Today, Eric Gordon took some time out of his day to talk to the media about the revamped team, his performance in the FIBA World Championships and the Clippers exhibition game against the Spurs in Mexico City.
Media: You have a new coaching staff. How would you describe the new defensive system that’s being put into play this season?
Eric Gordon: Since we have a young nucleus of players we’re really going to get after it. Since we’re so young we have a lot more energy to play full court.
Media: Can you talk a little bit about that experience and how you think your performance there helped you grow as a player and how that’s going to translate over to this upcoming NBA season?
EG: It just showed what type of player that I can be and it was a big confidence booster. It just taught me a lot of things about what I can do to help the team, the Clippers. It just helped out, just to get better playing with other players.
Media: The Clippers they’re a young team, you brought in some new talent for the season, plus Blake Griffin. Young, new coach. Talk about what you expect from a team level.
EG: You know I have high expectations of being a playoff team. We’re still young with a new coaching staff but as long as we keep working at it, working on our chemistry, I think we have a good chance.
Media: NBA has played a lot of games in Mexico. It’s a very popular league and sport in that country. What do you think the reception is going to be like with the fans? And what are you looking forward to most?
EG: It’s going to be a really good opportunity for any NBA team just to go in there, into Mexico City and play in front of all those fans because we know it’s going to be a great environment.
Breene Murphy: Eric, I’m curious to know how playing in these international environments has helped you play under different kinds of pressure and how you think that’s going to translate going forward?
EG: Yeah, playing in an international environment gives you a different focus. It brings you closer to your teammates. International play is a different style and the fans are just really into it. You just have to be even closer to your teammates and be focused.
BM: And then playing in Mexico, do you guys have any bonding rituals planned out before the game to start this season?
EG: I’m already experienced so I’m just going to tell the guys what we need to do to be focused. It’s just a game. And we’re just happy to play there.
Media: How have you improved your game from the World Championships? Are you a better player than last year?
EG: Yeah, I would say most definitely. Playing with this caliber of guys in the offseason just made me better. I‘m just coming with a better mindset. After this summer I’m just really tough minded. I’m just trying to get better each summer.
Media: Are you a better 3-point shooter than a year ago?
EG: Um, I probably would say so. I’ve always been a really good three-point shooter but this year I really focused on that with International Play and hopefully I carry it on throughout my career.
Thanks, Eric. We’re all wishing the best of luck this year.
