Eric Gordon and Aaron Gordon are two well-known basketball players in the NBA who share a common last name and a love for the sport. While they have both made significant contributions to their teams and the league as a whole, there is a common misconception that they are related.
In this article, we will explore the backgrounds and careers of Eric and Aaron Gordon, highlighting their similarities and differences in playing style and achievements. Additionally, we will examine why the misconception of their relation exists and clear up any confusion surrounding their familial ties.
Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or simply interested in learning more about these two talented players, read on to discover more about Eric and Aaron Gordon.
Are Eric Gordon and Aaron Gordon Brothers?
There is a common misconception that Eric Gordon and Aaron Gordon are brothers, but this is not true. Despite having the same last name and being professional basketball players in the NBA, they are not related.
Eric Gordon was born on December 25, 1988, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Indiana University for one year before declaring for the 2008 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Aaron Gordon, on the other hand, was born on September 16, 1995, in San Jose, California. He played one year of college basketball at the University of Arizona before being drafted by the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA draft.
Despite not being related, both Eric and Aaron Gordon have had successful careers in the NBA. Eric is currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, while Aaron is playing for the Denver Nuggets. Both have participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, with Aaron finishing as the runner-up in 2016 and 2020.
Eric Gordon
Eric Gordon is a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. He was born on December 25, 1988, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and had a successful basketball career both in high school and college. After playing for Indiana University for one year, he declared for the 2008 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Early Life and Basketball Career
Eric Gordon began playing basketball at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He attended North Central High School in Indianapolis, where he was a McDonald’s All-American and won several awards and accolades for his performance on the court. He also played for the United States national team at the 2007 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he won a gold medal.
After high school, Gordon attended Indiana University, where he played for one year and was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He averaged 20.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game and helped lead the Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament.
Nba Draft and Early Years in the League
In 2008, Eric Gordon declared for the NBA draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the seventh overall pick. He quickly made a name for himself in his rookie season, averaging 16.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Over the next few years, Gordon continued to improve his game and establish himself as a top shooting guard in the league. He played for the Clippers until 2011 when he was traded to the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) in exchange for Chris Paul. Gordon struggled with injuries during his time in New Orleans but still managed to average 17.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Current Team and Accomplishments in the Nba
In 2016, Eric Gordon signed with the Houston Rockets as a free agent. He had a successful first season with the team, averaging 16.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game and winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. He helped lead the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals but ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors.
In 2019, Gordon signed a four-year contract extension with the Rockets. He continued to play a key role on the team, providing scoring and outside shooting as a starter and off the bench. In the 2020 playoffs, he averaged 17.8 points per game and helped the Rockets advance to the second round.
In 2021, Eric Gordon was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he currently plays. He continues to be a valuable contributor to the team, providing scoring, outside shooting, and veteran leadership. Throughout his career, he has been named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, and participated in the 3-Point Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Eric Gordon has had a successful basketball career, both in college and the NBA. He has established himself as a top shooting guard in the league and continues to be a valuable contributor to his current team, the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite struggling with injuries at times, he has persevered and achieved many accolades and accomplishments throughout his career.
Aaron Gordon
Early Life and Basketball Career
Aaron Gordon was born on September 16, 1995, in San Jose, California. He attended Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, where he played basketball under head coach Tim Kennedy. In his senior year, he led the team to a state championship and was named the California Mr. Basketball.
Gordon then committed to play college basketball at the University of Arizona, where he played for one season before declaring for the NBA draft. In his freshman year, he averaged 12.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game and was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team.
Nba Draft and Early Years in the League
On June 26, 2014, Aaron Gordon was selected with the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He joined the team for the 2014 NBA Summer League and signed with them on July 2, 2014.
In his rookie season, Gordon played in 47 games and started in 8 of them. He averaged 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. In the following season, he played in 78 games and started in 37 of them, improving his average to 9.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Gordon’s breakout season came in 2017-2018 when he averaged 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He also set a career-high with 40 points in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 26, 2018.
Current Team and Accomplishments in the Nba
In 2021, Aaron Gordon was traded to the Denver Nuggets in a four-team deal. Since joining the Nuggets, he has played a key role in the team’s success. In his first game with the team, he recorded 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Throughout his NBA career, Gordon has received numerous accolades. He participated in the Slam Dunk Contest in 2016, 2017, and 2020, finishing as the runner-up in 2016 and 2020. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2015 and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2021.
