Gordon to take wait-and-see approach
While Ben Gordon, the Bulls' leading scorer for the past three seasons, heads into restricted free agency this summer, the team will be thinking about how to thin out a crowded backcourt that currently features Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes and Thabo Sefolosha.
Asked if he will approach the process with a preference of staying with the Bulls or just waiting to see what happens, Gordon chose the latter.
"Just see what happens," he said. "I'm aware that the team has to make some decisions in the off-season, so I'll sit back and see how things work themselves out. There's not much to think about. You've just got to wait and be patient and see what happens."
The Bulls obviously didn't meet Gordon's asking price last summer with a contract extension, but he didn't want to say whether his perspective on a new salary has changed.
The Bulls can match any offer Gordon receives from another team. Gordon could also accept a one-year qualifying offer worth $6.4 million and become an unrestriced free agent in 2009.
"That's something I'm just going to have to see what happens in the off-season," he said. "When I made the decision (to turn down the Bulls' offer last year), I just kind of prepared myself mentally for whatever happened, so I'm just waiting to see what happens."
Kerr misses Hall: Former Bulls coach and long-time broadcaster Johnny "Red" Kerr was denied admission into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The 2008 induction class, announced Monday, included Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Adrian Dantley, Miami Heat coach Pat Riley, broadcaster Dick Vitale, former Immaculata women's coach Cathy Rush and Pistons owner William Davidson.
It was the fourth time Kerr has been named a finalist. A three-time all-star as a player, Kerr won the 1955 NBA title with the Syracuse Nationals and in college, led Illinois to the 1952 Final Four. He's still the only NBA coach to lead an expansion team into the playoffs, accomplished with the 1966-67 Bulls.
The other 2008 finalists who missed election to the Hall of Fame were Chris Mullin, Don Nelson, the late Dennis Johnson, Vic Bubas, Richie Guerin and two nominees from the International committee.
Bull horns: The Bulls are sponsoring a wireless phone drive to benefit victims of domestic violence. Fans are invited to donate unused phones and accessories before Friday's game against Cleveland. … Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas combined for just 3 rebounds in Saturday's loss to Washington.