Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich came back last season to play a vital role for the team: to hold down the point guard position until superstar Derrick Rose came back from his ACL injury.
Hinrich was very enthusiastic to be back in Chicago to play with Rose once again, but it never happened. Rose never suited up to play last season, so that led Hinrich to play major minutes as the starting point guard. Hinrich was in and out of the lineup with various injuries until he had to shut it down in the playoffs.
Now with both guards healthy and ready to roll for next season, the anticipation and expectations are higher than ever.
The two point guards played with each other from 2008 through 2010. They had great chemistry and loved playing with each other. Hinrich was the veteran at that time, and taught Rose how to be a leader and a better basketball player. Rose has said in the past that Hinrich was the ultimate teammate and leader. So when Hinrich was traded to the Washington Wizard in 2010, Rose was devastated.
Hinrich did not want to leave Chicago, but he knew it was Rose’s time to be the leader. Rose went on to win the MVP in 2011 and led the Bulls to the league’s best regular season record in 2011 and 2012.
When the opportunity came up for Hinrich to return to Chicago, Rose was ecstatic. He was the one recruiting Hinrich to re-sign with the Bulls. Rose normally doesn’t say much about bringing in other players to help the team. He usually lets the front office do that type of business and lets his play do the talking, but this time was different because he wanted Hinrich back in a Bulls uniform. Hinrich signed a two-year contract last season.
Optimism is at an all time high in Chicago these days. The Bulls are getting healthy for the start of next season, and Rose and Hinrich are ready for their backcourt reunion. Rose will settle back into his starting point guard position and Hinrich will back him up. Also, Hinrich will play alongside Rose in certain lineups. That’s exciting news if you’re a Bulls fan and that can only mean one thing: a championship.
Courtney Harden is a Chicago Bulls writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @courtney110979, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