Off the court, Gordon has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He founded the AG Club, which provides resources and opportunities to underprivileged youth. He has also worked with the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Special Olympics.
Aaron Gordon has had a successful basketball career thus far, with notable achievements both on and off the court. As a key player on the Denver Nuggets, he continues to make an impact in the NBA.
Comparison of Eric and Aaron Gordon
When it comes to basketball, the Gordons are a name to reckon with. Eric and Aaron Gordon have both made their mark in the NBA and have become known for their athleticism and skills on the court. However, despite sharing the same last name and being NBA players, Eric and Aaron are not related. In this article, we will compare and contrast Eric and Aaron Gordon to highlight their similarities and differences.
Differences in Age and Background
The most apparent difference between Eric and Aaron Gordon is their age and background. Eric was born on December 25, 1988, in Indianapolis, Indiana, while Aaron was born on September 16, 1995, in San Jose, California.
Eric attended North Central High School in Indianapolis, where he was a McDonald’s All-American and a highly touted recruit. On the other hand, Aaron attended Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, where he was also a McDonald’s All-American and one of the top high school basketball players in the country.
Similarities in Basketball Careers and Playing Style
Despite the differences in their backgrounds, Eric and Aaron share several similarities in their basketball careers and playing style. Both are versatile players who can play multiple positions and are known for their athleticism, shooting ability, and defense. Eric and Aaron are also known for their ability to create their own shot and for being clutch players who can deliver in crunch time.
Another similarity between the two is their success in the NBA. Eric has played for several NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans. He has been named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year (2017) and has won the Three-Point Contest (2017). Aaron, on the other hand, has played for the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets. He has participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times and has been named the runner-up twice (2016, 2020).
Potential Reasons for the Misconception That They Are Brothers
The misconception that Eric and Aaron are brothers is not uncommon, and there are several potential reasons for this. One reason is their shared last name, which is relatively uncommon in the NBA. Additionally, both players are known for their athleticism and high-flying dunks, which can lead people to assume that they are related. Finally, the fact that they have both had successful careers in the NBA can also contribute to the belief that they are brothers.
While Eric and Aaron Gordon may not be related, they share several similarities in their basketball careers and playing style. Both players have become known for their athleticism, versatility, and ability to make plays when it matters most. However, their differences in age and background highlight the unique paths that they took to reach the NBA.
Comparison of Eric and Aaron Gordon in Basketball
| Eric Gordon | Aaron Gordon | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 | 27 |
| Height | 6’3″ | 6’8″ |
| Position | Shooting Guard | Power Forward |
| NBA Draft | 7th overall, 2008 | 4th overall, 2014 |
| Teams played for | Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers | Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets |
| Career Points per game | 15.7 | 12.5 |
| Career Rebounds per game | 2.6 | 6.3 |
| Career Assists per game | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| Career Steals per game | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Playing style | Good three-point shooter and scorer, solid defender | Athletic, good rebounder, and versatile defender |
| Awards and Honors | NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2017), All-Rookie First Team (2009) | Slam Dunk Contest runner-up (2016, 2020), All-Star Skills Challenge participant (2017), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020) |
FAQs
Are Eric and Aaron Gordon related in any way?
No, they are not related. Despite the common last name and being prominent basketball players, they do not share any familial relation.
Which team has Eric Gordon played for the longest?
Eric Gordon has played for the Houston Rockets for the longest duration of his career, from 2016 to 2021.
Has Aaron Gordon ever won any major NBA awards?
While Aaron Gordon has not won any major NBA awards, he has participated in several All-Star Weekend events, including the Slam Dunk Contest and the Skills Challenge.
Who has a higher career scoring average between Eric and Aaron Gordon?
Eric Gordon has a higher career scoring average of 15.7 points per game, compared to Aaron Gordon’s 12.5 points per game.
Have Eric and Aaron Gordon ever played on the same team?
No, Eric and Aaron Gordon have never played on the same team in the NBA.
Conclusion
Eric and Aaron Gordon are both accomplished basketball players in the NBA, but they are not related despite the common misconception. Eric has had a longer career in the league and has played for several teams, while Aaron is still in the early stages of his career and currently plays for the Denver Nuggets.
Despite their differences, they share some similarities in their playing style and have both participated in various NBA All-Star Weekend events. The confusion about their relation may stem from their shared last name and prominence in the basketball world.
Overall, Eric and Aaron Gordon are two talented players who have made significant contributions to the sport of basketball.
