Former NBA Star Drew Gordon Tragically Dies in Car Crash at 33

Drew Gordon a former basketball player who played for UCLA and New Mexico before joining the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA sadly passed away on Thursday. He was driving a three wheeled vehicle in Portland Oregon when the accident happened. Authorities confirmed that he was 33 years old.

Drew Gordon who grew up in San Jose and was a top high school basketball player at Archbishop Mitty High School died in a two vehicle crash. The accident happened on South Springwater Road near South Stevens Road in Clackamas County.

The Clackamas County Sheriff Office shared this information on Friday in a news release. Deputies sent to the scene shortly after 1:00pm.

Gordon who lived in Oregon City was driving a Vanderhall Carmel three wheeled vehicle. He died at the scene. The other vehicle a GMC Sierra pickup was driven by Rodrigo Navarro Quinor of Oregon City. Quinor and a passenger were taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries. According to the Sheriff Office.

Drew Gordan’ Professional Career:

Gordon expected to be a second round pick in the NBA draft 2012. But he was not selected. He collaborate with the Dallas Mavericks for NBA summer league 2012.

On 20 August, 2012 Drew signed 1 year contract with the Partizan Belgrade. However, he left the team on March 26, 2013 due to some reasons. In his 10 games in the Euro league he got 9.1 points further 7.5 rebounds per game.

On April 3, 2013 he sign with the Italian team Dinamo Sassari. Later Dinamo lost in the quarter final of the playoffs to Cantu in a close series 4-3.

In July 2013, Drew Gordon play for Utah Jazz in the Orlando summer league. While it for the Sacramento Kings in the Las Vegas summer league. Then he sign with the Turkish team Banvit. Where he average 3.6 points and 3 rebounds per game over 5 games in the Turkish Basketball League. On 28 December, 2013, he return to play for Dinamo Sassari.

On 7 August, 2015, Drew Gordon sign with Champagne Chalons Reims in the French LNB Pro A league for the 2015 to 2016 season. During his time there he play in 30 games and had impressive stats average 14.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He had 13 double and ended up with an average efficiency rating of 19.5. As rank him second in rebounds per game and overall efficiency rating for the season.

On 28 December, 2015 Gordon honored as the MVP of the fifteenth matchday recognize him as the best player of the week. He select to play in the 2015 LNB all star game held at the Accor hotels Arena in Paris.

On 30 August, 2016 Drew Gordon sign with the Lithuanian club Lietuvos for 2016 to 2017 season.

On 11 July, 2017 he merged with the Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg. Then on 12 October, 2018 Gordon signed with the Brooklyn Nets. But released just a day later. After that he join the Nets G League team the Long Island Nets.

Drew Gordon journey in basketball saw him as make significant moves around the world. In 2019 he signed with Stelmet Zielona Gora in Poland’s PLK league. The following year he joined Avtodor in the VTB United League. In 2021 he moved to Lokomotiv Kuban. Further in the VTB United League. Where he put impressive numbers averaging 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

In 2021 Gordon ventured into the Ukrainian basketball super league by joining Budivelnyk. The following year he made a move to Japan for signing with Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka.

After a successful and diverse career Drew Gordon announced his retirement from professional basketball on July 12, 2023.

Drew Gordon’s Successful Transfer to New Mexico:

Drew Gordon switched to playing for New Mexico and really thrived there. He start in 53 out of 61 games. He had great stats as average 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds over two seasons.

As a senior I feel as I am in better place Gordon told in November 2011. I had great teammates at UCLA and feel the same about my teammates here. Play for Coach Steve Alford has an amazing experience.

The New Mexico men basketball program share on Thursday night. We deeply saddened by the loss of Drew Gordon. He was a fantastic player for us, earning all conference honors twice and played a key role in winning the 2012 Mountain West title.

Gordon did not get drafted after college but he joined the 76ers organization. They express their condolences to Gordon family and friends in the morning of Friday.

During 2014 to 2015 season Drew Gordon play nine games with the 76ers average 1.9 points and two rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game. He also play 41 games with the organization G-league team the Delaware blue coats. Where he average 13 points and 10.6 rebounds in 32.9 minutes per game.

Additionally Gordon play 35 games for the Long Island Nets the G-league affiliate of the Brooklyn nets during 2018-19 season. In those games he average 7.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game.

Drew Gordon not just a teammate, but my roommate and a brother to me Gideon Gamble. Who play alongside Gordon on the blue coats, shared on X. He always supported me, even when I was not playing, and celebrated my successes on the court. His family, including his parents and wife welcomed me as one of their own. My thoughts and love are with them during this difficult time.

Drew Gordon’s basketball career took him to different countries. Where he even became an All-Star player in Italy and Russia. However when Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022 Gordon along with his wife Angela and their two young children Zayne and Brody decided to leave and settle in Denver near his brother and parents.

Speaking to ESPN Andscape in 2022, Gordon reflected on his experiences said, My family and I have been fortunate to travel all over the world and experience different cultures. Whether it was living in big cities like Russia, Turkey, France, or Greece, we have had the opportunity to be part of those unique lifestyles and communities.