Kirk Hinrich

At 42 years old, Kirk Hinrich has this physical status:

Kirk James Hinrich (born January 2, 1981) is an American former professional basketball player.

He has also served on the USA National Team. Hinrich was introduced to basketball at an early age in Sioux City, Iowa.

Hinrich's dad, Jim, coached him from the third grade to high school.

Hinrich started promising to play basketball at Iowa State, but when Tim Floyd, the basketball coach at the time, took over the Chicago Bulls' head coaching role, Hinrich changed course and decided to attend the University of Kansas. In 2002 and 2003, Hinrich saw Kansas win in consecutive Final Fours for the first time in both junior and senior seasons.

He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the seventh pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was dubbed "Captain Kirk" after his inception. Hinrich is the Bulls' all-time leader in three-point field goals.

He spent brief stints with the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks before returning to the Bulls in 2012.

He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2016 and was back to them.

Early life

Hinrich was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Jim and Nancy Hinrich. His father played basketball at Briar Cliff College before becoming a mentor for Sioux City West High School. Jim Hinrich, his old college coach, asked if Kirk would enroll in Nacke's summer camp for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders when Hinrich was seven years old. Despite Nacke's tremblings, Hinrich was able to attend the camp and did a good job against the older children. Hinrich went to Nacke's camp for young teenagers, where he excelled there as well.

Hinrich also played football as a quarterback and baseball as a pitcher. Hinrich's passion, however, was basketball. Gary Payton, a Seattle SuperSonics player known for his good defense, was his role model. Hinrich's basketball team at Sioux City West High School set an 82–9 record in four years and captured the Iowa state championship as a senior while Hinrich was a student. Hinrich was West High's all-time leader in points, robbery, and assists when he graduated.

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College career

Hinrich tallied 123 points and received the Clyde Lovellette Most Improved Player Award as a freshman with the University of Kansas Jayhawks. With a.505 three-point shooting record, he finished eighth in the country in assists per game (6.9), led his team in steals, and led his team in stealings. Hinrich was also elected to the Associated Press All-Big 12 Second Team, earning All Third Team distinction from the NCAA coaches.

The Jayhawks advanced to the Final Four in their fourth and final season, alongside power forward Nick Collison, and was voted by coaches and the media to the All-Big 12 Second Team. He led his team in free throw shooting and three-point shootings, scored 5.0 assists per game, and was named Kansas' Ted Owens Defensive Player Award. Kansas lost in the championship Game to Syracuse, but Hinrich was named the Midwest Region's Most Valuable Player. He came in second on his team's scoring and led it in three-pointers, while also delivering 3.5 assists per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, and 1.9 steals per game. The Associated Press selected him as a third-team All-American following the season.

Kansas retired Hinrich's number 10 jersey and boosted it to Allen Ortodox's rafters on March 1, 2009. Hinrich's was just the 25th jersey to be retired by Kansas, and it is an award for a player of the highest caliber, which includes names such as Wilt Chamberlain and Paul Pierce.

Hinrich was quoted as saying:

Professional career

Hinrich was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 2003 NBA draft with the seventh overall pick, resulting in a mild surprise because he was supposed to be a late second-round draft pick. Some people were concerned that his college game would make it to the professional league, in part because he served as a shooting guard for his final two years in college and was deemed too small to play in this position. Hinrich's high draft pick is due to a good workout in front of NBA team scouts. Since Jay Williams was critically injured in a motorcycle crash, the Bulls needed a point guard. Hinrich, who was selected by the Bulls, said he knew they needed a point g

Hinrich was struck with an acute viral disease right before his first season, which required months to fully recover. Nevertheless, he did well after his recovery, showing a solid grasp of fundamental skills, solid playmaking, leadership, and a surprising defensive tenacity. He solidified his role as the Bulls' starting point guard and was named to the NBA's 2004 All-Rookie first team. He made the distinction of being the only rookie to record a triple-double in the season, with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Golden State Warriors on February 28, 2004. Hinrich's field accuracy (38.6% on field goals) was actually worse than from behind it during the same season (39.0 percent on three-pointers). Hinrich was selected to "Got Milk," according to NBA legend Greg Johnson. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh were among the All-Rookie First Team's, as well as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh. He was also named the Bulls' Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award or Player of the Year (POY) for the 2003–04 season.

