per-game, however, his per 36-minute stats show that this is one of his better seasons statistically. Gordon’s 20.1 points per 36 minutes is his best showing since the 2017-18 season.

In addition, he is shooting 43.4 percent from the field which is so far his best season as a Houston Rocket. His shot distribution has primarily been from behind the 3-point line where has been struggling. 29-percent of his shots have been inside of the three-point line, which Gordon is converting at a career-high rate of 77.3-percent.

Eric Gordon last earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2017 when he played his first season with Houston Rockets. That season, Gordon was the team’s second-leading scorer and this season could play out similarly for the 32-year-old guard.

Unlike previous seasons, he has found scoring opportunities playing with the ball as his unassisted 2-point field goal percentage is 88-percent, which is a career-high. Harden’s departure from the team will allow Gordon to thrive on offense as last year he thrived when given a larger role.

Last season, against the Utah Jazz on the road, Gordon scored a career-high 50 points without Harden, Westbrook, or Capela in uniform. Gordon wasn’t a world-beater every night but it offers some insight into his scoring ability if he is given a larger piece of the pie on offense.

Gordon had expressed his frustration over his role in the past while playing under Mike D’Antoni. This was largely due to him being in and out of the starting lineup which can often throw a player’s rhythm off.

Under Stephen Silas, Gordon will look to re-establish his role as the team’s go-to sixth man this season. If Gordon can regain his confidence, expect him to have a bounce-back year, and be a candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year.

Next: Player No. 1