Ben Gordon News: Pro Sports Daily

Richard Hamilton-Ben Gordon tandem key as Pistons beat Grizzlies, 96-74, in opener

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October 29

Michigan Live

"Ben Gordon and Richard Hamilton are high-scoring guards. When they're on top of their games on the same night, they can be a handful. The Memphis Grizzlies found this out the hard way. The Gordon-Hamilton tandem proved to be too much as the Pistons had little trouble putting away the Grizzlies, 96-74, in their season opener. "I'll give Detroit credit," said Zach Randolph, a Memphis forward from Michigan State. "Richard and Ben (Gordon) were on fire tonight and made tough shots." Hamilton, who left the game in the fourth quarter with a right ankle injury, led all scorers with 25 points, and Gordon scored 22 off the bench as his backup. Detroit has won six of its past eight season openers. ..."

Pistons' Ben Gordon appears ready to work hard for his $55 million

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October 14

Michigan Live

columnist Greg Johnson

"It was a long Detroit Pistons day in the NBA, even as long days go. A 10 a.m. shootaround at the practice facility in Auburn Hills to start. A trip to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids for a 7 p.m. preseason loss to the Washington Wizards (101-98) and a trip back at the end. Pistons coach John Kuester arrived to work at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, and noticed another new face in the franchise also was in the house. Ben Gordon, the new shooting guard -- with the emphasis on shooting -- was, well, shooting. "He's always trying to get better, and he is as hard a worker as I've ever been with in the NBA," Kuester said. Sure enough, he was talking about the big-ticket free agent of the offseason signed to ..."

Guards pace Pistons in preseason win vs. Hawks

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October 12

Michigan Live

"One of Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester's themes is taking advantage of his team's strengths, and his team is blessed at the guard position. Ben Gordon scored 22 points, Rodney Stuckey 20, Richard Hamilton 15 and Will Bynum had 11 as the Pistons raced past the Atlanta Hawks 100-91 in a preseason game at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday night. "I don't want (Stuckey) to slow down," Kuester said. "I don't want Will Bynum to slow down. I don't want (Hamilton) or Ben Gordon to slow down. I want them to be in an attack mode and create things for themselves for others by doing that." Despite a sluggish start and 21 turnovers, Detroit moved to 3-0 in the preseason at the expense of a team ..."

Pistons' 3-guard lineup excels

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October 12

Detroit Free Press

"Ben Gordon, Rodney Stuckey, Richard Hamilton and Will Bynum combined to score 68 points in a 100-91 exhibition victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night at the Palace. The Pistons played three guards for half the game, and coach John Kuester was pleased with the results. "Rodney Stuckey went from point guard to three-man," Kuester said. "He didn't care. You know, that's when you know you're starting to have a team, when you start doing things like that." Stuckey scored 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field and did a good job defending forward Marvin Williams, who led the Hawks with 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting in 28:29. "Stuckey, after the first couple minutes of the game, ..."

Gordon scored 22 off bench and Detroit stays unbeaten

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October 12

Detroit News

"Fans got a taste for what Ben Gordon can do for the Pistons on Sunday. Gordon had 22 points off the bench as the Pistons stayed unbeaten (3-0) in the exhibition season with a 100-91 victory over Atlanta. Gordon was 6-of-12 from the floor, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, and the Pistons pulled away in the second half. Rodney Stuckey had 20 points and Richard Hamilton 15 for the Pistons. Will Bynum scored 11 as the backcourt combined for 68 points. Marvin Williams had 19 points for the Hawks. The Pistons play the Washington Wizards Tuesday in Grand Rapids."

For Pistons' Gordon, British squad must wait

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September 9

Detroit Free Press

"Great Britain opened the European championships with a loss to Slovenia on Monday. The result might have been different if a Pistons newcomer had suited up for the Brits. Free-agent acquisition Ben Gordon, who was born in London, is eligible to play for the British national team. He played for the United States at the 2003 Pan-Am Games, but the Brits want to field a competitive team for the 2012 Olympics in London. Gordon eventually might join the British national team, but he told Hoopshype.com he had other priorities this summer. "I'm definitely on board to play for Great Britain," he said. "But I didn't want to make a commitment as far as when I was going to play until I felt I was ..."