Hinrich's field goal percentage increased to.397 in his second year, a marginal improvement. Hinrich is known for his on-court demeanor; he was involved in a small scuffle between the Bulls and the Washington Wizards in the preseason of his second year in the league, for which he was fined $10,000. Wizards player Larry Hughes headbutted Hinrich out of bounds, causing Bulls players Antonio Davis and Eddy Curry to engage in a small brawl with Wizards center Brendan Haywood on a drive to the basket. At least one game was suspended by the NBA, including Hughes, Haywood, Curry, and Davis. In the first round of the playoffs, the Bulls met the Wizards, igniting the possibility of a rivalry was born. Despite beginning his second year as the team's starting point guard, he was then moved to the shooting guard position nine games into the season due to the team's 0–9 record. As the Bulls' sixth man, Ben Gordon was promoted to the bench. Chris Duhon, a rookie, was the player to take over the starting point guard position. The Bulls gained team bond and the starting lineup was more targeted toward defense, with Gordon coming off the bench to spark the team's scoring. The Bulls continued to make a run to finish 47-35, becoming the first team to start off 0–9 and reach the playoffs, where they earned the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. They lost the next four games, including a last-second defeat at home in game 5, when winning the first two games of their series with the Washington Wizards, and then lost the next four. The Bulls used Hinrich's contract during the offseason, making him sign through the 2006–07 season. Hinrich improved in virtually every statistical category in 2004-05, including scoring (15.8 ppg), shooting (just under 40% from the field), rebounding (3.9 rpg) and defense (122 steals).

Hinrich's field-goal percentage increased to 41% in his third year in the NBA, though his scratch-back accuracy dropped to 35%. His career-free throw shooting average is 82%, making him one of the best free throw shooters on the Bulls. Antonio Davis and Eddy Curry were traded away in the offseason, and the team fought until losing the seventh seed in the playoffs, where they met the eventual champions, the Miami Heat, in the first round. When the Heat's James Posey shoulder attacked Hinrich in the third game of the series, it was the third game of the series. Hinrich shot a career Sustainable 15.9 ppg, a team-high 6.4 apg, and 3.6 rpg, as well as a career high of 41.8% from the field and a high 55.6 percent from the free throw line in 2005-06, a record high. In the 2005-06 season, he was the only member of the Chicago Bulls to have more than one steal per game.

Hinrich was granted a multi-year contract extension on October 31, 2006, which was the contract's deadline. Hinrich would have been barred from being a restricted free agent under oathical control). GM John Paxson was quoted as saying, "I am a bull."

Hinrich's shooting and shooting percentages increased during the 2006–07 season, his fourth in the NBA, with career highs in field goal, 3-point field goal, and free throw shooting percentages, as well as a career high 16.6 ppg. Hinrich's average was his lowest point in his career, and he had his fewest rebounds per game of his career.

While being defended by Hinrich, Dwyane Wade suffered his wrist in a game against the Miami Heat. Dwyane Wade's wrist was injured on purpose by Hinrich's coach, Pat Riley.

Hinrich had earlier appeared on a video of what Riley said; his reaction was sincere as he replied by saying he responded by saying he had written a note of what Riley said; and that he had said he replied by saying that he was on the radio again.

He came to his defense after Hinrich's teammate Ben Gordon heard Riley's words: "I heard him saying something about Kirk." Posey's was way more blatant. Kirk did not do anything, I don't think so. He was just playing hard defense. Kirk didn't do anything wrong. I don't like him firing at our boys." Although maintaining that Hinrich's grab of Wade's wrist was not unlawful, sports Illustrated columnist Chris Mannix called Riley's remarks "on the brink of hypocrisy," the Sports Illustrated columnist said. "The play itself hardly qualifies as filthy." Riley did not choose that word, but it was certainly what he insinuated. Yes, it's legal.

