Recent days gave us many bright events. Many people discuss Mike James with CSKA teammates and Khimki leaders withdrawal. Thus, news about Drew Gordon’s trade from Avtodor to Loko isn’t on the first page. It’s explainable. There is no controversy. Anyway, this trade shows both sides’ interests.
Why Avtodor let Gordon go
This summer Gordon came to Avtodor as a potential team leader. Money isn’t discussed in European basketball but, rumor has it, the center signed a solid contract with Saratov. However, the American was definitely overpaid. Efficiency diagram of some of this season games proves it.
As the diagram shows Gordon had some bright games. But such performances happened rare. However, bad games took place more often. For a star player for Avtodor the situation was depressing.
For some time center instability wasn’t harming team’s success. In October-December Avtodor took 5 victories in a row. Anyway, bad streak started soon. In last 6 games Avtodor were defeated 5 consecutive times. In those games Gordon looked mediocre.
Avtodor head Vladimir Rodionov doesn’t regret parting with poor price/quality assets. Although Drew’s trade was a surprise it’s explainable. Even Avtodor fans don’t feel sorry about it. It highlights the fact that the American hasn’t become the leader on and off the court.
Saratov signed Dusan Ristic to replace Gordon. This looks interesting. Last season in Astana the Serbian finished averaging double-double, 15,7 points and 10,9 rebounds. In addition, the center showed his stability throughout the whole season avoiding failures.
Why Loko need Gordon
This season Loko suffer from short bench. There are a lot of young Russian players that are still not ready to play consistently at a high level. The lack athleticism, experience and quality. Loko’s bench was questionable at the start of the season but after Alan Williams got injury the situation got worse. They need one more powerful frontcourt player.
Krasnodar receive the player the wanted. He is experienced individually strong players. He is well-built, doesn’t fear playing physical in the paint and is a good one-on-one player. Sure, Drew hardly can replace red hot Williams. But this signing is essential for rotation.
Why is it Gordon
As for skills, Gordon is probably not the best player Kuban could have signed. But there are some secondary arguments in Drew’s favor that could be crucial for Loko’s front office.
Gordon’s main advantage is that he had experience playing in Russia. Moreover, the player is in good shape. These two factors mean that the center is ready for the game right now. They don’t have to wait while the foreigner get visa and get quarantined. Since coronavirus happened these moments steal lots of time. Early January signed American guard Nigel Williams-Goss hasn’t debuted yet after 4 weeks.
Back to Gordon, his another advantage is bright games against Loko. This season Avtodor ex-center spent his best game against Kuban. That game the American forced overtime with incredible three, he was impressive overall. His stat line was 27 points and 15 rebounds.
If Gordon didn’t succeed in Avtodor can he in Loko?
Loko fans wonder the most if Drew manages to fit into team’s system. At least, Gordon has everything not to get lost on Kuban roster. His Avtodor stats shouldn’t be taken into consideration. He’ll have more skilled teammates in Krasnodar. It means that Gordon won’t be in the public eye, and he’ll get more handy assists.
Loko style must fit American. They love playing pick’n’rolls and guards Cummings and Kalnietis love to make passes to the paint. In this system Gordon will have many easy shots that he likes to convert.
The main Gordon’s problem is his emotions. However, Loko’s head coach Evgeny Pashutin is expected to handle it. He saw many moody players and has an experience of working with them. Additionally, Drew probably won’t be the top star player.
To conclude, Gordon’s trade from Avtodor to Loko is deal that’s profitable for both sides. Saratov let expensive and inefficient player go. With this signing Kuban solved rotation problems and got individually strong player at defense and offense.