Ben Gordon wants to show his 'overall game' with Pistons

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September 8

Detroit News

"Starting, or coming off the bench? Ben Gordon isn't sure yet what Pistons coach John Kuester envision for the high-scoring guard. But Gordon is ready for either role. "A lot of that comes from the coach. I learned that early. It's going to be the coach's decision at the end of the day," Gordon told hoopshype.com. "I've been on teams where I led the team in scoring, but I was coming off the bench. I've been on teams where I started. It's just whatever makes the team better and the coach feels is more helpful for the team." Known as a scorer -- he has averaged 18.5 points over five NBA seasons in Chicago -- Gordon is optimistic he'll be able to display more of his all-around game with the ..."

Ben Gordon points out he's more than a shooter

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August 23

Detroit Free Press

"It appears the Pistons won't sign a third point guard before the season opener Oct. 28 at Memphis So, as of now, Rodney Stuckey will be the starter and Will Bynum, coming off an impressive season, will be the main backup. One reason the Pistons might feel a true third point guard isn't necessary is the signing of free-agent Ben Gordon. Known primarily as a scorer during his career with the Bulls, Gordon talked about playing some point at his introductory news conference in July, and his agent, Raymond Brothers, has echoed those sentiments. And in a recent interview with Dime Magazine, Gordon emphasized he is more than a shooter. "In Chicago, scoring was what I was asked to do," Gordon told ..."

Reinsdorf's knock aside, Ben Gordon's a threat

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August 9

Detroit Free Press

"Don't be fooled by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf's veiled knocks at Pistons free-agent acquisition Ben Gordon. Reinsdorf recently told the Chicago media that the Bulls decided to pass on Gordon a long time ago since they were set with a backcourt of Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich and John Salmons. He added: "Ben wasn't going to get a whole lot of playing time. It was going to be diminished. So Ben really no longer fit. Ben's a terrific player. But Ben needs minutes. He would not have been happy with the minutes he was going to get." Reinsdorf makes it sound as if Gordon would have been playing only during garbage time for the Bulls. But that's highly unlikely for a guy who carries an ..."

Gordon, Villanueva set to join fold

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July 8

Detroit Free Press

"Remember Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva? You probably haven't given the two free agents -- who agreed to join the Pistons last week -- much thought as the team searched for a replacement for coach Michael Curry, who was fired the day before free agency began last week. But today marks the end of the league moratorium meaning they and players throughout the league are free to sign contracts and teams can conduct trades. Villanueva, a 24-year-old free-agent forward who is leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, has been active at Twitter.com since agreeing to a five-year, $35-million deal and told everyone he flew to Detroit on Tuesday. Gordon, a 26-year-old guard, agreed to a five-year, $55-million ..."

Ben Gordon says Bulls never made offer

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July 3

Detroit Free Press

"A day after jumping to Detroit, Ben Gordon told a Chicago radio station today that the Bulls never made a contract offer even though general manager Gar Forman claimed re-signing him was their No. 1 priority. "I mean they didn't pursue me at all. They didn't even make an offer so it was pretty much a one-man race," Gordon told ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago. Gordon agreed to a five-year deal worth $50-plus million with the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday after leading the Bulls in scoring the past four seasons. Under league rules, that deal can't be announced until next week. The Detroit Free Press reported the five-year deal is worth $55 million. Gordon and the Bulls had tried to negotiate ..."

College teammates to be reunited with Pistons

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July 2

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars rolled up his sleeves on the first day of NBA free agency and grabbed two young up-and-coming players. The Free Press learned Wednesday evening that the Pistons made major moves to shore up their three-point shooting and perimeter athleticism by agreeing to deals with coveted free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. And while teams can't publicly comment on free agents until July 8 -- the first day players can sign -- the Gordon deal is believed to be worth $55 million over five years and Villanueva's is thought to be worth $35 million over five years. And just like that, Dumars accomplished his goal of adding two major pieces in ..."

