Captain Kirk Returns

The Bulls finally made a ripple in the ocean that is NBA free agency.  As has been speculated since the opening of NBA free agency Kirk Hinrich will be returning to the Bulls.  It was reported Sunday he has agreed to a 2 year $6 million deal.

Can't say I am shocked.  Paxson always loved Hinrich despite his obvious flaws.  So with the Bulls wanting (not necessarily needing) to be cheap since this is going to be a lost season they brought Hinrich back at a reasonable cost.

Personally, I have liked Hinrich since his days as a Jayhawk.  He's a decent (not good) shooter when open.  Not so decent (dribble dribble clank) when guarded.  He's a "try hard" guy with a little better than "try hard" talent.  He plays bigger than he is defensively and will fit well in Coach Thibodeau's defensive system.  The defensive aspect and his leadership will outweigh his offensive shortcomings.

The signing of Hinrich means CJ Watson will likely not be brought back.  He was due $3.2 million if they brought him back.  Watson more than fulfilled his role backing up Derrick Rose the last couple years until he completely disappeard against the 76ers in the playoffs after Rose got hurt.  I thought Watson had a great chance to play himself into a big contract elsewhere, but completely blew it.

So it is safe to assume that Hinrich will be the starting PG while Rose is still recovering from knee surgery.  Once Rose returns expect Hinrich to take a super sub role and back up Rose and Rip Hamilton as needed.  That is of course if Hamilton is healthy enough to play.  The thought of relying on Hinrich as the starting SG is frightening.  We've see what Rose's penetration skills have done to improve Deng's outside shooting.  Hopefully it will have the same effect on Hinrich. 

Also reported that John Lucas III  has drawn interest from the Miami Heat.  I know a lot of people like him, but he's no loss if he goes elsewhere.  I'd rather see what we have in Marquis Teague, especially if we are looking at struggling for most of this season.

Fortunately free agency has not really changed a lot of teams landscapes this year in East.  Obviously the Nets have gotten, and may get even better with the possibility of landing Dwight Howard.  The Magic and Hawks got worse though.  So the Bulls will still have a shot to make the playoffs.  Most likely as a 7 or 8 seed unless the Pacers struggle.  Outside of Indy their division is nothing special and winnable even with half a season from Rose and Deng.

It appears that the future of Ronnie Brewer and Kyly Korver are still up in the air.  Brewer is due $4.37 million and Korver $5 million if they are brought back.  The problem is they are right at the salary cap.  So with luxury tax it basically doubles the cost of those contracts.  And that is not even factoring in the Asik dilemma.

I know one thing for sure.  Until Rose and Deng are back I will be fearfully watching with my hands covering my face and eyes peeking between my fingers.