'I knew I could play against anyone in the league after my first two starts' - A rookie Eric Gordon was full of confidence

Eric Gordon is one of those NBA players who has been around consistently for so long that we take his career for granted. The Philadelphia 76ers guard is in his 17th season, but the 35-year-old is posting the lowest numbers of his career and is currently sitting out of the rotation.

However, behind EG is a career filled with good numbers and meaningful contributions, which made Godon the ultimate role player. But when Eric started his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, the 6'3"guard was confident about succeeding in the Association.

"I knew I could play against anyone in this League after my first two starts. I had over 20 points in my first two games, and that just sent me off," Eric explained in a 2010 edition of SLAM Magazine.

Two-guard beast

Coming out of the Chicago high school scene and playing for the Indiana Hoosiers, Eric had a pedigree behind him entering the NBA in 2009, but he wasn't as hyped as some of his Draft classmates like Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, or Russell Westbrook. However, Gordon quickly shined for the Clippers.

EG averaged 16.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game and earned second-team All-Rookie Team honors. The Chicago native was looking ready for prime-time, and his yearly improvement raised his value around the Association.

"I have no say-so on who the Clippers bring in or get rid of, but I think I'm as good as the other two guards out there. I need more experience, but the way I'm playing now, I'll be just as good as anybody," Gordon added.

Different path

Unfortunately, Gordon's improvement led to him being part of the trade package that brought Chirs Paul to Los Angeles and created "Lob City," while Eric ended up becoming the newest member of the New Orleans Pelicans.

From there on, EG would have five good seasons in NOLA but never ultimately reach the All-Star level he expected. After the Pelicans stint, Gordon moved on to the most memorable chapter of his career, playing for the Houston Rockets and becoming the ultimate 6th man and sharpshooter.

Eric spent seven seasons in "H-Town" and played a crucial role in numerous deep playoff runs alongside James Harden. Gordon would even win the 6TMOY award in 2017, but the Rockets never managed to go all the way.

After his Houston stint, Eric would shortly return to the Clippers, play for the Phoenix Suns for one season, and eventually join Philly, where he is today. EG's time in the NBA is ticking away, but he managed to carve out a long and successful career that maybe could have had a couple of more awards or accolades if things had fallen into different places.