If that was Kirk Hinrich's last game as a Bull, at least it was a good one

I only caught the last six minutes of tonight's game due to night class (which is always fun), but it's nice to see Kirk leading the way for old time's sake, particularly since he could be on his way out by the time I wake up tomorrow. I always liked Hinrich - back in my Gordon hating days I thought Kirk got screwed by BG because he always had to waste so much energy on defense going against the shooting guards Gordon couldn't handle - but it's sort of funny just how far he has fallen.

This time last year, Hinrich was the last guy announced at home games, an honor usually bestowed on the "face of the franchise". Now? He's an overpaid, undersized backup two-guard who's about to get traded in a straight salary dump. If trading Kirk for expiring contracts means resigning Gordon, sure, go for it, Pax. But I've always liked the dude, so if this is the last we've seen from him, I wish him well.

At least Kirk will fit in fine if he goes to Minnesota. Ethnically speaking.


I know the Bulls are supposed to receive Cardinal back in the deal, but I hope there is a way they can make it work with a black guy in his place. Something about the T-Wolves being able to put a legit lineup on the floor featuring only American-born white guys is just too funny. Look: PG Hinrich, SG Miller, SF Cardinal, PF Love, C Madsen. Works out perfectly!

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So by most accounts today's trade is a winner. Matt thinks Brad Miller will be a perfect compliment to Tyrus to and Noah (which makes sense since Miller prefers to play so far away from the hoop for a big man), and it does seem to make for a nice little front court rotation for next couple of years. Salmons is a guy I've always viewed as underrated, though to be fair I haven't watched him too much, what with him coming from the Kings and all.

Here's noted uber-smart Bulls fan Kelly Dwyer's analysis of the deal from the indespensible Ball Don't Lie:

And though Salmons will be on the cap until 2011 (the last year is a player option the then-30 year old will probably pick up), this does give the Bulls nearly $26 million in expiring salaries (both Miller's and Larry Hughes' deal) to either try and dangle for players this time next year, or hang onto to dive well, well below the salary cap in the (say it with me now) summer of 2010.

In the meantime, Miller gives the team a solid offensive option at center, and Salmons gives the Bulls that size in the backcourt that will make the talk radio types happy, even if John doesn't have anything close to Ben Gordon's abilities.

  Here's what ESPN stat man John Hollinger had to say about Salmons prior to the year:

Scouting report: In addition to his slashing ability, Salmons is a very good defender who can guard three positions. He's quick and has good size at 6-7, and ranked in the top third of shooting guards in both blocks and steals per minute. The Kings often used him as the primary stopper against elite scorers, even when Ron Artest was on the court with him, and he held his own in those matchups.

Offensively, he likes to attack off the dribble for layups or short-range jumpers. He's a mediocre spot-up shooter and isn't a good shooter off the dribble, plus he tends to have high turnover rates because he's driving into traffic so much. However, he's a good enough dribbler to play point guard in a pinch.

2008-09 outlook: With Artest gone, the starting small forward gig appears to be firmly in Salmons' possession, and based on his career splits his numbers could take another boost forward as a full-time starter. Salmons isn't going to be a star, but he could average in the mid-teens with a decent shooting percentage, and between that and his stellar defense it makes him a very valuable player.

A tall two-guard that plays some D? Sign me up! I've been calling for that for years it seems, and (added bonus) the Bulls did it without trading for Vince Carter. A win-win all around, I must say.

If nothing else, at least today's trade got Brian jealous, which is great cause he's sort of a dick when it comes to the Bulls. Eat shit, Ward!

(And yes, blogging is probably the only job you can have where you can tell the boss to "eat shit" and not think twice about it.)