Eric Gordon (shoulder) is increasing his workload while rehabbing a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Gordon (shoulder) is increasing his workload while rehabbing a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis:

Gordon, who has missed more than five weeks, is attempting to avoid surgery and return to action in the near future. He took part in portions of Monday's practice, and his shooting motion did not appear to be affected. Still, coach Monty Williams is not ready to establish a potential return date. "How close? We are not sure," Williams said. "We are just going to – as we say – ramp him up to see where his conditioning is and to see how his shoulder responds to (doing) more and more each day." Back on Dec. 9, Gordon gave himself a "three-to-four week" timetable, which would place him back in early-January. However, it remains to be seen whether that will hold up, as Gordon will essentially be evaluated on a day-to-day basis going forward.