BENCHMARK
The NBA's Sixth Man Steps Up His Game
words by Andre J Durall
Photography by Christian Lantry
Ben Gordon came off the Chicago Bulls bench last season like the Six Million Dollar Man. In fact, he was the first rookie in NBA history to earn the title of the Sixth Man-which denotes the main "go to" guy after the starters. In other words, the player with the skills and the potential to become a force on the team. An early draft pick (third overall), Gordon was a winner and a standout during his three seasons at UConn, consistently turning in performances that ultimately led the Bulls to his door.
Wow! First rookie to ever win Sixth Man. How did you feel about the hype? Obviously there was a lot expected from me but the way I started the season lowered everybody's expectations. So, I had to prove myself all over again. I know I surprised everybody in the league by winning that award.
What do you hope to bring to the game this season? I want to start off where I finished last year-on a high note. I want to be more of a leader, more of a focal point. Last year was like nothing I'd ever experienced. Once I got my groove I realized that basketball is basketball. You can play anywhere.
Mt. Vernon declared August 20th "Ben Gordon Day" in the state of New York. What was that like? I didn't think I deserved it but the more I heard about it, I realized it was more for the community than for me. There were hundreds of kids. When I was their age, I never got to meet anybody who was famous or had made it, so I was definitely happy.
How did you come to choose #7 as your jersey number? Do you believe in numerology? I'm always looking at the symbolic numbers in my life. No. 4 was my number in college, but it had been retired by [former Bulls player and current Utah Jazz head coach] Jerry Sloan. So I added three-for 3rd overall draft pick-plus four and got seven. As the season went on, I started thinking about it and realized that before I got here the Bulls had not gone to the playoffs in six years. [Note: With Ben's help the Bulls did make it to the playoffs last season.]
What do you do when you're not smokin' the bench? When last season ended, my mom and older friends told me to travel. But, I had just finished traveling the whole year! I was happy to be home. I stayed in Chicago and enjoyed off time with my friends.
Michael Jordan has been a bit of a mentor to you. Ever hang out at his house? I've gone over a few times for parties, BBQs, stuff like that. But you're not really trying to watch a movie at Mike's house. You're trying to be a sponge.
You recently did a show for MTV2 called "Nike Battleground." Is coaching something you'd consider? I was the coach for the NYC team. Kids between 16 and 21 were on my team. I couldn't see myself coaching right now because you have to have a high level of patience. Plus, if you were a player and you're trying to coach guys [who] may not be as talented as you were, it might be hard to get across to them. Maybe as I get older, I'll get more patience.
Can you date the Luvabulls (the Chicago Bulls dancers)? Naw. Conflict of interest.
Any you find attractive? (Laughs) Think I'll play it safe on that one.
