Coming out of Kansas University, he was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2003 season and then played seven seasons in Chicago. While other players selected the same year as him, Linton Johnson and Ronald Dupree,  and many after, Tyrus Thomas at the top of the list, did nothing to help the Bulls, Hinrich was an every game contributor who made the team better.

He was the best perimeter defender on the Bulls roster since Scottie Pippen. Ron Artest was a Bull in-between, but as a Bull, he didn’t do what he has as a Rocket or a Laker.

He led the team in assists and steals for multiple seasons. Hinrich was also a consistent shooter from anywhere on the court. He was behind only Ben Gordon for the most points scored by a Bull for three consecutive years.

In 2008, a player landed in Chicago named Derrick Rose. Rose is more athletic, a better play maker and an all around better basketball player. If the Bulls would have had a true shooting guard, instead of having to start Hinrich, he could have won the sixth man of the year award. If he isn’t a starting point guard, he is one of the best back ups in the league.

In American society, everything circles around money. The Bulls had previously agreed to give Hinrich a nifty penny which included $9 million for the 2010-2011 season.  The front office didn’t want to pay him that big of a contract to be a role player, understandable, when this summer’s free agency had plenty of talent.

It’s unfortunate the NBA is ruled by money, but it is.

BullsHome.com wanted to let fans know how important Hinrich has been to the team for the last seven seasons. We hope him the best in the future.

The teams head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who is also the ring leader of Duke’s basketball program, said Rose performed well in exhibition games against the rest of the players trying out for the team. Coach K told this to Bulls.com about Rose’s performance.

“His ability to move the ball down the court and penetrate, he had eight assists, was very, very good,” Kryzewski said. “Defensively, he took it up a notch this week. Derrick really pressured the ball very, very well.”

This is great for all parties involved.

Team USA wins because they have one of the premier point guards in the NBA. They’re two point guards I think are better than Rose: Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Other than those two, I think Rose can take anybody else. Rose will prove Coach K made a great decision by putting him on the team.

The Bulls win because of the free marketing Rose and the USA Team are doing for them. Chicago fans and die hard NBA fans know if there is a listing of a Bulls game on the cable box, then turn it on to watch Rose play. Other people might not know this. International sports have a different audience, an audience the Bulls would like to advertise their best player in.

Rose wins because he has the chance to add to his resume as a basketball player. This isn’t the Olympics, but it is an international competition in which the world gives more than a round of applause to the champions. Who doesn’t want a gold medal sitting next to a rookie of the year award?

Rose’s teammates on the 2010 USA World Championship team will be:

• Chauncey Billups-Denver Nuggets
• Tyson Chandler-Dallas Mavericks
• Stephen Curry-Golden State Warriors
• Kevin Durant-Thunder
• Rudy Gay-Grizzlies
• Eric Gordon-Clippers
• Danny Granger-Pacers
• Jeff Green-Thunder
• Andre Iguodala-76ers
• Brook Lopez-Nets
• Kevin Love-Timberwolves
• Lamar Odom-Lakers
• Rajon Rondo-Celtics
• Russell Westbrook-Thunder

In the deal, the Warriors will get a second round draft pick in the 2011 draft.  Watson will be Derrick Rose’s backup.  If need be, he can also play the two guard role and sub in for Ronnie Brewer.

Watson will begin his fourth season in the NBA.  He dramatically improved his stats year to year while with the Warriors.  Last year in 65 games, he averaged 27 minutes, 10 points, three rebounds and three assist.

Watson has potential to be a solid backup point guard. In Golden State, he was behind Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry in the rotation.  When he was in the game, he didn’t handle the ball much.  If he shows he can handle it, Watson will be the primary ball handler with the second team.

This is another smart move by the Bulls.  They needed a backup for Rose that they didn’t have to pay $9 million dollars, which they would have had to do with Kirk Hinrich.  Watson is worth a second round pick and will probably get a slightly above league minimum from the Bulls.  The deal works out for both squads.

Brewer has signed a three year deal with the Bulls for $12.5 million.

He began last season with the Jazz, then was handed over to Memphis where he only played five games, so in my book he is coming from the Jazz.

