Ben Gordon Made Himself Some Loot In The Playoffs
June 11, 2009 – 10:30 am by Tas Melas
After a very uncomfortable offseason of negotiations in ’08 with these Bulls, Gordon has set himself up well for the present. He accepted a 1-year deal just before training camp, begrudgingly, of course, but he parlayed the seven game forst round series with the Celtics in to more lucrative offers. The regular season wasn’t much to write home about by his standards, and having to share the ball a lot with the rookie who has much more potential (Derrick Rose), didn’t help his flow. Despite the paycuts some NBA players will have to take because of the economy, I highly doubt Ben will be a part of that club.
Ben Gordon joined ESPN Radio Chicago to discuss his basketball future.
It was publicized that you were given a long term offer, but it was pulled after you said you wanted to take it, is that true?
“The summer was drawn out – it kind of came to a stale mate with negotiations. On my end, we tried to work out some other options, with other teams and things like that, but that didn’t go over. At the end, we went to the Bulls and said that I’d take the offer, and then they told me it was no longer on the table. I mean, that was pretty much it in a nutshell. They had the offer standing and when I decided to take it, they told me it was no longer there. People do business different ways. In this business, you really can’t be surprised what happens. I just took it as a learning experience, went out did what I had to do this season, and now I’m just gonna let the chips fall where the may.”
How’s your relationship now with Jerry?
“I never really had a relationship with him. He’s the owner of the team and I’m just a player. The only time I do see or talk to him is every once in a while about negotiations or whatever, so my relationship hasn’t changed really.”
Have you enjoyed your experience with the Bulls? Do you want to come back?
“I’ve had a great time here. Chicago’s a great city, love the fans. I’ve had a wonderful time playing here, had a lot of fun. As far as my decision, I want to win. My primary objective is to win an NBA championship. I’m going to make my decision based on, obviously the money has a lot to do with it too, but one of the factors is where I think I have my best chance of winning, have the best team in place. Give myself at least a chance to compete for a championship.”
If the Bulls gave you a reasonable offer and you thought they had the best chance to win a title, would you take a little bit less to stay here?
“I’m always going to try to get something that I feel is market value or what I’m worth. But, it’s a lot of different things that could sway my decision. Winning is my highest priority. Then obviously, the financial side of it, for my security for my family, things like that. You kind of weigh those two things, and you just got to go from there. I’ve got to make the best decision for myself at this time.”
How important is it for Pax to make a big move? Would you like to see some of the players and picks you have turn into a Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire?
“I would hope so. Two seasons ago I thought we were just one piece away when Skiles was coaching that team and we made that run to the second round of the playoffs. I thought right there we were one player away. Maybe with this player we could have been in the Finals, but that didn’t happen and we had some setbacks and things like that. I’d really be counting on the organization to step up and maybe spend some extra money so we can get some players in here and get us a chance.”
Listen to Ben Gordon on ESPN Radio Chicago with Waddle & Silvy
Tags: Basketball, Ben Gordon, Chicago Bulls, NBA
