Kirk Hinrich’s Slow Start isn’t Enough to Hamper his Season Just Yet

Kirk Hinrich is having a tough season this year. The fifth-year guard had a tough start in the Bulls game (a win nonetheless) against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. Hinrich’s shoulders slumped after he committed an unforced turnover. It was a turnover that avoided a breakaway layup and ruined a two-on-zero fast break, all because of a bad pass to rookie Joakim Noah. Of his mistake, Hinrich said, “It’s frustrating. That’s about all I can say.” Yes, it seems that for the Bulls there is not much left to say this season – it’s what they do that will make the difference for the remainder of the 2007-2008 year. After his unfortunate turnover, Hinrich didn’t do much. He picked up his fourth foul one minute into the second half and was replaced by Chris Duhon. Hinrich didn’t play in the final 23 minutes of the game.

Coach Scott Skiles attributed Hinrich’s lengthy court absence to Chris Duhon’s strong performance and the Bulls’ long-awaited comfortable lead. An unnecessary injury, he said, would only hinder Hinrich’s already rocky season. “He’s just got to play better. I could stand here for several minutes and go step by step through things. I don’t know if that’s helpful. He’s got to relax, keep up his defensive intensity and all around be a little better at that spot,” said Skiles. Hinrich has started 304 out of 314 games since being selected seventh overall in the 2003 NBA draft. He also has an average of 4.7 turnovers per 48 minutes, which ranks 15th for turnovers in the NBA. As long as he keeps his confidence and strives to play better on the court, Hinrich should be able to bounce right back from his unfortunately slow-starting season.

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