NBA Rumors: Could the Charlotte Hornets chase Eric Gordon?

The Charlotte Hornets enjoyed a fantastic turnaround during the 2013-14 season, their final year as the Bobcats. [category-related]

After hiring former Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers’ assistant coach Steve Clifford, signing former Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz big man Al Jefferson and properly developing point guard Kemba Walker, the Bobcats saw their hard work pay off, finishing 43-39 and returning to the postseason for the first time since 2010. Although the Miami Heat swept the Hornets, it was a great year and could help turn the franchise into a winner for next few years.

The next step, of course, is improving the roster. The team was very interested in Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol, who is set to become a free agent, during the season, but signing him seems like a long shot.

The Bobcats would love to improve their shooting because most of their problems are on offense. One player that certainly can be had in a trade is oft-injured New Orleans Pelicans’ guard Eric Gordon.

Rick Bonnell and Ben Weinrib of The Charlotte Observer wonder if acquiring Gordon could be worth the risk.

"Yes, this is a long shot, but it might be worth a call. Gordon doesn’t seem particularly happy as a New Orleans Pelican and that franchise has invested heavily in two players (Gordon and Tyreke Evans) who seem somewhat redundant. The question becomes whether Gordon is worth about $15 million each of the next two seasons…… Gordon would fit the Hornets’ need for shooting and scoring and add to their trips to the foul line."

Gordon is obviously a risk because of injury history, but he played in 64 games last season, averaging 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.