Sources: Pistons, Ben Gordon agree to $50M deal

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July 1

Detroit News

"The Pistons have reached an agreement with free-agent guard Ben Gordon. The Pistons offered Gordon a five-year deal worth more than $50 million. According to sources on both sides, Gordon accepted the parameters of the deal. No deal can be signed until July 8. Gordon and Charlie Villanueva showed up at the practice facility Wednesday to meet with president Joe Dumars. Negotiations with Villanueva were ongoing. Gordon and Villanueva, teammates on the 2003-04 Connecticut team, have been the top free-agent targets for the Pistons for a couple weeks. Gordon, 26, averaged 20.7 points for the Bulls last season, and was brilliant in the seven-game playoff series against the Celtics, averaging 24 ..."

Pistons agree to deal with Bulls' Gordon

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July 1

Detroit Free Press

"The Pistons have a new shooting guard: Ben Gordon. Gordon, a free-agent from the Chicago Bulls, agreed in principle Wednesday to join the Pistons, the Free Press has learned. Teams cannot officially announce deals until July 8, but the deal is believed to be worth $55 million over five years."

Chicago rumor has Bulls' Ben Gordon coming to Pistons, Rip Hamilton traded

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June 18

Detroit Free Press

"A blog posted this week about the future of the Chicago Bulls reads more like the Detroit Pistons' rumor du jour. Sam Smith, a former Chicago Tribune reporter who now writes for bulls.com, says that the agent for Chicago guard Ben Gordon has been talking about a promise his client has from the Pistons. Apparently, it's a pretty serious promise: $11-million per year for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. The writer finds it hard to believe that the Pistons would truly be interested in yet another shooting guard. But that idea winds up pointing to another rumor - this one involving a trade for Richard Hamilton. Here's an excerpt of Smith's reasoning:"

Ben Gordon ready to see what awaits in free agency

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June 18

Chicago Tribune

"So, Ben Gordon, do you or your agent have a backroom agreement to sign with Detroit when the free-agency period begins July 1? "You can't even negotiate until July 1, so that's just rumors," Gordon said Wednesday at his basketball camp in Lisle. "I really don't know what's going to happen." Several media outlets, including the Tribune, have reported Gordon is expected to be a primary target of the Pistons, who have roughly $23 million of salary-cap space. Former Tribune NBA reporter Sam Smith took matters to another level Wednesday, writing on Bulls.com that he has "heard that Gordon's agent allegedly has been saying he has an $11 million promise from the Pistons." Even if true, nobody ..."

Bulls' new GM will try to re-sign Ben Gordon

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May 22

Chicago Sun-Times

"At the end of the formal portion of the news conference Thursday at the Berto Center, someone approached John Paxson and offered congratulations. Perhaps not knowing what else to say, a puzzled Paxson replied with an awkward acknowledgement of thanks. If you retain nothing else from the news that Gar Forman has been promoted to the Bulls' general manager position, remember this: The move was all about rewarding Forman and recognizing his growing influence in the front office -- and has little to do with Paxson's role or future with the organization. Paxson retains his title of executive vice president of basketball operations and still is the top dog, so to speak, in the front-office ..."

Bulls' changes start at the top

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May 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"Long after the Bulls' season ended Saturday night with a 109-99 Game 7 loss to the defending champion Boston Celtics, heading home looked like the last thing Joakim Noah wanted to do. The second-year center sat stone still in the Garden locker room, towel draped over his head, deaf to teammates' words of solace. But the pain felt by the Bulls in the immediate aftermath of a take-it-to-the-limit series shouldn't cloud what looks like a bright future. ''It's weird how everyone is so positive,'' Noah said Sunday as the Bulls cleared their gear from the Berto Center. ''I went to breakfast this morning, and people started clapping in the restaurant. It was crazy. I was like, 'Man, we lost in ..."

Chicago Bulls nearly held out Ben Gordon

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April 29

Chicago Tribune

"After the Bulls' Tuesday morning shootaround at a local college, Ben Gordon said he needed "a miracle" to play on his strained left hamstring. He got one -- in the form of a pain-killing shot. Gordon scored 26 points on 6-for-21 shooting in 51 minutes after taking his decision on playing until about an hour before tipoff. And the Bulls contemplated overruling Gordon, mindful that 48 additional hours of rest existed before Thursday's Game 6. "We talked about it, but this isn't something that in 48 hours he's going to feel that much better," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "It's going to take time. And it can get worse. It's a moderate strain and I know he's in pain. But he'll get more rest ..."

