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.

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.

Rosters are starting to take shape, especially for the Chicago Bulls. They traded away Tyrus Thomas, John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich for expiring contracts that are now off the books and future draft picks. The Bulls are starting to build the roster and our only six days into the free agent signing period.

Boozer and Korver are officially signed. Yesterday, the Bulls signed 7 ft center Omer Asik from Turkey. Asik was originally drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 2008, but was immediately traded to the Bulls. He has been developing for the past two years in Euroleague play. Chicago needs a big man who can defend a Dwight Howard or a Pau Gasol. Asik looks long and lengthy but is a great shot blocker. Maybe he will defend with intimidation as his best aspect; that’s what Ben Wallace did. Scouts seem to think he has solid NBA skills.

“Center seems to be his natural position as he loves playing with his back to the basket possessing a good assortment of moves to get his shot off … He is a tenacious rebounder going for the offensive boards as well as wiping the defensive glass.”

This isn’t saying he will dominate, but he will add depth off the bench. The Bulls have been a team that relies on six to seven players, maybe Tom Thibodeau’s run as head coach will bring in a new era called use the bench.

In other NBA news:

Golden State gets forward David Lee
New York gets forward Anthony Randolph,forward Kelenna Azubuike, forward Ronny Turiaf and a 2010 second-round pick.

Golden State wins the trade. Lee is a great rebounder and can put up 20 to 25 points any night. He is perfect for the run and gun tempo of the Don Nelson’s Warriors. New York got three so-so players. The second round pick will more than likely lead to the same type of player. Randolph is a solid player with upside but he isn’t going to develop into an all-star. He will be a great sixth man or a contributing role player. Warriors get an all-star and the Knicks get three similar players who will not amount to much.

Miami resigned forward Udonis Haslem.

Haslem has been a blue collar player for the Heat since 2002, it only seems right to bring him back to attempt to win another championship. He is a big man who can step out and hit a jumper, rebound and defend in the low post. Heat owner Pat Riley would have been a fool not to bring him back.

Dallas gets center Tyson Chandler and center Alexis Ajinca
Charlotte gets center Erick Dampier, forward Eduardo Najera, guard Matt Carroll and cash considerations.

Dallas wins this trade. Chandler is not offensively gifted but can rebound and block shots on a much higher level than Erick Dampier can. Oh, Dampier can’t shoot a penny in the ocean, Chandler is better in this category too.

Najera is on his last legs and Carroll isn’t an NBA talent. Dallas drops some salary to pick up players they could use, while Charlotte picks up veteran players who will not fit their system.

Derek Fisher stays with the Lakers.

Great move. Fisher kept the Lakers in the playoffs throughout every series. He is tough and the heart of the team.

Most of everything is rumors and hasn’t been set in contract yet.

The Atlanta Hawks are going to send Chris Childress to the Suns. The Suns are also going after Hedu Turkoglu. Childress has played over seas for the past few years, and has become a great player.

Al Jefferson will be a Denver Nugget.

J.J. Redick has been offered a deal from the Bulls but Orlando can keep him if they match the 3 year deal worth $20 million because he is a restricted free agent.

“Big Z”, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, will probably join the Miami Heat. He will follow LeBron, no dobut about it. They play well together and respect each other. They want to win a ring for each other.

Cavaliers have put an offer on the table for Kyle Lowry, but the Redick situation falls on Lowry as well. The Rockets have reportedly matched the contract.

I have no idea why, but the Timberwolves are going after Luke Ridnour. They have seven point guards and are trying to get another, no clue why.

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.

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.

This move makes the Bulls the winner of the draft.  The Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers got two great players in John Wall and Evan Turner, but they will be rookies who are young and inexperienced in the NBA.

The Bulls dropped Hinrich’s $9 million salary and the $1.3 million they would of had to pay Kevin Seraphin (the 17th pick) if they would have kept him.  Now,  they have $33.3 million to shop in the free agent market. 

This means they can get two max contract players.  Any combination is possible: Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, Wade and Chris Bosh, or my favorite James and Bosh.  They could sign other players too, but these three are the main attractions. 

 Hinrich, a solid back up point guard, has a $9 million contract for next seson.  At this time, the Bulls have $20 million to spend.  If they could unleash Hinrich’s contract they would have around $30 million, which would be enough to sign two of the guys listed above.

This is a good move for the Bulls.  Hinrich has been a good player for the Bulls, but he is an over paid role player.  If the Bulls could get a D-Wade or Chris Bosh on top of getting Lebron,  adios Hinrich.

Steve Kerr at a press conference

What if, he only did this for a year and decided he wanted an office job in the NBA once again?  Honestly,  he won’t jump back into it in the 2010-2011 season, because most guys like a break, but maybe he would want to come back the following year.  This  happens all the time in every sport.

Chicago could be a destination for him to go to.  Lets think about it.  John Paxson has been stuck in a rut for the last few years.  The Bulls finish the regular season right around .500, or, for the last two seasons, exactly at the average level with 41-41 records.

He has been the GM since 2003 and has only been past the first round once.  The only way he has got players who fans or management want to stay on the team is via draft.  He can’t make a deal to bring in players who will take the team to the next level.  If he fails to bring in Dwyane Wade, Lebron James or Chris Bosh during free agency, he needs to be fired.

There isn’t a single reason why they shouldn’t want to play in Chicago.  Money for their big contracts, Chicago has it.  Solid basketball players to play with,  Chicago has them in Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and possibly Kirk Hinrich.  Plus, who knows what other role players will be coming off of the bench next year.  Hopefully, someone who can shoot the ball. Only Paxson and the front office will.

Plus, the other teams with money to spend are not appealing.  New York has been in a tailspin for the past ten years.   There is nobody to help the big named free agents get an eighth seed, let alone an NBA championship.  Miami, has Wade, but if he leaves, nothing.  The Los Angeles Clippers seem to have some kind of lineup, but they always seem to do and always tank.

The New Jersey Nets are awkwardly enough the second best place to go besides Chicago.  They just hired Avery Johnson, great move, and have two solid players in Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. After them,  anyone can tell why they were the worst team in the league this past season.

Steve Kerr’s resume in Phoenix is impressive.  The Suns were just in the western conference finals, although some people had them being eliminated in the first round by the Portland Trailblazers.  Brandon Roy’s injury might of had something to do with the Sun’s dominance, but they won it sure handily.

Kerr did make a bad trade, sending Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O’Neal.  To his defense, their problem the previous year was they didn’t have a big man.  Kerr made an executive decision to make a change, Shaq simply couldn’t play with the run and gun Suns.

He made up for his blemish by trading him away to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, who will retire and be free money, Sasha Pavlovic, who can hit the trey, a draft pick and cash.  He got more than enough value out of the decaying O’Neal.

Kerr would be a good general manager for the Bulls.  I think Paxson deserves a final chance, but if he fails to make this roster look spectacular on paper, then fire him and pursue Steve Kerr.