Brewer has only been in the league four seasons. He is youthful and still productive.  It’s satisfying that the Bulls are going after young talent instead of veterans who are past their prime.  He isn’t a dynamic scorer but will add 10 to 15 points a game.  With Boozer and Derrick Rose getting most the looks, his scoring average will work well with the Bulls.

The best part about Brewer is he can defend.  Head Coach Tom Thibodeau had to have something to do with this signing because Brewer will definitely help out his defensive traps and zones.

Brewer is an athletic 6’7, 227 pound guard who will get in a players face.  The Bulls traded their premier defender, Kirk Hinrich, so Brewer is much needed.

Oh, did I mention he is a legitimate shooting guard.  The Bulls haven’t had one of those since Ben Gordon left after the 2008-2009 season.  This past season, Hinrich played the two guard role, but he is a pure point guard. The Bulls are finally figuring out how to form a roster.

This is a good move for the Bulls roster and their check book.  They didn’t over pay him such as they did with Boozer. Brewer brings youth, a shooting guard, strong defensive skill set and he has experience playing with two other new Bulls.

The Bulls didn’t get one of the three big named free agents and the three players signing to another eastern conference team like the Miami Heat was discouraging but I have been awaken by the same people for the discouragement.

At first, the signing of Carlos Boozer didn’t seem like such a good move.  He definitely wasn’t big enough bait for LeBron to come to Chicago and at times he has brittle bones.  But, he when he is healthy, which is more than half of a season, he is a dependable 20 and 10 guy.  Plus, he is an eight year veteran who can mentor Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. Actually, Boozer is the eldest player on the Bulls; he can give tips to the entire team. Also, he has playoff experience past the first round. After personal debate, I am excited to see Boozer as a Bull.

Reinsdorf has also offered Orlando Magic restricted free agent, J.J. Redick, a three year deal worth $20 million.  He hasn’t proven himself as a great player, so the contract may be a little much.  On the other hand, he has shown progress each of his four seasons in Orlando.  Redick was the only offense the Magic had in a couple of the games against the Boston Celtics in the quarter finals of the playoffs. The Bulls offer is based on potential and the player he could become, it is worth it.  He has shown he can play at the NBA level.

I GIVE THE FRONT OFFICE CREDIT. They are making the best out of a situation that looked like doomsday.  I would much rather have Boozer, Korver and Redick than the three guys that were traded for expiring contracts: Tyrus Thomas, John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich. Boozer is a man, Thomas is a little boy.  Korver is a better three-point shooter than Salmons and is more reliable to hit shots.  On the other Salmons plays better defense and unlike Korver, he can create his own shot.

I love Hinrich.  The Bulls should have traded Luol Deng and kept Hinrich, but he did have an overpaid contract they wanted to get off of the books.  Hinrich is the best backup point guard in the league.  He is a premier perimeter defender, a superb assist man and can he shoot from anywhere on the court.  The problem is, Rose is more valuable and when they traded Hinrich, so was LeBron, Wade or Bosh. Redick is bigger and is a more consistent shooter.  Plus, he has younger legs and still has plenty of upside.

The Bulls are putting together a team instead of relying on one superstar player to take the “team” to the next level.  To win a championship in the NBA, the organization has to have a team, not one guy.  It has been proven over and over again.  LeBron didn’t win in Cleveland because he didn’t have a team around him and didn’t play with what he did have.  The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers win because they have role players who know what they have to do on the court.  They perform their jobs well and let the Kobe Bryants, Paul Pierces, Pau Gasols and Kevin Garnetts of the world do what they do.

The Bulls are not at a championship level at the present time but they’re a better team than they were last year.  The summer isn’t over and the Chicago Bulls still have the money to pick up whomever they wish.

The answer is…the Miami Heat.  James is going to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form a super team.  This big three is better than any other star combination in the league. I believe they can win at least four championships.  The question now is, who will Pat Riley to play with the super team.  We will find out the answer to that later this summer.

This is depressing. The Bulls traded their entire team away except for five players: Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, Luol Deng, James Johnson and Joakim Noah.  While trading the team away they signed expiring contracts at the end of the 2009-2010 season so they would have money to spend.  They even fired their head coach.

With James deciding to go to the Heat, the Bulls missed out on all three of the big free agents.  The only move they have made was by signing Carlos Boozer.  This move is good, but he is not a franchise player.  The Bulls still need a lot help on their roster to even be an eighth seed in the eastern conference.