Ben Gordon set to start for Bulls in Game 5 against Celtics

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April 28

Chicago Sun-Times

"Bulls guard Ben Gordon will be in the starting lineup for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics tonight, coach Vinny Del Negro said this afternoon. Gordon, who strained his left hamstring in the second quarter Sunday but was able to finish the game, sat out the team's shoot-around here this morning. ``It's not good,'' Gordon said. ``It didn't get worse but it doesn't feel any better.'' Del Negro said the Bulls would put Gordon in the lineup and see how well he was able to function. Gordon said this morning that he planned to continue treatment--including ice, electric stimulation, pills, and salves throughout the day in hopes of being able to play."

Bulls' Gordon will try to play

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April 28

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon, who leads all scorers in this series with a 24.8 points per game average, will try to play with a strained left hamstring in Tuesday's critical Game 5 against the Boston Celtics. Gordon suffered the injury during the second quarter of Sunday's Game 4. He played close to 33 minutes afterward but needed a painkilling shot to do so. Gordon, the only Bull to play all 82 games this season, said he can handle playing in pain but that the swelling had increased considerably. Gordon is usually one of the first Bulls to get his pregame work in but was on the training table receiving treatment until just before reporters were granted access to the Bulls' locker room 90 minutes before ..."

When they need it most, Ben Gordon, Bulls come through with their best

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April 27

Boston Herald

"It feels a little foolish to use the word "epic" to describe a first-round playoff game featuring a seventh seed and a second seed. So we won't. But indulge us and allow the word "great" to seep into this account. Or perhaps a "wondrous" or two. And maybe even a "phenomenal." The Bulls needed two overtimes to beat the Celtics 121-118 Sunday, and they squeezed every bit of life they could out of the clock to pull it off. The best-of-seven series is tied 2-2, an astonishing development considering how poorly the Bulls played in a Game 3 loss at home. The team that had rolled up and played dead three days before suddenly relocated its heart. And speaking of anatomy ... Ben Gordon has what ..."

Chicago Bulls' Ben Gordon proves durability again

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April 15

Chicago Tribune

"Remember during training camp when critics accused Ben Gordon of pouting over failed contract negotiations and milking a jammed big right toe? Gordon does. "That was a slap in the face," Gordon said. "Anybody who said that doesn't know me. I was hurt." And now he's not. In fact, Gordon is poised to be the only Bull to play all 82 games this season, the third time in five seasons the durable guard will accomplish that feat. He has missed just 12 career games. "I definitely take pride in that," Gordon said. "I think the way I train is a testament to how important this game is to me. I work very hard. I definitely don't like to miss games. So I'm happy that after all that has happened, I've ..."

Gordon leads Chicago Bulls over New Jersey Nets

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April 5

Chicago Tribune

"In many ways, Ben Gordon's game Saturday served as a microcosm of the Bulls' season. Ineffective and occasionally unwatchable for three quarters, Gordon made big plays down the stretch as the Bulls closed strong for a 103-94 victory over the New Jersey Nets at the United Center. Coupled with Detroit's loss in Philadelphia, the Bulls moved a half-game ahead of the Pistons for seventh place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. "We didn't play well at all," said John Salmons — accurately. "But we won. So you forget about it and move on." Gordon has displayed similar unshakable confidence and, like any streak scorer, a solid short-term memory throughout his five seasons on West Madison ..."

Chicago Bulls Ben Gordon in slump since 43-point game

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March 14

Chicago Tribune

"Where's Dwyane Wade when Ben Gordon needs him? In two games since scoring 43 points in his memorable shootout with Wade, Gordon has averaged 6.5 points on 22.7 percent shooting. Gordon played just 93 seconds in the fourth quarter of Friday night's 104-101 loss to Philadelphia, tying the game with 36.7 seconds left on a three-pointer and watching his tying three-point attempt at the buzzer rattle in and out. "I wasn't really loose, but games are like that sometimes," Gordon said. "I thought I had a good look for a desperation shot." Memory lane: To honor the final NBA game at The Spectrum, 76ers greats such as Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Bobby Jones were acknowledged during a ..."

