Finally, Eric Gordon will be back in uniform for the New Orleans Hornets, and his success — and the NBA-owned franchise’s ability to re-sign him this offseason — could go a long way in determining if the Chris Paul trade was the right move.

Gordon, 23, who was acquired in the trade that sent Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers before the season, will play against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday for the first time since Jan. 4.

Gordon has averaged 18.1 points and shot 45.1% for his career, and the Hornets (13-40) certainly could use his perimeter punch. Entering Tuesday they were the second-worst scoring team in the NBA at 88.9 points per game.

bvia J. Michael Falgoust of USA TODAY