But dirty?"

"Hinrich had no intention of offending Wade." He didn't grab his wrist and twist it. He didn't chop down on it with his other hand." Posey sluggishly called Hinrich's play in the NBA like that commonplace in the NBA, before going on to compare Hinrich's foul play in the 2006 playoffs. "Dirty was the cheap shot that James Posey delivered to Hinrich when he brought the guard a body check during last season's playoffs."

Riley later had a different opinion on his remarks; the Bulls and Heat coached Riley the next time he was confronted with the remarks made by a reporter.

Hinrich threw his mouthpiece into the stands after being charged with a criminal offense during the Bulls' first game of the 2007 playoffs against the Miami Heat. Hinrich received a technical warning for his conduct as well as a $25,000 fine.

Hinrich should have been banned from the game but was allowed to stay in. "What Kirk did the other (day) was supposed to be an automatic dismissal," Bulls coach Scott Skiles was quoted as saying. They didn't know it existed. Hopefully, nothing like this ever occurs again. The Bulls swept the Heat before being eliminated in 6 games by the Detroit Pistons before being swept by the Chicago Pistons.

In the 2006–07 season, Hinrich was selected to the NBA's All Defensive second team. Hinrich gained 7 first team votes and 4 second team votes, totaling 18 points. Hinrich joined Ben Wallace on the 06-07 All Defensive second team, as their teammate.

Hinrich's numbers dropped across the board, with averages in points (11.5), assists (6.0), and minutes played (31.7). Due to minor injuries, he only played in 75 games and started 72 of them. In the 2007–08 season, the Bulls missed the playoffs, finishing with a dismal 33-49 record.

In a victory over the Indiana Pacers on January 23, 2008, Hinrich scored a career-high 38 points.

Hinrich was relegated to a backup position at the point guard position for the 2008–2009 season due to the arrival of number one pick Derrick Rose. Injuries restricted him to just 51 games played on the season, with just four of whom have started.

Hinrich'swholesome average was 30.0 minutes per game, 2.9 assists per game, 1.7 steals per game, and 12.6 points per game during the 2009 NBA Playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs in a thrilling seven-game series, the Bulls lost to the Celtics.

Hinrich led the Bulls' all-time leader in three-point field goals against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 20, 2010, beating Ben Gordon's record of 770. Hinrich defeated the Boston Celtics 103–93 on April 13, 2010, scoring a season high 30 points.

Hinrich finished the season with 10.9 points per game, 4.5 assists per game, and 1.2 steals per game. Hinrich averaged 12.4 points and 4 assists per game in the playoffs, but the Bulls lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.

Hinrich was traded to the Washington Wizards along with the right to forward Kevin Seraphin in exchange for draft rights to Vladimir Veremeenko on July 8, 2010. Since learning from Wizards optometrist Keith Smithson that if he were to lose sight in his left eye if he was struck, Hinrich began wearing glasses during games. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game during his short time with the Wizards.

Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong were traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans, and a first-round pick in the 2011 NBA draft on February 23, 2011. The Hawks were the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference at the end of the 2010-2011 season. Hinrich suffered his hamstring injury in Game 6 of the Orlando Magic and then missed the entire second round of the playoffs, losing to Hinrich's former team, the Chicago Bulls, in which the Hawks lost to Hinrich's former team, the Chicago Bulls.

Since undergoing left shoulder surgery, Hinrich missed the first eighteen games of the 2011–12 NBA season. Hinrich hit career lows in points per game at 6.6, assists per game at 2.8, and minutes per game at 25.8.

Hinrich signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls on July 23, 2012.

