Feb. 4, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Ben Gordon (8) drives to the basket as Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen (34) applies pressure during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Gordon is the highest paid player on a team with the league’s worst record. Making $12.4 million this season, Gordon was acquired from the Detroit Pistons  in exchange for Corey Maggette and a future first round pick in the offseason. After leaving Detroit, Gordon might have expected to see a more meaningful role with the Charlotte Bobcats in comparison.

The Bobcats have had a history of taking on big contracts of frustrated, highly-paid shooting guards and rejuvenating their careers. Jason Richardson and Stephen Jackson both had some of their best seasons sporting a Bobcats jersey. That trend hasn’t been contagious though for Gordon.

While his minutes are at a career low of 21.2, Gordon is getting up more shots than he has in quite some time. Per 36 minutes, Gordon is averaging 17.7 field goal attempts per game, which is his highest average since his peak season with the Chicago Bulls in 2007. Gordon is just one of three players in the league who plays 25 minutes or less and averages at least 10 field goal attempts.

Yet, he still doesn’t seem to be of much use in Charlotte.

The Bobcats backcourt has been crowded all season. With Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson in the starting lineup, Gordon along with Ramon Sessions have been the go-to guys off the bench. Gordon’s role has been more expendable though for a number of reasons. Head Coach Mike Dunlap love of Sessions-Walker backcourt, Jeffrey Taylor’s ability to play two positions on the perimeter and the scoring rise of Henderson have all contributed to Gordon’s drop in minutes.

The most productive months Gordon has had this season, have been in November (43.8%fg, 45%three, 13.9 points in 24mpg) and January (46.4%fg, 46.5%three, 14.1 points in 23mpg) when Henderson was out with injury or was down in minutes.  By all indications Gordon’s microwave scoring is only useful in rhythm, and he’s had no opportunity to tap into that in Charlotte.

This offseason Gordon has a player option for $13.2 million in the final year of his $58 million contract. Because of  Gordon’s drop in production over the course of his deal, he’s unlikely to ever make as much under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This would make it very tempting for Gordon to exercise his option. If he does, it wouldn’t necessarily mean he’ll play for the Bobcats next season. He could be traded, then again there probably aren’t going to be many teams lining up to take on over $13 million for Gordon. Gordon right now is a mid-level talent being paid like a core piece of a franchise. In a trade, the Bobcats would be taking back another large salary for a underwhelming player, like Kris Humphries of the Brooklyn Nets.

Gordon was acquired from the Pistons to obtain a first round pick that becomes unprotected in 2016 and could become an asset for Charlotte’s rebuilding project. Anything Gordon provided was likely looked at as a bonus. Logically, you would have to think the Bobcats brass wouldn’t mind if Gordon chose to decline his option and enter free agency. It would put the Bobcats even further under the cap and give them more space to rebuild the roster around their young talent. Gordon’s never going to get the minutes he wants here or a role that would satisfy him.

While it could be a longshot, it might be best for the Bobcats and Gordon to mutually agree to part ways in the offseason. This would depend on Gordon feeling that making $13 million isn’t worth being in an undesirable situation. In free agency Gordon would be able to choose his team, be under a contract that could be an asset to an organization, and get a real chance to start fresh.

Jan 22, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Nets power forward Kris Humphries (43) drives to the basket against Charlotte Bobcats center Byron Mullens (22) at the Prudential Center. New Jersey Nets defeat the Charlotte Bobcats 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

No trade is imminent, but ESPN.com reports the Charlotte Bobcats and Brooklyn Nets are talking about swapping Ben Gordon and Kris Humphries.

Wow.

The trade makes sense as far as the money goes. Gordon and Humphries make around $12 million a year each.

The Bobcats desperately need front court help, and Humprhies would certainly provide that. Despite his lackluster season this year, he performed quite well. He averaged a career high 34 minutes per game and scored 13.8 points to go along with 11 boards per contest.

If the Nets really want this to happen, I don’t see why the ‘Cats haven’t pulled the trigger already.

Gordon is averaging better than 40 percent from behind the arc, but Charlotte has a logjam in the backcourt with Kemba Walker, Ramon Sessions and Gerald Henderson (not to mention Jeff Taylor) all seeing extended minutes at the guard spots.

Charlotte tried to land Humprhies last off season, when they offered him a three-year deal worth 28 million.

His current contract sits at two years, 24 million. He’ll be off the books after the 2013/14 season.

Gordon will actually earn a little over $1 million more than Humphries in that 13/14 season, so the ‘Cats would trim a little salary if they make the trade.

Humphries would be a legit starting power forward, and allow Byron Mullens to actually be the change-of-pace, stretch-big off the bench that most people in Charlotte see him as.

Nov 28, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) drives to the basket against Charlotte Bobcats center Byron Mullens (22) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE

Byron Mullens had a chance to tie it in the final seconds, but he could not convert the 3 point attempt. The Bobcats lost 94-91 on Wednesday night to the Atlanta Hawks.