Chicago Bulls should re-sign Ben Gordon

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March 8

Chicago Tribune

"Re-sign Ben Gordon. That's definitely not the craftiest lead in journalism history, but, if e-mail response is the goal, it could be one of the most effective given the polarizing effect Gordon's game has on Bulls fans. There doesn't appear to be much gray in the Gordon debate. Fans either send long, purging missives wailing on and on about Gordon's defensive deficiencies, poor decision-making and 6-foot-3-inch stature. Or fans see what plenty of others see: an incredibly rare scoring talent who can post points in bizarre bursts and hit shots that should come with degrees of difficulty attached. "You know how 'BG' is when he gets in a rhythm like that," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said late ..."

NBA considering Bulls' Ben Gordon for All-Star H-O-R-S-E competition

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February 7

Chicago Tribune

"In the spirit of some of the greatest shooting exhibitions in NBA All-Star history, the league announced it is bringing back the popular H-O-R-S-E competition Feb. 14 during All-Star weekend in Phoenix. Bulls guard Ben Gordon is under consideration as a participant. The game will be played in its traditional format, but there will be no dunking allowed and players will have 24 seconds to copy or create a new shot. It will be played outdoors on a 45 x 50-foot court at the NBA's All-Star Block Party. The rig will be able to rise up 14 feet off the ground and rotate, surely adding some imaginative shots. Gordon said he was unaware he was being considered. "Nobody contacted me about it," he ..."

Ben Gordon left out of three-point shooting contest

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February 5

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon never got his hopes up, figuring his chances to be named to the All-Star weekend's three-point shootout were about as high as assistant Del Harris' vertical. Nevertheless, a case can be made for Gordon, who entered Wednesday night shooting 40.9 percent from behind the arc with 108 made three-pointers. That percentage is higher than only Danny Granger's 40.1 percent of the six invitees. But Gordon ranks behind only Orlando's Rashard Lewis, Atlanta's Mike Bibby and Indiana's Granger with his made three-pointers. "It's always like that," Gordon said. "Someone always seems to get left out." Gordon said this without bitterness. Like almost everything, the fifth-year guard took in ..."

Bulls' Ben Gordon fired up following fine

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January 23

Chicago Tribune

"The Bulls fined guard Ben Gordon on Thursday for missing the team deadline for a flight, and the typically stoic guard expressed his displeasure during an animated conversation with coach Vinny Del Negro. The incident took place after Del Negro addressed reporters and had answered a direct question about whether players respect the rookie coach by saying this: "They should. They better. But you ask the players that." Del Negro declined a request through a team spokesman to address the issue further. Reached outside the Berto Center, Gordon said the incident was no longer an issue and he had no problems with Del Negro. Gordon did not curse his coach directly but used profanity to emphasize ..."

Ben's Garden optimism

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January 19

Chicago Sun-Times

"If history is an indicator, Ben Gordon's shots will be falling when the Bulls play the New York Knicks today at Madison Square Garden in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee. From the hoop he made with 0.1 seconds left as a rookie to seal an 88-86 victory in his first trip as a pro to the Garden, Gordon has had the hot hand there more often than not. ''I just love to play there,'' Gordon, who grew up in Mount Vernon, N.Y., said Sunday. ''I just love the energy in the building. I'm playing in front of a lot of my friends and family back in New York, so it's always a great place to be.'' Gordon's shooting returned to form Saturday after a two-game slide. He led the Bulls with 20 points on ..."

Double trouble: Rose, Gordon feel the heat

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January 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"Opposing defenses have focused all season on containing the Bulls' potent backcourt of Derrick Rose and Ben Gordon. The duo accounts for nearly 40 points per game, and each is shooting better than 45 percent. Although neither probably thought it was possible, Rose and Gordon have drawn even more attention since starting forwards Luol Deng (sprained left ankle) and Drew Gooden (sprained right ankle) have been sidelined. ''Almost every time we get the ball, there's a double-team or they're trying to send us to some other coverage,'' Rose said. ''Defenses are definitely keyed in on us a lot more,'' Gordon said. ''We just have to be sharper and rely on our teammates a lot more.'' But the ..."

