Chicago Bulls Basketball Player Profile - Ben Gordon

Player Summary

The Chicago Bulls selection of Derrick Rose in the 2008 NBA Draft means one of three things: Ben Gordon will be dealt (especially considering that he doesn't have a long-term contract), another guard will be dealt, or Ben Gordon will see decreased playing time. Even though they don't play the same position, the Chicago Bulls will have trouble finding playing time for both Gordon and Rose.

If the Chicago Bulls limit Gordon's minutes, you can expect his statistics to drop and for his attitude head south. Somewhere, Ben Gordon may be hoping that Kirk Hinrich will be dealt to open up some playing time.

Ben Gordon experienced a slump last year. For the first time in his career, his statistics decreased. Of particular concern is his drop-off in scoring from 21.4 points per game to 18.6. This sort of decrease in production doesn't help Ben Gordon's case.

Statistics for '07-'08 Basketball Season

Minutes: 31.8
Points: 18.6
Rebounds: 3.1
Assists: 3.0
Steals: 0.8
Blocks: 0.1

Player Strengths

Ben Gordon can score. When he is hot, Gordon is almost unstoppable. He'll score on three pointers, mid-range jump shots and floaters in the lane. He is the best shooter on the team and is never afraid to take the big shot for the Chicago Bulls.

Gordon has allowed the Chicago Bulls to shift him in and out of the starting lineup. To his credit, Ben Gordon has accepted each move and made the best of it. Gordon's scoring does not seem to be affected by his status as a starter or a 6^th man.

Player Weaknesses

Ben Gordon is fairly one-dimensional for the Chicago Bulls. He's a scorer, and if he's not on his game on a given night, he doesn't help the Bulls much. He'll provide a few rebounds and assists, but he's on the court to score.

Gordon will likely never be a good defensive player. He's a little small to guard shooting guards, and may have trouble keeping up with point guards.

Player Projections

This season may not be a good one for Ben Gordon. If he remains with the Chicago Bulls (he is a restricted free agent), I see him having a hard time duplicating the minutes he played over the last two seasons. If that is the case, Gordon may see his market value drop heading into unrestricted free agency next season. Unfortunately for all involved, Gordon's best bet for minutes is for the Chicago Bulls to trade Kirk Hinrich. You can never have too many good guards in the NBA, but the trick is trying to keep them all happy. That will be very difficult for the Chicago Bulls.

Projected Statistics for the Chicago Bulls '08-'09 Basketball Season

Minutes: 27.0
Points: 15.5
Rebounds: 2.5
Assists: 2.5
Steals: 0.6
Blocks: 0.1

Sources:
ESPN