Ben Gordon played spectacularly coming off the bench, but his 26 point effort was not enough. Gordon was unconscious from three shooting 7-10 from three point land.

Ramon Sessions added 18 points and eight assists off the bench.

However, Byron Mullens and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist were not the offensive forces the Bobcats need in order to win against quality teams. Mullens only had 10 points on 3 of 9 shooting, while Kidd-Gilchrist only had 6 points.

The Hawks won by having a balanced scoring attack, including three players with 17 points. Al Horford and Josh Smith both had double-doubles, and Horford’s two free throws put the Hawks up by three in the final seconds.

Lue Williams put in a nice nights work by adding 17 points and five assists off the bench.

The real difference in the game was the turnover battle which the Bobcats lost by committing 17 turnovers to the Hawks nine.

This loss hurts and drops the Bobcats to 7-7 on the season. The Bobcats resume play Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Oct 26, 2012; Dallas, Tx, USA; Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Ben Gordon (8) loses the ball as Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jared Cunningham (1) defends during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

The Charlotte Bobcats finished up the preseason on Friday night with a 99-82 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Bobcats won their first preseason game before reeling off seven straight losses to close out the preseason.

The Bobcats were led in scoring this preseason by Byron Mullens with 15.0 ppg.  Mullens also averaged 7.8 rpg during the preseason.  Mullens will be a big part of the offense this year along with Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker.

Ben Gordon and Ramon Sessions were second and third on the team in scoring during the preseason. The Bobcats will need Gordon and Sessions to provide a substantial scoring punch off the bench this season. Sessions scored 16 points against the Mavericks on Friday in a solid performance. This is the kind of game the Bobcats will need from both Gordon and Sessions on a consistent basis during the season.

One good thing that came out of Friday’s game was the Bobcats showed resiliency, and they managed to cut a 20 point deficit to only three late in the second half. However, the Bobcats failed to close late as the Mavericks went on a 14-0 run to end the game.

Another side note Tyrus Thomas missed his second straight game with a heel injury.  Also, four other players including Matt Carroll and DeSagana Diop did not play in Friday’s game.

Looking forward to the season now, Coach Dunlap and his staff know this young team has a lot to learn. Dunlap realizes the first couple of months of the season will be a learning experience because this team is so young.  They realize their will probably be lots of inconsistent play due to the lack of experience.

If the Bobcats can improve on closing out games, not turning the ball over, and getting to the free throw line this team could surprise some people, and win more games than most of the experts are predicting.

October 1, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ben Gordon (8) during Media Day at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Last season, D.J. Augustin led the Bobcats in points scored per 48min in the clutch. Considering Augustin’s struggles last season, it’s hardly a compliment, but more so evidence as to how poor the Bobcats season really was.

If there’s any close games for the Bobcats this season, Ben Gordon will primarily be involved in the finish. Not excited? Understandable. Gordon’s scoring ability never translated in Detroit. Plus, it’s always a hefty task for a player who might be coming off the bench this season to be relied on heavily in the clutch. However, Gordon has a history of being a big shotmaker.

For five seasons in Chicago, Ben Gordon was the main source of the Bulls offense. They relied on his shooting heavily on mediocre offensive teams, and were content living and dying by his jumpers. The result saw Gordon gain a reputation as a big shotmaker, even jokingly developing the moniker of “Air Gordon.”

An interesting nugget from a report in the Detroit Free Press says only seven NBA players have scored more points than Gordon in the fourth quarter and only nine have more points in the final two minutes of a game since 2004.

The biggest thing in acquiring Gordon was getting Detroit’s future unprotected first round pick. But there’s a big gain in dealing Corey Maggette, who brought nothing to the team last year, for Gordon who was actually productive despite misuse. In Charlotte, Gordon’s no longer being viewed as a bad contract, and there’s not pressure to live up to the remaining $25 million left on his deal, as there was in Detroit.

Gordon’s struggles in Detroit stemmed mostly from bad offensive use. He was used more so as a spotup shooter, and didn’t get as much opportunity to create for himself as he did in Chicago. But in Charlotte, Gordon should have no trouble seeing a lot more offensive focus, considering the youth and inexperience here.

For a team that lost a record 59 games last season, having a player like Gordon who can shoot you into games you have no business being in is a welcome addition. There weren’t many chances for last second shots last season, considering the amount of blowouts the team had. But think back to what Stephen Jackson and Jason Richardson did for this team in the past with their streak scoring and jumpshooting. Gordon brings the same impact and same competitive level. Mike Dunlap has described Gordon as an absolute “killer” when it comes to taking, and more importantly making big shots.

The Bobcats offense is going to be a huge work in progress going forward, but it helps having a closer like Gordon who can bail you out for a couple of years. Having a player like that isn’t just an individual benefit, but a team benefit. If this young team is going to get any experience closing games and executing in the clutch, it will start with Gordon and a hopeful resurgence to his best years in Chicago.

