Kirk Hinrich has had his ups-and-downs with the Chicago Bulls throughout his career. Most of his ups were in his first stint with the Bulls from 2003-2010 before he was traded to the Washington Wizards. However, when he made his return to Chicago in the summer of 2012, it seemed as if the Bulls brought back a much lesser player in Hinrich.
No matter how bad Kirk Hinrich played offensively, Tom Thibodeau blindly trusted him because of his defensive ability and leadership. It seemed as the years went on, good old Captain Kirk’s defense was diminishing as well. At times, Hinrich was as effective as a still-wall on the court, which is surprisingly an understatement. Captain Kirk had his good moments, but they often went unnoticed or unappreciative by the fans. Derrick Rose went on record to say that Hinrich was the only player he’s ever recruited to join the team back in 2012. However, it seems Hinrich’s days are numbered in the rotation. Kirk picked up his final year’s option this season which will make him an unrestricted free-agent next summer. Kirk HInrich could come back next summer, but the chances of him playing meaningful minutes is well behind him barring any injuries.
Queue in E’Twaun Moore. Yes, Moore. A name Bulls fans might not be too familiar even after watching him hit a game winner against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tom Thibodeau wasn’t known to trust the end of his bench, unfortunately for Moore that included himself. Moore is a defensive pest on the court and has the offensive capability of playing combo guard at a high level. He’s a perfect player to bring off the bench for spot minutes. It seems Derrick Rose and Aaron Brooks will suck up majority of the Point Guard minutes, but Moore could find himself knocking Hinrich off the rotation to get spot minutes at either guard position.
Moore has one of the best bodies in the NBA as a 6’4 combo guard. His long arms give him the reach of a 6’9 player to go along with his quick speed, which makes him a defensive nightmare. With Hinrich barley able to keep up his age, it seems Moore is definitely the better option defensively.
The Bulls brought Fred Hoiberg in to maximize the potential of the young talent on the team. A good place to start for Fred Hoiberg would be Doug McDermott, Tony Snell, and E’Twaun Moore.
One thing is for sure, Moore will get a fair hand shake by Fred Hoiberg unlike Tom Thibodeau. He’s made a good impression on Hoiberg already which resulted in a river of compliments given by the new head coach. With Hoiberg’s new system being put in place, it seems as if Moore has already made it on Hoiberg’s good side before training camp even started.