The Bulls are going to be hurting for quite some time now. The elite talent is already signed.  They didn’t pick up anybody in the draft because they traded their pick away.

What are they going to do?  They need scoring, especially perimeter shooting.  Ray Allen is going to stay in Boston.  The only options in the free agency market are Mike Miller, Kyle Korver or J.J. Redick.

Rose is a on the verge of becoming a superstar.  Boozer is a legitimate all-star when he is healthy.  Joakim Noah is a scrappy garbage bucket collector who is a solid low post defender.  Taj Gibson showed a lot of potential his rookie year to be a solid front court role player. Luol Deng can do everything, but at mid-level,  he will not be an all-star.  What do the Bulls plan to do with this lineup?  This lineup is the first stage of a rebuilding process.  The Bulls wanted to immediately build an elite team, they failed.

The Bulls are by far the biggest loser of free agency.  The Bulls were the best option for Bosh, Wade and LeBron but something about Chicago’s proposal didn’t work.

Looking at this with the most optimism I can, the Bulls still have money to make some moves.  Like I said, the roster needs some shooters and some lengthy defenders.

Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf needs to seriously think about firing his front office.  General Manager Gar Forman and Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson should be forced to pack their bags and find a new career because obviously getting the best NBA talent  available is too difficult for them.

Wade is the third best player in the league behind Kobe Bryant and Lebron James.  As a member of the Miami Heat, he won a championship and finals MVP in 2006, a scoring title 2009, six time all-star, NBA All-Star game MVP and the list of achievements goes on forever.

Wade would be great for the Bulls.  We need scoring and a perimeter defender since the Bulls traded Kirk Hinrich, the best one they had.  Besides his scoring accomplishments,  he has been on the all-defense team three times.

He would be perfect in Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system.  He is a great help defender, picks off passes in the passing lane and knows how to rotate in zones.

I would love for Wade to come to Chicago.  If he did, there is a great possibility he would bring Lebron James or Chris Bosh with him.  These guys want to play together and most importantly, win championships.  They would have the perfect opportunity to do this if they joined Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose.

The only negative against Dwyane Wade is the comments he made about loyalty in the Bulls organization.  He questioned loyalty because previous stars such as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen do not associate with the team.

As adults,  I think both parties can let bygones be bygones  and unite to form a championship team.  This is what both sides want, so, lets make it happen.

Jackson made a guest appearance on The Basketball Jones podcast June 11th.  During his NBA conversation with J.E. Skeets and Tas Melas, Scoop suggested a previously unheard free agency strategy the Bulls should consider.

Instead of spending all their cash this summer on Bosh, James, Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki or any other player who will want a hefty salary…wait.  Why wait, because next year Carmelo Anthony will be a free agent.  Melo is perfect for the Bulls.

He has played with Chauncey Billups for the last few years, so he can handle playing with a pure point guard.  Actually,  his game has elevated the last few years because of Bullups presence.  With Derrick Rose’s athletic ability and mature skill set for only being in the league for two years, Mello would blossom to yet another level.

The Bulls hired defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau to be their head coach.  I think he would love to have a player of Melo’s size and physicality on the defensive end.  He isn’t a great defender, but he gives effort in blocking shots and disrupting the passing lane.

Jackson said the Bulls should get a mid-range salary cap guy and save the money for Mello.  This of course was before they traded Kirk Hinrich to make more room in the budget.

I like the idea.  The only problem I have with it is, next year will be looked at as a wasted season.  They only have four players on the roster for next season , so they have to sign someone.  What are they going to do,  sign an entire roster of one year rookies and veterans?  This isn’t a good idea.

Although, I agree with Scoops idea, I don’t see how next season wouldn’t be looked at as a waste.  Unless, they signed one guy at mid-range price like Carlos Boozer or David Lee, then sign one year deals.  I don’t know,  it seems kind of jello-based.

The Chicago organization and the fans want something metal based and they want it now.  There are plenty of good player available, we should shop now.  The Melo plan should only be used if nothing happens this season.  Still, Melo would have to wait for a deal because the Bulls would probably hire a new general manager first.

