Golden State Warriors: Meet This Year’s New Faces
By Ryan Viera
Dec 29, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Ben Gordon (7) reacts during the first half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
It appears that Ben Gordon is the most recent addition to the list of training camp invites for the Warriors. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Warriors and Gordon are finalizing a training camp deal for the former Sixth Man of the Year. After working out at the Warriors’ practice facility the past couple of days, the two sides are nearing an agreement.
Gordon was the third overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. After struggling with turnovers during his rookie season, he ended up in the sixth man role for the Bulls during the following seasons, eventually earning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2005.
In 2009, Gordon signed a five-year, $55 millon deal with the Detroit Pistons, but his role off the bench continued. He was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in 2012, and was eventually waived by the team a year and a half later before signing with the Orlando Magic.
The Magic released him on June 29th of this year, which freed him up to sign anywhere. Gordon, who has averaged 14.9 points and 2.5 rebounds on 43.7 percent shooting in his 11-year career, could be the new favorite to land the final Warriors’ roster spot. His NBA experience, along with his decent long range shooting ability, has to make him a frontrunner to make the team.
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