Chicago Bulls: What is Next After Kirk Hinrich

By Jason Fryer

After 2 years away from Chicago, the Bulls have decided to bring Kirk Hinrich back to Windy City after he reportedly agreeing to a 2 contract. During his tenure in Chicago, Hinrich averaged 13.4 points per game to go along with 5.8 assists while shooting 37.9% from 3.

So what will Hinrich bring the Bulls in both the short term and long term?

In the short term, Kirk will be a reliable point guard in Derrick Rose's absence while already knowing a number of players on the Bulls roster from years past (Rose, Deng, Noah, Gibson). In addition, Hinrich also brings a similar mentality to the Bulls that Head Coach Tom Thibodeau preaches: defense, toughness, and the "team first" mentality.

As for the longterm, Hinrich will most likely come off the bench once Derrick Rose returns to the Bulls roster giving Chicago additional guard depth on their roster. Along with Forward Taj Gibson, Hinrich will become the first player off the bench and play a vital role on the Bulls roster. As for the 2013-14 season, Hinrich might once again find himself in the starting lineup alongside Derrick Rose as Richard Hamilton's contract is set expire following the 2012-13 season. If Hamilton doesn't return for the 2013-14 season, the Bulls might look to make Hinrich their starting 2-guard and have Marquis Teague become the primary backup to Derrick Rose.

In the end, I feel the signing of Kirk Hinrich was a good move for both the present and future as it will allow the Bulls to have more depth off their bench.

Mar 31, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich (6) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Photo Courtesy By: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Kirk Hinrich

Where do the Bulls go from here:

The Bulls have improved their depth at the point guard position with the signing of Hinrich along with drafting Marquis Teague. As for the rest of their roster, Chicago still has a few other holes they need fill before they become a "Championship team" again. Many people feel that following the 2012-13 season, the Bulls will look into using their one amnesty clause on Power Forward Carlos Boozer which would allow for them to have some cap space during the Summer of 2014.

During the 2014 offseason, the Bulls will have 5-7 players under contract (Rose, Noah, Teague, Butler, Gibson (who would be starting a new contract), Nikola Mirotic (I believe he'll come to the Bulls during the summer of 2014), along with a few 1st round draft picks from the 2013 and 2014 NBA Draft (and possibly Charlotte's Draft choice). During the Summer of 2014, the Bulls should be able to add another key piece to their core and become an even better team. With that said, once Derrick Rose returns to being 100%, I feel the Bulls will still be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

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