Ben Gordon - Class of 2004 prepare to suffer like a King
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Ben Gordon shooting the lights out!
The NBA draft class of 2004 has their contracts coming up for renewal.
In the NBA, this is the first of the great Promises, like a strong spring breeze after a long cold winter; it brings with it many new riches.
This time period, 3 years after your initial contract, is the reason that so many undernourished, undereducated, immature lanky, talented basketball players leave College early to go to the Pros.
You see, it is not the NBA come calling, it is the after 3 years free agent or renegotiate that they hear so loudly.
The class of 2004, including Ben Gordon, may face the harsh reality of being drafted at the wrong time.
With only a few teams expected to be under the salary cap next summer, there probably won’t be a big market for free agents. Most teams are going to drive a hard bargain with their ‘04 rookies right now. Because any contract they sign would be guaranteed, those players are going to be asked to give up some money in return for the security of a longer-term deal. source
The teams have until Oct 31st and only 3 players have signed on the dotted line; Dwight Howard, Devin Harris and Kevin Martin.
If they don’t sign before Oct 31, then next year they can test the Free Agent waters.
Here are some of the players from the class of 2004:
Emeka Okafor, Bobcats, No. 2 pick
Bobcats co-owner Michael Jordan has said he wants to re-sign the 6-10 forward/center, the 2005 Rookie of the Year, but so far no deal has been reached. Will the Bobcats be willing to go into the $70 to $75 million range for a player with Okafor’s history of injuries?Ben Gordon, Bulls, No. 3
The 6-2 guard and former Sixth Man Award winner has blossomed into a 20-point scorer, meaning he probably wants a deal better than the five-year, $47.5 million package Kirk Hinrich signed a year ago. More likely, it will take something similar to that of Sacramento’s Martin. But with teammate Luol Deng (see below) also due for a hefty extension, can the Bulls afford both?Al Jefferson, Timberwolves, No. 15
He could be in for a near max deal after averaging 16 points and 11 boards last season. Plus, as the main piece in the Kevin Garnett trade, Wolves vice president Kevin McHale can’t afford to let the 6-10 power forward get away.
Others include:
Shaun Livingston, Clippers - injured
Josh Childress, Hawks - probably headed for free agency
Luol Deng, Bulls - looking at a huge payday, but will it be the Bulls?
Andrew Iquodala, 76ers - possible free agent
Josh Smith, Hawks - maybe free agent
Jameer Nelson, Magic - undecided by the Magic
Yes, Ben Gordon and the class of 2004 may have to live on only 7 or 8 million a year a piece. How will they manage?
NBA Basketball Fan Question Which of these free agents would you want the most?
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POSTED IN: Shaun Livingston, San Diego Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Josh Childress, Al Jefferson, Philadelphia 76ers, Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, NBA Basketball
2 opinions for Ben Gordon - Class of 2004 prepare to suffer like a King
Mike Pedersen Golf
Oct 17, 2007 at 4:43 pm
I have lost most of my respect for the very egotistical and pompous Kobe Bryant. I have never seen a more selfish and self centered pro athlete in my life! He says, “my team” and “my players”. Who does that???
I think after the incident with the young girl, most people lost interest in him (including Shaq).
james
Oct 19, 2007 at 1:43 am
agreed. But he will still attract most GM’s.
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