11 Houston Rockets' role players who will never be forgotten

9. Eric Gordon

When the Rockets signed Eric Gordon in 2016, the expectations were low. The salary cap spiked and the Rockets had to spend the money, so they shelled out major dough to the oft-injured shooting guard.

Gordon emerged as the Rockets' third-wheel during their title runs, due to his ability to anchor down defensively. On the other end, Gordon was great at slashing and finishing at the rim, but was also a formidable long-range shooter.

Gordon held Donovan Mitchell in check in multiple postseasons and rose to the occasion during the Rockets' duels against the Golden State Warriors in the late 2010s. Gordon spent the last several reasons of his Rockets career serving as a mentor for the younger, rebuilding franchise and was held in high regard by the front office.

In seven seasons in Houston, Gordon posted averages of 15.7 points, 42.1 percent from the field, 36 percent from behind the arc (7.7 attempts), and 80.5 percent from the free throw line, and ranks second in franchise history in 3-point field goals behind only James Harden.