Eric Gordon did not want to give up on the New Orleans Pelicans' season by undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Gordon envisions next season as his contract year, meaning he is planning to opt into his player option for 2015-16.

''When I came back, I didn't want to give up on this year because next year is a contract year for me,'' Gordon said. ''I definitely didn't want to give up on this team. I thought this was a special team and it's just good to see where we're at right now.''