Gordon's Hamstring Could Show Bulls His Value

If BG can't go, the Bulls are in trouble

Without a doubt Sunday afternoon's double-overtime affair between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics was the most exciting playoff basketball game in the city of Chicago since guys named Jordan and Pippen were roaming the court.  Ups and downs, twists and turns, big-time shots and missed free throws, Sunday's game had fans on the edge of their seats for three and a half hours.

The game also served as a microcosm of Ben Gordon's entire career here in Chicago as a member of the Bulls.  One minute he's failing to stay with Ray Allen and allowing one of the deadliest shooters in NBA history to get a wide open look and tie the game, and then the next minute he's making the three-point dagger to tie the game himself.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Gordon is whether or not he's going to be back in Chicago next season, and whether or not the Bulls should want him back.  There's no doubt that he provides the team with offense, but he usually goes down court after making a shot and gives the two points right back to the opposing team.

So would the Bulls be better off without him in the future?

Well, they may get a glimpse into their future on Tuesday night.  Gordon had an MRI done on his hamstring after game four and the results confirmed he has a strained hamstring.  He's listed as day-to-day and has said a few times that he fully intends to play on Tuesday, but who knows whether or not he'll be able to follow through.

Even if he does suit up, there's no guarantee he'll be able to play a lot of minutes or whether he'll be effective.  Whatever the case is, we know that it will be a lot harder for the Bulls to win in Boston without him, which may end up adding a few more dollars to his next contract.

Well, if the Bulls want him here anyway.

Along with writing for NBCCHICAGO.com, Tom Fornelli can also be found contributing at FanHouse, SPORTSbyBROOKS, and his own Chicago sports blog Foul Balls.

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