Ben Gordon isn't ruling out re-signing with Bulls

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December 18

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon always has stated his belief that he's a starter, and he's starting. This Bulls season is all about who fits with Derrick Rose, and Gordon, averaging a team-high 21 points, has played well alongside the dynamic rookie. With things seemingly going so well, is it possible Gordon could re-sign with the Bulls when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer? "I'm not ruling anything out at all," Gordon said before the Bulls' 115-109 overtime victory over the Clippers on Wednesday night. "My focus right now is to play well, help the team win games and stay healthy. That's a long time from now. But I've always said I'm happy here, and that hasn't changed." The popular belief ..."

Small lineup, Ben Gordon block propel Bulls

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December 7

Chicago Tribune

"A lack of consistent production from Bulls big men has been a dominant story line all season, so Ben Gordon decided to take matters in his own hands — or, more accurately, his finger. With Joakim Noah benched and Tyrus Thomas playing just 5 minutes 6 seconds, Gordon spectacularly blocked an Antonio Daniels drive and then mimicked Dikembe Mutombo's finger wag as the Bulls began a fast break the other way. The Bulls also got the last laugh, defeating the Wizards 117-110 Saturday night at the United Center as coach Vinny Del Negro rode an unconventional lineup to the game-changing run. "I've always wanted to do that," Gordon said, smiling. Del Negro's use of Gordon, Derrick Rose, Andres ..."

Red-hot Gordon has it stuck on automatic

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November 15

Chicago Sun-Times

"It has been quite the trend for Ben Gordon. He's averaging 27.4 points over the Bulls' last five games -- almost 10 points higher than his career average of 18 per game. Within that span, Gordon has scored more than 30 points twice, including a season-high 35 on Thursday in the Bulls' win over the Dallas Mavericks. He had eight games of more than 30 all last season. Gordon helped erase a 19-point deficit to the Mavs midway through the first quarter by scoring seven points in the Bulls' 13-0 run. Coach Vinny Del Negro said he constantly ''called [Gordon's] number'' to help the Bulls climb out of the early hole. ''We went to him because he was hot,'' Del Negro said after a light practice ..."

Gordon back at practice, won't start for Bulls

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October 27

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon cracked wise after finally returning to the practice court Sunday, proving his wit is as sharp as the Bulls hope his scoring ability is. "I'm going to be a scorer and a playmaker," Gordon said. "I'm not all of a sudden going to be a rebounder and shot blocker. I want to be aggressive." Gordon will need that mentality as he returns to his non-preferred role of coming off the bench. There's no other option after Gordon played just one exhibition because of a sore left toe. "I thought he moved well and worked hard," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He made shots like he usually does." Gordon said his toe felt "pretty good" after the mostly non-contact practice. Gordon said he's looking ..."

Injuries to Chicago Bulls' Larry Hughes, Ben Gordon take strange twists

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October 24

Chicago Tribune

"It was a head-scratching Thursday at the Berto Center: Ben Gordon again missed practice because of his sore toe, coach Vinny Del Negro wouldn't guarantee Gordon would play in the final exhibition tuneup Friday and Larry Hughes might not be out as long as first believed. Got all that? Several sources told the Tribune late Wednesday that Hughes' dislocated shoulder would sideline the veteran guard six to eight weeks. Hughes also told people he expected to miss significant time. But, according to Hughes, an initial MRI performed Thursday "looked good." A more definitive MRI that involves injecting dye into the injured area will be done Friday, at which time an official estimate of Hughes' ..."

Gordon returns, ready to shoot

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October 18

Chicago Tribune

"His game conditioning is off. His sense of humor and confidence are not. "My shot? That doesn't ever go away," Ben Gordon said, smiling. "Just some fine-tuning every once in a while." Gordon made his exhibition debut Friday night against the Jazz, scoring 23 points in 30 minutes off the bench. "My role is pretty much going to be the same—come in, make plays, score," Gordon said. "I don't know what my permanent role is in [coach Vinny Del Negro's] eyes yet. I'm not worried about that. I've seen every look—start, come off the bench. I'm just going to play and try to help us win games." Gordon scored while getting fouled 24 seconds after entering at the 2-minute-47-second mark of the first ..."

