The Numbers Say Jrue Holiday Can’t Play With Eric Gordon

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Published: January 3, 2014

A little more than a week ago, I told you that Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday were the backcourt of the future, but it was more based on how great Tyreke was than anything having to do with Gordon. But now that we have more data of Jrue without Eric Gordon, due to his recent injury, the numbers are alarming. Check this out:

– When Jrue is on the court WITHOUT Gordon, he shoots 48.9% from the field and averages 21.25 points, 9 assists, and just 2.65 turnovers per 36 minutes. Oh, and the Pelicans are +7.4 per 36 minutes.

– When Jrue is on the court WITH Eric Gordon, he shoots just 43.8% and averages 14.45 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.5 turnovers per 36 minutes. And the Pelicans are just +.18 per 36 minutes.

– For those too lazy to do the math; Almost seven fewer points per 36, shooting 5.1% lower, .5 less assists while averaging nearly one more turnover. And most importantly, the team as a whole is 7.2 points worse per 36 minutes.

– Biggest change? Holiday gets to the basket far more often, as he takes 37.4% of his shots within 5 feet when Gordon is off the court and he makes 57% of those shots.

– The Pelicans offensive rating goes through the roof – 113.1 with Holiday on and Gordon off. 107.2 with both on. Pace doesn’t change much but the assist to turnover ratio is vastly improved. Also, this might be random, but Holiday’s offensive rebound percentage nearly doubles.

– Bringing this back to Tyreke vs. Gordon, Jrue’s numbers soar even higher when he is on the court with Tyreke. MUCH higher FG% and 3-point percentage. Fewer turnovers and nearly twice as many steals on a per minute basis. Pelicans are also 8.8 points per 36 better with Jrue and Tyreke on versus when Jrue is on w/o Tyreke.

Conclusion

This is just getting insane. The Jrue/Evans combo is fantastic and Jrue is obviously handcuffed playing with Gordon. I understand that Gordon’s contract makes him virtually untradeable right now, but putting him on the bench is a legitimate option and one Monty MUST explore. Not only does Holiday play better with Evans, but AD does too.

Moving Gordon to the bench allows you to still have some firepower in your second unit, and could even increase his trade value if he puts up quality numbers against opposing teams second units. But honestly, you can’t even worry about Gordon or his trade value. You have to do what is best for your team, and when you look at it that way, the choice is clear.

 

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