Houston Rockets shooting guard Eric Gordon has surprisingly lost 15 pounds over the offseason, knowing he was bound for an increased role coming into the 2018-19 season. The Indiana product was listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds last season, but has slimmed down to an even 200, giving him a more maneuverable frame to handle his new role in the backcourt.
“Yea, you know, I’m probably going to be playing a little more minutes this year,” Gordon told Kelly Iko of The Athletic. “So I think losing weight will help me have a good start.”
Gordon has always had a beefy frame as long as he has been in the NBA, sporting a Baron Davis-like frame with the strength of a sturdy Chauncey Billups, able to back down smaller guards and shed contact with relative ease.
The 2017 Sixth Man of the Year noted the change was something he expects to carry over the course of the long season, hoping carrying less weight will translate into less wear and tear after the 82-plus games the Rockets are bound to play.
“You feel better as the year goes along,” said Gordon. “Especially when you get to the playoffs.”
Gordon was never considered overweight or out of shape, but he's hoping this weight loss helps his all-around stamina, as the Rockets are bound to put the ball in his hands a good amount to make the most of his playmaking skills, as well as his shooting ability.
The 29-year-old will take part in a three-guard lineup, likely asking him to defend players much bigger than him, as well as smaller, shifty point guards.
All in all, Gordon's new and improved frame shows the focus this roster has put forward in hopes of returning to the big stage in 2019 and getting another crack at reaching the NBA Finals.
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