Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
I know that as members of the media, we're not supposed to get angry at players. That's the job of lowly fans. But man alive, Ben Gordon -- not coincidentally, a member of that pesky Class of 2004 -- is beginning to grate on this non-Bulls fan and otherwise objective reporter. Here's GM John Paxson, speaking to The Chicago Tribune:
"There are things to work through," Paxson said of the Gordon negotiations. "I'm sure we'll talk a little bit stronger now. Nobody has dug their heels in, and that's a good thing."Really? No one's dug their heels in? That's why you've got Gordon publicly stating that he should be the highest paid Bull, and, as in this otherwise innocuous SLAM interview, entertaining offers from overseas and exploring the sign-and-trade option. Baby Gordo (like the nickname? I've available for parties, drafts, and draft parties) expects more than the recently-inked Deng, whose deal comes in just under $12 million per year. Gordon's being offered $8 or $9 million a year, and, like Paxson said, wants nothing more than to fall in line for the good of the team.
As currently constructed, the most the Bulls can offer without incurring the punitive tax is a six-year deal worth approximately $58 million. Gordon wants more.
This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
7 comments
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
Scoreboard data copyright © 2012 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.
OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters
•
Odds Shark 
Comments
Ben Gordons gots ta think about Ben Gordon… MAN
by npcPronk29 on Aug 1, 2008 5:37 PM EDT reply actions
You do realize that Ben Gordon will be making less in the first year of an $8 million a year contract than he would taking the qualifying offer? Ben Gordon is just making a smart decision based on simple economics.
by awamboldt on Aug 1, 2008 6:57 PM EDT reply actions
I think the Bulls need to trade him. Gordon is not likely going to start. With the addition of Rose and other guards such as Larry Hughes who makes a huge amount of money but isn’t much trade bait, and Sefolosha as well, Gordon is expendable. I’m sure they want to re-sign him but I don’t see it making sense. If someone wants to give up a big man for him, I think Chicago needs to try and work that out. Maybe work out a sign and trade with Atlanta (for Josh Smith), Sacramento (for Brad Miller) or OKC (for Chris Wilcox). I also think they will hold onto Hinrich for now and let Rose get some games under his belt. I can see them shopping Hinrich at the trade deadline. However, they may need to include Hinrich in any Gordon deals in an attempt to acquire another big body.
by t_simone on Aug 2, 2008 12:59 AM EDT reply actions
That explains Gordon’s reasoning, sort of. In a very technical, myopic way. But I don’t know if it justifies the long-term commitment he wants.
by bethlehemshoals.tsn on Aug 2, 2008 2:03 PM EDT reply actions
Ben Gordon would be a god overseas, but in the NBA he’s a decent sith man at best. Josh Childress is heading out and I think he’s starting a trend. If your not quite good enough to be elite here, you go over there and be a icon. Also, the exchange rate and the decline of the US dollar might make it more lucrative for mid level players to play over there rather than the NBA.
by bklynbadboy82 on Aug 2, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions
I think the Bulls have to resign Ben Gordon if they want to be competitive in the east this year. The only reliable scorer in the backcourt is BG. Rose was not a real scorer in college and had a mediocre summer …which is expected for a rookie. I think Rose will eventually pan out, but the Bulls can’t wait three years. If the Bulls don’t sign Gordon, then they put an unreasonable amount of pressure on a front court that has not become consistent yet. Defenders will not have to play honest and will able to double down more. Hughes is larger and can defend larger two guards, but Ben if given the minutes could probably average 25 points a game and already is the leading scorer. BG has also won everywhere he has played and has a winner’s mentality. I anyone has played or coached, you know you can’t teach that. In addition, the main thing is he scores in the fourth quarter in bunches and most of the players in the league cannot do that. Everyone scores in the first three quarters, but when the lights shine the brightest and the pressure is on, who do you want to take the last shot in Chicago…Ben Gordon. Anyone who says otherwise is just not being honest. Ben is probably one of the top ten fourth quarter’s players in the league.
He also is model citizen according to the Slam Magazine article. He has a fundraiser that he is doing on August 15 at The Homefield Bowling Lanes, 938 Saw Mill River Road, Yonkers, NY. You can go to http://www.bengordonnewlife.org/ for additional information. You can also call 914-664-3000 for more information. The papers in New York say Elton Brand will be attend and there are more confirmations to come.
by information on Aug 2, 2008 4:08 PM EDT reply actions
I’m an avid Bull’s fan and I agree 100% Gordon screwed himself by not taking $66 mil last year. He had his worst season last year, so there is NO reason that offer should go up.
I agree BG is a potent 4th quarter scorer, but consider this: If he could play a lick of D, games wouldn’t be so close anyway. Even if he could score 25 ppg, it doesnt matter if the opposing 2 guard score 30 vs. his D
Honestly I would love for the bulls to keep Gordon for some scoring of the bench, but if he expects to make more than a starting all-around swingman (Deng). Then he needs to go out and be humbled on the FA market. NOONE will pay him that kind of money, and rightly so.
There are plenty of players in FA that can get points of the bench (and thats all they are good for), that will gladly play for the league minimum or a little above.
Hell, for that kind of money they could bring in Iguadola.
Get over yourself Gordon. You screwed yourself when they offered you a great long-term deal. Don’t cry now.
by merv808 on Aug 5, 2008 1:36 PM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed