Gordon’s Time Is Now

January 1st, 2009 by Andrew Wamboldt

Ben Gordon would like to be a participant in this year’s allstar weekend. Not necessary in the main event, but he has voiced his desire to participate in the NBA’s three-point shootout.

Gordon would not be disappointed if he was not inviting, saying, “No, it’s not a big deal to me. But it is something that would be nice to be a part of. I’ve never been in a contest like that before. It would definitely be fun.”

“I remember one year they had Damon Jones in there,” Gordon said. “I think sometimes they look for the personalities, too. I really don’t know how they select. We’ll see what happens.”

While Gordon is deserving of being invited to the contest, it is still unclear whether David Stern will actually invite Gordon after snubbing him for the past four years.

The three-point contest is not the only thing that Stern has snubbed Gordon from in the past. In 2007, when Jason Kidd went down with an injury, Stern had the chance to appoint Gordon as the allstar game replacement. Instead, Stern opted for Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks.

At that point in the season, Ben Gordon was averaging 21.2 points and 3.6 assists per game. Joe Johnson was averaging 25.2 points and 4.3 assists. Johnson had the edge statwise, but traditionally the NBA only picks players on good teams. Gordon’s Bulls were 29-24, while Johnson’s Hawks sat at 20-31. Joe Johnson was also scoring his points very inefficiently, while Gordon was one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA that year.

Gordon is currently tied with Mike Bibby for the second most threes this season with 79, trailing Rashard Lewis, who leads the NBA at 93.

Gordon is currently ranked 4th among active players in career three point percentage. He is 9th all-time. Gordon is currently ranked 109th in total three pointers made, and is quickly moving up the list. Gordon is on pace to finish top three among all-time three point shooters with Reggie Miller and Ray Allen.

Ben Gordon is the Bulls all-time three point shooter, recently passing up Scottie Pippen.

Gordon is clearly one of the best three point shooters of all time, and it is time for Stern to end his history of Gordon snubs.