Very few players in the league today are criticized as much as Pelicans guard Eric Gordon. Ever since he was signed to a max extension by the then-Hornets, he has held the team’s salary cap hostage and has done so mostly by sitting on the bench in a suit.

Gordon has never played more than 65 games in a season, and is probably having the worst year of his career. Regardless, the Pelicans desperately need him on the floor — and here’s why.

On November 22nd against the Utah Jazz, Gordon suffered a torn labrum and went out indefinitely. At the time of his injury he had been having an atrociously inefficient season. Gordon played 12 games and averaged 9.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 39% from the floor and 34% from three.

Despite his seemingly absent production, the Pelicans were 7-5 and looked like one of the better teams in the West. Anthony Davis was shocking the league and it seemed that with a little luck, the young squad could sneak into the post season.

Nov 22, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) hurts his shoulder during the second quarter and would leave the game against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans were averaging 103.9 points a game which was 7th in the league right behind the Portland Trailblazers, while also shooting 46.1% from the floor, good for 10th in the league.

In addition to the team’s overall efficiency, they also had one of the best starting fives in the entire NBA. The Pelicans starting squad of Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Anthony Davis and Omer Asik had a 110.2 offensive rating, a 98.3 defensive rating, and were +11.9 when they shared the floor together.

Since Gordon went down the team has regressed in all those areas.

Since November 22nd the team has produced 100.5 points a game which places them at 20th in the league, they are shooting 45.3% from the floor which is 15th in the league and shooting 31.8 from 3 which is… wait for it… 27th in the league.

The team has also been below .500 since the injury which makes it clear that despite Gordon’s regression, his presence is absolutely necessary for the team to succeed overall and remain efficient.

The starting lineup has been a huge disappointment as well. Since replacing Gordon with Luke Babbit, the starters are producing a 99.4 offensive rating, a 108.1 defensive rating, and are a net -8.7 when sharing the floor.

In almost every single quantifiable area the team has produced worse results since Gordon went down, which is completely bizarre since he was producing at such an embarrassing individual level.

The best answer as to why is probably because even though Gordon was underperforming, he’s still better than the majority of the Pelican’s bench.

The Pelicans were playing Jimmer Fredette against the Spurs in overtime this week, and though Dante Cunningham has been a pleasant surprise, this team needs depth like Luke Babbitt needs a haircut.

Dec 30, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) celebrates with guard Jimmer Fredette (32) after a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of a game at Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless of the reason, Pelicans fans should be optimistic going into the New Year. According to ESPN, the Pelicans have had the 2nd toughest schedule in the NBA thus far, only trailing the Los Angeles Lakers.

They have gone 9-8 in December which is by far their most difficult month, and the rest of the season includes a nice collection of home stretches and Eastern Conference road-trips to balance out their record.

Eric Gordon is set to return to the team on Sunday and his presence with the starters will prove to be a huge help to the team, even if he continues to struggle individually. Gordon has averaged 17.2 points a game for his career and will likely find his shot and return to at least being an above average starter.

This year’s Pelicans are one of the most confusing teams in the league, and even though the team is 16-16 Pelicans fans can trust that things should only improve from here. One thing is clear though: as the roster currently stands, Eric Gordon is an integral part of this team’s ability to win.