What the Bulls Need From Kirk Hinrich

What are the Chicago Bulls going to need from Kirk Hinrich this upcoming season?  Focus, the number one thing is focus.  Perhaps it was the swirling Kobe Bryant trade rumors, or perhaps it was the big contract he received, but Hinrich had his worst season as a pro last year.  From the ’06-’07 season to the ’07-’08 season, Hinrich’s field goal percentage dropped by more than 30 points while his shooting from deep dropped by more than 60.  He averaged the least points per game of his career, as he did in assists and rebounds.

Hinrich’s name again was thrown around in trade rumors this offseason after the team selected point guard Derrick Rose with the number one overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.  Many people thought that Rose’s presence would make Hinrich the odd man out, but it appears that Ben Gordon has assumed that role and Hinrich is in Chicago to stay.  The team will need Hinrich to regain the sweet jump shot that he exhibited two seasons ago, and for most of his collegiate and NBA career.  He’ll be asked to play both the one and two positions, and can’t have any issue with playing time or where he’s being played.  Hinrich’s style of play should complement Rose’s and the two should play well together.

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