I asked the question to you,  who would be a better for the Bulls, Kerr or Paxson.  Kerr dominated Paxson, getting 36 of the 52 votes.  I wonder if Kerr would beat Gar Forman, like he did Paxson. 

Steve Kerr was a back up point guard for the Bulls in the mid-to late 90′s and helped win a few championships with his sniper three point shooting.  Paxson did the same thing in the early 90′s. 

He did make some questionable trades like Shawn Marion to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O’Neal, but he made up for it by getting a second round draf pick, Sasha Pavlovic who is a solid back up player, $500,000 and a soon to retire Ben Wallace when he traded O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

This season, he made room in the team’s payroll to sign one of the big name free agents this summer. Paxson traded away a bad character guy in Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats  for two expiring contracts and a future first round pick.  He then traded John Salmons and a couple of second round picks for two expiring contracts.

10 Two Way Tie Between- Rudy Gay and John Salmons

Salmons was traded away by the Bulls at the February trade deadline in order to dump off contracts.  He went to Milwaukee and helped them earn a six seed in the playoffs.  Before he came they were on the outside looking in.  Rudy Gay is a young talented player with limited leadership skills.  Gay is on the verge of becoming a superstar but needs to play on a team besides the Memphis Grizzlies where he is the main attraction, because he shouldn’t be on any team.  Both players are respectable second options and great role players.

9 Amare Stoudemire

The Suns power forward has little defense but is absolute dynamite on offense.  He can put up 30 points any night but if he is playing someone else who can score in the post, he can give up 30 points any night as well.

8 Joe Johnson

He is one of the best shooters in the game now.  He adds instant offense.  The problem is he choked in the playoffs.  His Atlanta Hawks got swept by the Orlando Magic and he put up little fight.  Johnson showed lack of heart, lack of concern to the fans and a lack of being a go to guy.

7 Carlos Boozer

Boozer is a double-double guy.  He can easily get 10 rebounds and 15-to-20 against anybody.  His defense is average but seems to always be in the right place at the right time for lose balls or blocks.  What he lacks in stats compared to some of the others on the lists, he adds in leadership.

6 Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk is a great player and possibly the best 7 foot shooter ever to grace the NBA.  Again,  he would add instant scoring and knows how to rebound the ball.  He is in the last stage of his career, I give him five productive years.  Also,  he is a second option, not a number one.  If he became a Bull, he would have to realize his position on the team.

5 Ray Allen

Allen is the second best three point shooter in history behind Reggie Miller.  He would be great for the Bull’s offense because he never stops running.  The downfall is, he will be 35 by the time next season starts.

4 Dwyane Wade

He is the second best two guard in the league behind Kobe Bryant.  I love Wade’s game and he brings the most energy to the court out of the ten guys on the court.  He can do everything: score, defend and all the intangibles in the middle.  He moved up the list because of his comments towards the Chicago Bulls.  I don’t think there is any chance he will be a Bull.

3 David Lee-Brad Miller-and a shooter (Kyle Korver, JJ Redick, Mike Miller)

Lee is a solid power forward.  He can score down low, hit a 15 foot jumper and rebound.  He plays solid help defense and again,  is always around the basket for offensive rebounds.  Brad Miller is old and for the most part washed up, but he has veteran leadership and in his old age still put up 10 points and five rebounds as a third stringer.  The Bulls desperately need a shooter.  Korver, Redick and Miller are the best shooters available.  Chicago should combo the three together to make use of their money.

2 Lebron James

James is the most athletic player in the league, no doubt about it.  He puts up video game numbers every night and would bring an incredible level of excitement around the United Center.  I will not be mad if James comes to the Bulls, that is for sure, but I think his superstardom could hurt the team.  Derrick Rose is a great point guard all ready and could develop into one of the best to ever play for the Bulls.  I question if the addition of James would hurt Rose’s development and the Chicago Bulls become the Chicago Lebrons.  He is great, but he has never won a championship.

1 Chris Bosh

From a team perspective, he is the best fit for the Bulls.  We need low post scoring, experience and a second option.   Bosh will give 20-to-22 points a night and could teach Joakiim Noah some post moves.  He isn’t the best defender in the paint, but he is average, enough to get by in the NBA.  His skill set is exactly what the Bulls need.