The Chicago Bulls sent out a press release announcing that they will be honoring the great Johnny Red Kerr on February 10th. Here is the release the Bulls sent out:

The Chicago Bulls announced on Jan. 15 that longtime team broadcaster Johnny “Red” Kerr will be honored for his career achievements and 35 years of service to the Bulls organization during a halftime ceremony at the Bulls’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, February 10 at the United Center.

“Johnny Kerr is a Chicago Bulls icon,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “It is only fitting that we salute Johnny and thank him for the many contributions he has made to the Chicago Bulls organization over these past decades. We are pleased to have the opportunity along with 20,000 of our fans to tell Johnny how much we love and appreciate him.”

Kerr, a native of Chicago, has been a part of the Bulls organization in various capacities for 35 of the franchise’s 43 seasons, most notably as a team broadcaster for more than 30 years. He also served as the team’s first head coach in 1966 and earned NBA Coach of the Year honors for the 1966-67 season, when he directed the first-year Bulls to a playoff appearance. Kerr is the only head coach in NBA history to lead an expansion team to the playoffs during its inaugural season. Additionally, he was the franchise’s business manager for two seasons.

As part of the halftime salute, Bulls television play-by-play announcer Neil Funk will emcee the ceremony which will include a video tribute, speeches and appearances from notables such as Jerry Reinsdorf, Jerry Colangelo, Dolph Schayes, Al Bianchi, Jim Durham, Ron Guenther as well as David Stern who will appear via a taped message. The Bulls’ John Paxson and Bob Love will also be in attendance. Others expected to attend include former Bulls’ Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

“I very much appreciate the Bulls hosting a night in my honor,” Kerr said. “Other than my wife and my family, the Chicago Bulls have been the great love of my life. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to thank everyone.”

Kerr starred as a prep at Tilden Tech, collegiately at the University of Illinois and played 12 seasons in the NBA for Syracuse, Philadelphia and Baltimore. The three-time NBA All-Star played in 905 games and averaged 13.8 ppg, 11.2 rpg and 2.2 apg in 30.7 mpg during an illustrious career that included an NBA Championship with the Syracuse Nationals during his rookie season. Most remarkable, however, is the fact that Kerr played in 844 consecutive games from 1954 to 1965, setting an NBA record that would stand until Randy Smith broke it in 1983. He is also one of the select NBA players who totaled more than 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds during his career.

Other career achievements include coaching the Phoenix Suns and also holding several administrative positions in both the NBA and ABA. Kerr’s book “Bull Session” was released in 1989 and he holds the title of President of Kerr Financial Services.

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.