As for free agency, sources said the Bulls will pursue Kirk Hinrich, although they won't offer a full mid-level exception. Plus, he isn't the only target. Hinrich, who lives in his north suburban home in the offseason, told the Tribune in March he would consider the Bulls but also explore all options. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...s-nba-draft-chicago--20120629,0,6666855.story
I can see it possibly happening but pursuing Kirk and using their only draft pick on a PG leaves me feeling pretty uncomfortable about what the Bulls may know about Rose's prognosis. I'll comment further on that elsewhere.
Actually, forgetting all the nostalgia nonsense, Hinrich makes some sense. He's a vet PG with starting experience, which is one of the things the Bulls need due to Rose's injury. He can also defend SGs, providing a second ballhandler to combat Rose double-teams, which gives him some utility when Rose comes back. Of course, like Ben Gordon, Hinrich was a polarizing figure on the Bulls. Some loved and some hated. IMO, if he can be had for the MMLE, there are lots of worse basketball moves you could make.
Hinrich's PER has gone from 17 -> 13.1 -> 13.9 -> 11.6 -> 12.3 -> 9.8 -> 9.2 His per 36 numbers for last season: 9.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.8 APG, on 41% shooting. He's just awful at this point, and for his career is a sub-average 13.8 PER player. Really, no thanks. I'd rather we got Bogans back. I wasn't kidding about playing Mike James instead.
His defense would be nice, but I remember his shooting the last couple of years he was with us. One brick after another. Why not resign James? He did ok for us.
I never understood why Thibs didnt play James more. Like 3 years ago didnt he avg like 17 and 8 with the raptors?
If you want James, you can certainly have him. No one's beating a path to his door and that in itself tells you something (if you care to listen). If you think James is a better player than Hinrich, I don't know what to tell you other than just about every NBA GM would disagree. And James is 37. Hinrich is 31. For those who shudder at the thought of Hinrich returning to the Bulls, it's likely that you won't have to live the nightmare. He'll probably get a better offer then the MMLE the Bulls can offer.
It's been reported that the organization reached out to former Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich at the outset of free agency and according to a person with knowledge of the situation, offered a deal at or just above the veteran's minimum and below the "mini" mid-level exception], which could be under [Hinrich's] desired price range ( Estimated $1.2M to $2.5M for Kirk Hinrich ) http://www.blogabull.com/2012/7/2/3...mors-contract-offered-to-hinrich-willie-green
I feel like this thread has lost sight off the bigger picture. Denny is making arguments for James, because he likes the taste of dog shit better than cat shit. Transplant is arguing for Hinrich, because he likes the taste of cat shit better than dog shit. It's all just shit when you take a step back. The Bulls need a backup point guard and a third-string point guard to be average at the position behind Rose. Last year, I think they were better than average with Watson and Lucas III, who were both legitimate backup point guards. That should be the aim for this off season. The Bulls drafted Teague, who I think will be a third-string point guard next season -- and I haven't heard many arguments to the contrary. That means they need a legit backup, and preferably two legit backups, since Rose is planning on missing a large portion of the upcoming season. Who are those guys . . . well, not Hinrich or James. They're both past the part of their careers when they can play meaningful minutes. Hinrich has the advantage of being a former white American star, which is great for ticket sales, but the Bulls don't need to sell tickets. There have to be better options. Examples: CJ Watson; John Lucas III; Bo McCalebb; Alexey Shved; Ray Felton; George Hill; Jordan Farmar; Jerryd Bayless; Ramon Session. Heck . . . even Jason Kidd and Derek Fisher are a full class better at this point in their careers.
I like James because he's better than Kirk and makes the vet minimum. I don't expect better for what the bulls are willing to pay. Frankly, CJ turned out to be meh over 82 games, but I would be happy having him back as the starter.
Remember Watson was injured early last season. He was playing very well before that and once he came back he never reached that level again. Who knows what he will do this season once healthy.
Yeah, tbf, but a lot of guys play well for stretches of games but not over the long haul. I do think Watson is exactly worth the $3.2M we paid him, and I'd love to see us renew his contract and have him as our starter this season. That is, barring a better alternative for the $3.2M (and I mean player, not profit).
The Bulls seem close to something with Kirk HInirch... talking with Derrick Fisher too, but Kirk seems to be top option https://twitter.com/stevekylerNBA/status/221215810205650944
