<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">In an attempt to breathe life back into the Bulls for Saturday night's game against Phoenix, coach Scott Skiles will shake up his starting lineup, he said Friday. Skiles did not reveal the changes but said they could be drastic. Considering the Bulls have a young starting corps—the average age of the current starters is 23.2—there aren't many changes that could be viewed as radical. The most major would be pulling guard Kirk Hinrich. Hinrich has been a steadying force for the Bulls since his rookie season out of Kansas in 2003-04. He started all but 10 games he played his first year, all 77 games in which he appeared last season and 27 this season. Like many of his teammates, though, Hinrich is slumping. In their current five-game losing streak, Hinrich is last among Bulls starters in field-goal percentage (.350) and points per game (8.4). He was not available for comment after practice Friday. After the Bulls lost to Charlotte on Wednesday night, Skiles told his players their ensuing practices would determine the starting lineup. "Coach said, 'We've been too married to the guys we have out there,'" Ben Gordon said. "'Nobody's spot is solidified. Everybody's spot is in jeopardy.'" </div> <div align="center">Source</div>
what is up with hinrich and his offense lately both hinrich and gordon were suppose to be the bulls scoring leaders but both struggled and the bulls won't win as many games.. as long as they continue to struggle
This article is very unfair to Hinrich. When u put a 6'2 point guard and force him to play the 2 position is that fair? Is it fair that chicago hasnt invested in any decent sized players? Being at the 2 guard hes been forced to guard guys 5 inches taller that him night after night. hinrich guarding players like kobe? that makes nosence. Chicago needs to make some moves and get some size in either the center positions or in our guard positions. So critisize hinrich when hes placed at his natural position and is not responsible for guarding the opposing teams top guard. Moving hinrich to the bench could be detrimental to him and the team. Personally they are asking way too much from him at this point. Anyone who has seen the bulls play all year would agree with most of my points. Go Bulls!!!
That article is very unfair to Kirk. He's put into the shooting guard spot and expected to play like nothings changed for him out on the court. Instead of questioning the players I'm starting to question Skiles. I'm on winter break right now so I finally get to watch some games. Skiles, who is at a huge coaching disadvantage without a bigman, needs to concentrate on a style of play. I'm not sure if we're still the best 3-point shooting team anymore but we have too many guys who can shoot the ball. Put Hinrich back at point and make Gordon become better as a starter by starting him. Now I understand by watching the games as to how terrible Chandler is playing, honestly, since I saw his nasty beard (which is gone) I think he's smoking pot. We're not going to the playoffs this year guys. Get our young guns some action and look to the future when we get our free agent and nice draft pick.
I think Hinrich plays hard, but I think Skiles is desperate to get a win after losing 5 straight. If Hinrich can do a good job supporting the bulls off the bench then go for it. Its a team game, and everyone should be willing to sacrifice for the team.
Tyson Chandler 04-05 off the bench: 9.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.7 BPG Tyson Chandler 05-06 as a starter: 5.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 BPG --------------------- Ben Gordon 04-06 off the bench: 14.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.1 APG Ben Gordon 04-06 four career starts: 8.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 35 FG% --------------------- I would not have a problem with sending Hinrich to the bench like Ben Gordon said we are to married to these guys who we have in the starting lineup right now. Kirk Hinrich has had success during his time as a Bull, but this season needs some type of spark, with Hinrich’s struggles thus far benching him might be the best thing for both parties. People in this thread have a general consensuses that the article was unfair to Kirk, because he is playing the two guard position this year, however, wasn’t he playing that same position for 72 games last season? He is struggling just as much as anyone to adjust to playing without a big man, and as shown above players in the past who have been benched after playing poorly in the starting lineup have rededicated themselves and performed much better off the bench. Also there is nothing to suggest that this will be a permanent thing. The Bulls are looking for some sort of spark to get the season back on track a lineup change might be just what they need. It will light a fire under Hinrich to regain his starting spot, and it will also allow us to see what Ben Gordon can give us as a starter (I assume he will replace Hinrich) if this happens. All our young players have paid their dues off the bench, and improved their game because of that desire to regain a starting spot. Luol Deng, Tyson Chandler , and even Chris Duhon was placed in a reserve role during the preseason and raised his game to another level to out duel Ben Gordon for the starting spot. Everyone has had to prove something to become a starter, however, Kirk as good as he is was never given that challenge he was handed a starting spot his rookie season, and never had someone to push him at that position. As much as some might hate to say it this might do him some good. Guys feel less pressure coming off the bench, especially young guys, which allows them to learn more about themselves as well as their game then they ever knew before.
Skiles must be having a mental relapse or something...why would you put your best player on the bench?
