re: Gordon's first contact practice goes pretty well

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New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon was so excited Monday about participating in his first full-contact practice since October that he showed up at the New Orleans Arena two hours early. Other needing more conditioning work, Gordon practiced for two hours without having any problems or restrictions. He has missed all 27 games this season because of a patella tendon disorder and bone bruise in his right knee, which required arthroscopic surgery last season.

Although Gordon's first practice went off without a hitch, there remains no set timetable on his return. However, Gordon said he hopes to play in one of the final three games scheduled before this month ends. Coach Monty Williams said Gordon will not play Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic.

``I felt pretty good,'' Gordon said after Monday's practice.``I was just ready to get out there with the guys. It was full contact and I participated in every thing. Now it’s just the conditioning part.''

It was only Gordon's third contact practice he has participated in since training camp began this past October. He participated in two contact practices before the Hornets opened the regular season against the San Antonio Spurs, but he did not play because of recurring problems with his knee.

Before rejoining the team Saturday, Gordon had been in Los Angeles since early November going through extensive rehabilitation work to strengthen his knee.

``He looked pretty good out there at attacking the basket,'' Williams said after Monday's practice. ``He looked pretty encouraging, but we'll see how he feels tomorrow.''

More coming....

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