Gordon back, may play Friday in Champaign

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October 17

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon participated in the Bulls' non-contact practice Thursday, his first action since he left practice Oct. 6 early because of a jammed right toe he suffered after tripping over furniture at his house. Gordon said he didn't know if he would miss his fourth straight exhibition Friday night when the Bulls play the Utah Jazz in Champaign. "It's still sore," Gordon said. "It's a lot better than last week. But it's a big toe. You push off it every time. These small injuries can take time." Gordon shrugged off a question about the perception he could be pouting over not receiving a contract extension. "I'm fine," he said."

Gordon's big toe puts Bulls in a jam

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October 13

Chicago Tribune

"Asked recently when he envisioned his jammed right big toe being healed enough for him to play, Ben Gordon smiled. "When it stops hurting," he said. Beyond the old "ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer" routine, a more serious issue is in play for Gordon and the Bulls. Last year a sprained ankle sidelined Gordon for five of the seven exhibition games. Plenty of other factors wreaked havoc as well, but a disjointed feel to training camp that included injuries beyond Gordon's were a factor in the Bulls' 2-10 start. Given that new coach Vinny Del Negro is employing new terminology and a new offensive system, how important is playing? "It's important," Gordon said. "But it's also ..."

Gordon iffy with bad toe; Del Negro to spread minutes

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October 9

Chicago Sun-Times

"Ben Gordon might not play in the Bulls' first exhibition game tonight against the Dallas Mavericks at the United Center because of an unspecified toe injury. Gordon, who has led the team in scoring the last three seasons, didn't practice Wednesday and was scheduled to be examined by a doctor after the workout. 'We'll see how [Gordon] feels later, and we'll go from there,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said. Forward Joakim Noah, who has been out with a scratched eye, isn't expected to play. He'll wear a protective mask initially upon his return. Center Aaron Gray (ankle) should play tonight. Del Negro, who needs to settle on a rotation that will be backcourt-heavy with Gordon and four other guards ..."

Ben Gordon hurts toe

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October 7

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon missed a portion of the Bulls' 3-hour-15-minute practice Monday after jamming his toe. Gordon also is nursing a sore ankle, although coach Vinny Del Negro said neither injury is serious and Gordon hasn't sat for an entire practice. Michael Ruffin and Joakim Noah remain out with ankle and eye injuries, respectively. Del Negro said Aaron Gray returned from his sprained ankle to participate in certain drills during Monday's practice."

Ankle injuries slow Gordon, big men

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October 6

Chicago Sun-Times

"Add Ben Gordon to the Bulls' walking wounded. The fifth-year guard practiced Sunday but has been receiving treatment for an ankle injury. ''He turned it the other day, [but] he practiced the whole practice,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said after the team's three-hour workout. Gordon missed two days of two-a-day practices before signing a one-year contract Wednesday. He said he didn't play basketball during the summer to avoid risking an injury while he was a restricted free agent. ''He's always in here shooting and doing stuff,'' Del Negro said. ''He just needs to get in better condition. He'll do that. We have plenty of time.'' Center Aaron Gray and forward Michael Ruffin remain out with ..."

No hard feelings between Gordon, Bulls

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October 3

Chicago Sun-Times

"Regrets? Some have a few. Ben Gordon could have about 58 million of them. That would be the number of dollars the restricted-free-agent guard left on the negotiating table so long that the Bulls finally took the lucrative offer away. Once the team rescinded the six-year offer this week, Gordon was left with the one-year tender offer of $6.4 million that he agreed to at the deadline late Wednesday. It was the same deal he said in August he wouldn't sign. ''I don't regret any decisions,'' Gordon said after taking part in his first practice Thursday. ''Anytime I make a decision, I always try to make the right one. I have my own set of reasons why I make decisions that may be different than ..."

