Los Angeles Clippers: No Issues Between Baron Davis and Eric Gordon

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In the Clippers backcourt, the question is the fit between Baron Davis and Eric Gordon. As a rookie last season, Gordon shined as a shot-maker, who could not only come off screens and spot up, but also create his own offense.

Gordon averaged 16 points, but got to the line a staggering five times per game, converting on 85 percent.

With Davis now healthy, he clearly wants to produce the way that made him a two-time NBA All-Star and one of the game’s most respected point guards.

Leading up to the season, I’ve heard the grumblings of concern that Davis might be stunting Gordon's growth. But I have no doubt that these two can co-exist in the backcourt.

First, Gordon is as emotionally mature of a kid as you’ll find for being just 20. He is a team-first guy who, despite his scoring prowess, doesn’t seem to mind doing less of it so long as the Clippers are winning.

But truthfully, he is too talented a player not to score. I’ve mentioned before how impressed I’ve been with Gordon’s ability to get to the cup and finish through contact.

We knew he could stroke the three when he left Indiana as a freshman, but what I failed to realize was how dynamic a playmaker he was.

Davis, on the other hand, is at the juncture in his career where he needs to win. He’s 30 (right in his prime) and the growth of another guard like Gordon will only help his quest for a championship.

This team is still a couple years away, but Davis is inked through 2013, and the momentum the Clippers can create this season could lead them into title contention down the road.

The improvement of Gordon will ultimately help Davis win.

Let’s examine further. Other than his individual ability, what has made Baron so successful in the past?

In his final season with Golden State (where he averaged 21.8 points and 7.6 assists) he had another killer scorer in Stephen Jackson, as well as the young Monta Ellis.

Gordon may lack the sheer explosiveness of Ellis, but is similar too, in that he is a smaller guard who knows how to create offense.

Davis is cerebral enough a player to understand the significance of a player like Gordon, and how much his growth can not only help him, but also help the Clippers as a whole.

He may take a couple less shots per game, but lots of those looks can go to driving and dishing to Gordon, who loves to shoot the triple.

I expect monstrous years from these two, and furthermore, I think the Clippers have a legitimate opportunity to make the playoffs.

I hope that answers the question.

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