Points in the Paint

Philadelphia, PA (Basketball News) - Even though there is still one month left the in the regular season, Chicago’s Ben Gordon deserves to be the NBA Rookie of the Year.

Originally drafted out of Connecticut by the Bulls in the first round (third overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft, Gordon rebounded from a slow start and has proved that he has the skills to shine in the NBA. The 6-3 offensive machine, who can play either guard position, was drafted into the perfect situation as he joined a Chicago club that had minutes for him immediately and would allow him to find his niche on the court. At Connecticut, Gordon showed that he was ready to put his game to the test at the next level.

The 21-year-old Gordon, who has played in all 64 of Chicago’s games this season, had a tough time getting his game going during the start of the campaign. He averaged just 7.9 points in his first seven games and was not getting consistent time on the court, as the Connecticut product was playing just over 17 minutes per contest.

Chicago head coach Scott Skiles must have realized that the Bulls are a better team with Gordon on the court, as he increased the rookie guards playing time, which has resulted in better production for the Connecticut product and more wins for Chicago. After starting the season with nine straight losses, the Bulls won 33 of their next 55 games and are currently in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. In fact, barring a major setback, Chicago should be able to earn its first postseason berth since 1998.

Gordon, who has drained 84.9 percent of his attempts at the foul line, is one of the big reasons for the success of the Bulls. For the season, he is third on the team in scoring (14.9 ppg) and he is shooting an impressive 42.5 percent from beyond the arc. The rookie has come through in the clutch throughout the year and has saved his best for the fourth quarter in some key games for the Bulls.

He has scored in double-digits in 46 of Chicago’s 64 games and has netted 20 or more points in 19 of those contests. Gordon, who is averaging just 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists, is on the court for his offensive ability and his knack for making the big shot.

Skiles has been able to put Gordon, who has started just three games this season, in situations where he can be effective and also have a big impact on the outcome of the game. The first-year standout is not afraid to have the ball in his hands at critical times of a contest and seems to shine when the game in on the line.

Gordon’s main competition for Rookie of the Year is from Charlotte’s Emeka Okafor, who also played his college ball at Connecticut and was the second overall pick in last year’s draft. The 22-year-old Okafor has averaged team- highs in points (14.8 ppg) and rebounds (10.8 rpg) in his first 56 games as a pro for the expansion Bobcats. Okafor, who is shooting just over 44 percent from the floor and is averaging 1.61 blocks, has also registered an impressive 34 double-doubles.

Yes, Okafor’s overall numbers are more impressive than his former college teammates. But, Gordon has played a major role as a rookie in allowing his team to have a chance to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. It is not Okafor’s fault that he plays for one of the worst teams in the league, but the fact is that Gordon has been able to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

Gordon and Okafor should both have excellent careers in the NBA. However, there will be only one time that they will be eligibile for Rookie of the Year honors. Unless the vote is split and they share the award, Gordon deserves to win the hardware for the 2004-05 season.