The Ship's Captain Returns

Sometime in high school, I was presented with this Kirk Hinrich jersey as a gift from my relatives.  I cherished it because he was my favorite Bull and probably the most loved among the fan base at a time when the team was just becoming somewhat relevant again.  I wore it to a game in 2007 and then didn't set foot in the United Center for the Bulls again until the home opener of the 2010-11 season.  By then, the jersey had become a nostaligia item as Hinrich was traded during the previous offseason to create cap space for the impending free-agent signings.  Gone, but not even close to forgotten.

After two years with Washington and Atlanta, Hinrich was due to hit the market again.  During the season, rumors circulated that Captain Kirk would be interested in a Chicago return.  When Derrick Rose tore his ACL, the drum beat a little louder.  Now, the fans are getting their wish.  By verbally agreeing to a 2-year deal worth around $6 million, Hinrich has put the jersey back into my circulation of clothing.

While he's certainly a little older and in turn, slower, Hinrich provides the stability the Bulls will need at the point until Rose returns.  Once that happens, he can easily switch over to the two as he did during Rose's first two seasons.  With Rip Hamilton around, he'll probably be relegated to the bench once Rose does come back.  In the meantime, this short-term problem has been solved.  I'm not saying he'll be anywhere near the talent level of a former MVP.  After all, he's never been more than a slightly above-average player.  At 31, his ceiling has just about been hit.  Still, I'm fairly confident he still possesses the leadership skills and hard work ethic everyone in Chicago embraced him for during his first tenure.  If he plays up to that form, the Bulls will win a lot of games. 

Plus, I'm interested in how he works with this group of guys.  Only Rose, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson remain from the last Bulls team he played for.  They'll have to fill the others in on the way he runs an offense.  Is he the answer to getting past Miami?  Absolutely not.  But if you enjoy watching basketball and a team looking to pull off the unthinkable given their circumstances, Hinirch and the Bulls are for you.

Of course, there's a flip side for some of the players.  With this move, C.J. Watson's option will likely be declined, allowing him to explore the market.  John Lucas III has been inquired about his services by numerous teams, including the Heat.  With three point guards now under contract, there's no need for a surplus. 

There are also the decisions of whether to exercise the options of Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver.  The more immediate pressing issue is Omer Asik's future.  Gar Foreman wants him back, but is he going to pony up the dough for the contract offer which I think is more than he's worth?  All these questions will be answered throughout the summer and I'll continue to offer my insight on all of them.  In the meantime, welcome back, Kirk.