The newly acquired sharpshooter will make over $12 million next year and over $13 million in 2013/14 if he decides to accept his player option.

Speaking of money, if you thought the Bobcats had the lowest salary in the NBA this year, you’re wrong. And it’s not even close.

The Bobcats are in the bottom 10 of the league when it comes to salary, but they sit at 24th, ahead of Phoenix, Minnesota, Cleveland, Indiana and Houston.

The Rockets have by far the lowest salary in the league, with just $47,993,212 tied up paying their players.

Interestingly enough the team that almost pays its players the least, the Pacers, is also a team that could finish in the top half of the Eastern Conference this season.

On the other end of the spectrum, shelling out big bucks for players doesn’t always workout.

Two of the top 10 teams in terms of salaries are the Portland Trailblazers and Golden State Warriors. Portland will pay its players more than $71 million this season, while the Warriors will give their players just over $70 million this year. The Orlando Magic are also in that top ten, and they have no shot at the playoffs this season.

Filling out the top 10 are the Lakers, Nets, Heat, 76ers, Bulls, Knicks, and Clippers.

Mar. 16, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon during game against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Pistons 109-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

It shouldn’t be any surprise who the Charlotte Bobcats’ best player is. Ben Gordon, while not his old self, is the best shooter, maybe the best pure scorer, and definitely the best all around player the ‘Cats have right now.

His PER might not be up there, his points per game might not be either, but his career numbers are some of the best the Bobcats have.

16.5 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game over his career.

He’s a 40 percent career three point shooter. He’s got a .551 true shooting percentage. Also, his career offensive rating of 106 isn’t too shabby, either.

This year, coming off the bench, if Gordon can score around 13 points a game, he’ll be a huge asset.

The downside of having Ben Gordon as your team’s best player is pretty simple though. He’s the best on your team.

Gordon as the fifth, sixth, or seventh best player on your team would be a great thing, but as a guy who might be expected to shoulder the load of Charlotte’s offense at times, it’s depressing.

The Bobcats have some nice pieces, but no one is trying to fool anyone here. They’re not a good team, and most of their players wouldn’t make it on a top five list on another team in the NBA.

Still, if the ‘Cats keep securing draft picks and building with youth, they’ll find the playoffs soon enough.

In eight seasons as a franchise the Bobcats have had to depend on the draft and trade market to improve the team. The most common trade has been for regressed, high-priced perimeter players. The Bobcats continued this by acquiring Ben Gordon from the Detroit Pistons, in exchange for Corey Maggette. The Pistons paid a high price to rid themselves of the $25.6 million left on Gordon’s five-year, $58 million contract signed in 2010 by adding a protected, future first round pick to the deal. But for the Bobcats, getting Gordon was more than just about getting a future asset in a draft pick.

In 2007, Jason Richardson was acquired in a draft night deal that sent the eighth overall pick to the Warriors, who turned out to be Brandan Wright. Richardson, who was a dependable scorer for the Warriors for five years, had a dropoff season in the 2006-07 season, averaging just 16 points per game and shooting one of the lowest field goal percentages of his career. With Charlotte, Richardson returned to form, averaging over 21 points per game and increasing his player efficiency rating from 15.5 to 18.4 in the 2008 season.

In 2009, the Bobcats tried their hand with another disgruntled Warriors guard in Stephen Jackson. At the time Jackson and head coach Don Nelson were clashing, and Jackson was jettisoned out of town. He was traded to Charlotte nine games into the 2010 season with Acie Law in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. Jackson played all 72 games post-trade for the Bobcats in route to their first franchise playoff birth and put up all-star caliber numbers of 21.1ppg, 5.6reb and 3.4ast.

LIke Richardson and Jackson, the Bobcats were hoping Maggette would be a respectable veteran scorer for them, but injuries derailed any chance of a renaissance year. On a team void of offensive talent the Bobcats could find themselves depending on the streakshooting of Gordon. He had trouble finding a consistent role in Detroit, and from jump was never a great fit with their personel. Despite that, the past two seasons Gordon shot around 44% from the field, over 40% from three and an efg% of more than 50% on jumpshots. These shooting numbers closely resemble his best years as a Bull, where he was a main source of offense.

At just 29 years old it’s hard to believe Gordon can’t come close to replicating his best years. He’s likely to receive a lot more shots than the career lows in field goal attempts he was seeing in Detroit, which should increase his scoring impact. Whether it’s off the bench or as a starter, Gordon’s never had trouble embracing either role. Gordon’s scoring could help fellow UCONN guard Kemba Walker be more comfortable offensively, as well as Gerald Henderson who saw an improvement last season. The Bobcats made it a priority to get some veterans in the lockeroom this season with the additions of Gordon, Brendan Haywood and Ramon Sessions. All could be good contributors this season, but as we approach training camp Gordon might present the best chance for reward.

Photo Courtesy US Presswire