F O O D and B A S K E T B A L L

Dear Mr. BG,

I must admit I didn’t really know much about you when you came out of the 2004 NBA Draft.   All I really knew was the Bulls drafted an undersized 2 guard with a sweet stroke and who was also coming from winning a National title with the University of Connecticut.  The Bulls had the 3rd pick in the 2004 NBA draft, but that lottery slot meant so much more than just picking 3rd for the city of Chicago, it is an omen. “And with the third pick, I made the earth sick, MJ, him Jay, fade away perfect.”  But this letter isn’t about him, this letter is to thank you Mr. BG.

Thank you for being the very first rookie to be awarded the 6th man award and the runner up to ROY honors, only beaten by your former collegiate teammate Omeka Okafor.  You showed flashes on why you were drafted this early averaging 15.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.9 assist per game while playing only 24.2 minutes during your rookie year (wiki). As you became a veteran in the NBA you have gone through your ups and downs with Bulls. Your were criticized for your lack of size, decisions, and your below average defense. They thought you shouldn’t start, but you always made us seem to forget your faults as soon as you displayed your sharp shootings skills and your natural deadly instincts to put the ball in the basket (a skill that cannot be taught).  I would like to thank you for your plethora of game winning shots, your nightly takeover in the 4th quarter and the most recent, the Bulls vs. Celtics 2009 1st round playoffs.  I have never been that glued and focused on a basketball playoff series since MJ’s now infamous “last shot.”

Not only do we appreciate what you have done on the court for the Bulls during your 5 year tenure there, but we also appreciate your charity and work ethics off the court.  You did not overcome the height issues and just suddenly become this deadly assassin overnight, you worked your tail off to become who you are.   You did not complain publicly when you did not start, or when the Bulls signed Deng to that contract extension leaving you out to dry.  You kept working hard, playing hard and proving the doubters wrong.  You earned that big contract that Joe Dumars handed you to play for Deeetroooit Baaasketttballl! our once upon a time ago rivals in the east.    I just hope our young players such as Derrick Rose rubbed off you during your stay in Chicago. Because Mr. BG, you are a true professional.

Sincerely,

Paul

***note***

This letter is to thank Ben Gordon for all he did while he was in a Bulls uniform. I know their are reasons why he was let go. Like put all our eggs in one basket for the 2010 free agency sweepstakes.