Kirk began the 2012–13 season as the Bulls' starting point guard in the absence of point guard Derrick Rose. Hinrich suffered with various injuries throughout his career, including an elbow infection and a strained reaction in his foot, with his foot only shooting only 38 percent from the field. He finished the year with 7.7 points, 5.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 29 minutes per game. Hinrich played a good game against the Nets in Game 4 of the 2013 NBA Playoffs vs. the Nets, scoring 18 points and dishing out 14 assists in 60 minutes of action as the Bulls defeated the Nets 142-134 in triple overtime, giving the Bulls a 3-1 series lead. Hinrich, on the other hand, missed the remainder of the season after rupturing his calf in the second quarter of the game. The Miami Heat eliminated the Bulls in the second round of the second round.

Hinrich started the 2013-14 season as a bench player backing up Derrick Rose, but Hinrich was recalled as the starter in the case after Rose suffered from a torn meniscus injury that ended his season just 10 games in. Although he struggled to begin the year with 36.4 percent from the field and 28 percent on 3 pointers, he recovered dramatically following the All-Star Break, shooting 42.8% from the field and 43.7% from 43.7% from 3 for the remainder of the season. He had a much better regular season campaign, with his 73 games playing his most since the 2009–10 season. His 9.1 points per game average was also his highest level since the 2010–11 season.

Hinrich re-signed with the Bulls on July 21, 2014, earning a reported two-year, $5.6 million contract.

Hinrich exercised his player option with the Bulls for the 2015-2016 season on June 29, 2015.

Hinrich was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade involving the Bulls and the Utah Jazz on February 18, 2016. Hinrich's last NBA game was played in Game 2 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 4th, 2016. With Hinrich's 3 points and 2 rebounds, the Hawks would lose 98-123 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in that match.

International career

Hinrich was officially added to the United States national basketball team in Beijing, China, in July 2006. He was initially scheduled to play in February 2006, but he was unable to respond due to the pressure of making a decision in the midst of a competitive NBA season for the Chicago Bulls. Hinrich changed his mind and accepted a spot on the team's roster following his 2005–06 season.

Hinrich said of the incident:

More than 20 players were on the roster when it was first drafted, but it was soon limited to 15 players, one of whom was Hinrich. Hinrich was selected as one of the 12 players to participate in the FIBA World Championship in Japan when the final roster was revealed. Hinrich learned of his grandfather's death early in the morning of July 25 and returned to Sioux City, Iowa.

Hinrich started an exhibition game against Lithuania on August 13, 2006, scoring 10 points and two steals in a US victory. Hinrich was asked about starting the game after the game. "We're playing in teams right now," he said. I know when I get my time, I just try to make the best of it, and make sure our team is efficient. It's one of those situations where playing in squads in spurts like that makes it a little bit more difficult. However, you should not hold back and give it all the time you can because you know you'll be drained a lot."

Team USA defeated the Greece national team in the FIBA world Championship semi-finals. Hinrich made a three-point shot to pull the US within five points, but was later suspended for an unsportsmanlike foul on Greece center Sofoklis Schortsanitis. With 45 seconds remaining, he knocked down another three-pointer to bring the US within four seconds. Hinrich was then fouled out after he purposely struck a Greek player to stop the shot clock. Despite the US's involvement, the Greeks won 101–95 with free throws and the first kiss. The US team then competed against the Argentina team for the bronze medal. Hinrich vs. Andrés Nocioni, his former Bulls teammates, were battling him in the game. The United States went on to win 96-81 and took home the bronze medal.

Hinrich dropped out of the FIBA Americas Championship's in the United States, citing personal reasons.

Hinrich departed from his service to the US national team so he could concentrate on his wedding and not "hitting the weights" hard, according to the Chicago Tribune. Hinrich revealed in April 2008 that he would not play for Team USA in the Beijing Olympics because his wife was expecting a baby. "It wasn't like I was upset about anything," he said at the Olympics. "It wasn't working out for me."

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