Gordon has no regrets on deal with Bulls

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October 3

Chicago Tribune

"Long after his first practice of the 2008-09 season ended Thursday morning, Ben Gordon ran sprints on his own, moving back and forth across the Berto Center court in a manner not unlike the back-and-forth nature of his contract negotiations. Those ended late Wednesday when Gordon agreed to a one-year qualifying offer of $6.4 million that will make him an unrestricted free agent in 2009. Gordon also can't be traded without his consent. Gordon's salary doesn't match the six-year, roughly $58 million deal the Bulls offered throughout the off-season before finally pulling it earlier this week after Gordon's camp rejected it for the final time. Last-minute, face-to-face negotiations on ..."

Gordon accepts 1-year deal with Bulls

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October 2

Chicago Tribune

"The Wednesday that Ben Gordon said he would practice with the Bulls started with him wearing sweats and casually scrolling through his hand-held device in the Berto Center lobby. It ended with the virtually unprecedented move of a team releasing a statement at 11:04 p.m., confirming that the fifth-year guard had agreed to sign a one-year qualifying offer of $6.4 million. That means Gordon will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2009 and the Bulls could lose the third overall pick in the 2004 draft for nothing. General manager John Paxson is scheduled to address further the saga following Thursday's morning practice session. Gordon, contacted late Wednesday, wouldn't comment ..."

Gordon's decision made

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October 1

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon said he would practice Wednesday as a Bull. Whether he will do so after signing a one-year qualifying offer or a long-term extension is known to Gordon and some close confidantes, who said the fifth-year guard had made his decision. Gordon, who watched Tuesday's practices from the sideline, wouldn't comment. If he signs the one-year deal worth $6.4 million, Gordon will be an unrestricted free agent next summer."

Long-term remains long shot for Gordon

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September 30

Chicago Sun-Times

"Ben Gordon was at media night Monday, but he will not take part in the Bulls' first practices today. Gordon, a restricted free agent, will wait until the Wednesday deadline to sign the team's one-year qualifying offer of $6.4 million. Talks on a long-term contract will continue through today, but it's a long shot the two sides will resolve the year-long impasse. ''But I'll be here watching,'' Gordon said of the two practice sessions new coach Vinny Del Negro will hold to tip off training camp today. ''I thought [the contract] would be done by now. That's the only reason I'm disappointed -- that it lasted to training camp.'' Bulls general manager John Paxson talked Monday with Raymond ..."

Bulls' Ben Gordon eager to finish contract business

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September 30

Chicago Tribune

"Ben Gordon wore his customary No. 7 Bulls jersey, smiled for a team photographer and was filmed answering light-hearted questions for scoreboard usage during team timeouts. All of this would have seemed perfectly normal if not for one major detail: Gordon isn't under contract to the Bulls. Gordon is a restricted free agent, so the Bulls indeed hold his rights. The fifth-year guard, who has led the Bulls in scoring the last three seasons, has a Wednesday deadline to either hit on a long-term extension or sign a one-year qualifying offer of $6.4 million and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Despite Monday dialogue between Bulls management and Raymond Brothers, Gordon's ..."

Happy or not, Bulls' Gordon ready to report

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September 29

Chicago Tribune

"Despite failing for the second straight summer to reach agreement on a long-term contract extension, Bulls guard Ben Gordon confirmed Sunday he would attend training camp. "I'll be there," Gordon wrote in a text message. There had been speculation that Gordon might not show up Monday for media day or for the first of five days of double practice sessions beginning Tuesday because of dissatisfaction over his negotiations. But Gordon, a restricted free agent, told confidants that rocking the boat wasn't his style and he had to remain professional. Along those lines, Gordon is expected to sign the one-year tender offer of $6.4 million by Wednesday's deadline and become an unrestricted free ..."

Gordon's deadline draws near

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September 28

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bulls begin preparations for their new season Monday, when the team holds its annual media night. New coach Vinny Del Negro likely will face a tough first question: Will Ben Gordon be at training camp? Gordon, a restricted free agent, and the Bulls remain at an impasse on negotiations for a new contract. The talks started last summer, when he rejected a five-year offer worth $50 million. The Bulls' offer of six years and approximately $58 million did little for Gordon, who is believed to be asking for $13 million or more per year in a long-term deal. That would put the Bulls over the salary cap and into a dollar-for-dollar luxury-tax penalty, which the team will not do. Gordon said he ..."