Hornets Target Rivers to Replace Gordon?
Eric Gordon has made no secret of his intent to explore his employment options, a right he has earned as a restricted free agent. No malice should be directed toward the Hornets shooting guard, and great for him if he can draw a $16-million-plus per year, multi-year contract from an NBA team that New Orleans will have the option to match.
But that partially underscores why the franchise should use that No. 10 pick on Austin Rivers, a 6-foot-5 combo guard who might be less of a risk at that position than other players who’ve been projected to be available in that slot.
First, the Hornets just might need a replacement for Gordon if he draws an offer the franchise believes it doesn’t want to match — and matching an offer might be likely, but absolutely isn’t a guarantee.
Second, it might need a replacement for Gordon a little later than sooner if he doesn’t get an offer or doesn’t attract one he likes, has to play out the remaining year of his current contract in New Orleans, makes it known he doesn’t want to play in New Orleans and decides to force a trade or to leave as a free agent.
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