New York Daily News: Suns to make run for Hinrich

[Mainstreet]

A year ago Hinrich was reasonably well reguarded, but last season was a huge disappointment for him and his team.

2006-07 18.6 ppg 44.8% and 41.5% for three, 6.3 apg
2007-08 11.5 ppg 41.4% and 35.0% for three 6.0 apg

He appears to have been far less assertive, dripping from 284 free throw attempts in 2006-07 to only 142 attempts last season.

He might turn his game around, but at $10 next season on a contract running rhrough 2011-12, he's awfully pricy.

I'd gamble on Hinrich if he can be obtained. The only reason Hinrich might be available is because he has been a disappointment and Chicago has the #1 draft pick. The only other quality PGs that might be available would be Ridnour and Calderon although going after Arroyo in FA might be an option. IMO, there are likely no other teams willing to part with a higher caliber PG. Since the Suns are probably not going to be able to draft one, the Suns have to explore the options on the table... if they really are serious about going after a Championship this coming season. I think Nash would have a huge positive influence especially on Hinrich and Ridnour.

If I recall correctly, Chauncey Billups was not an impact PG until he ended up with Detroit.

 

[btimsah]

I know Nash has taken a step back, but he's still better than Hinrich. Now if we get Kirk, I'd be fine with that. Could use a guy like that.

 

[Mainstreet]

I know Nash has taken a step back, but he's still better than Hinrich. Now if we get Kirk, I'd be fine with that. Could use a guy like that.

IMO, it's not really who is the better PG, but getting Nash a backup now and a PG for the future. They could just about split the minutes at PG now. The Suns would be a much better team because of it. I've always thought the Suns most gaping hole has been at PG. If they do not fill this position with another quality player, I do not see them going very far.

 

[cly2tw]

As shooter, he is much worse than Mike Miller. As PG and for defense, he is much worse than the likes of Lowry or even Jared Jack, who are much cheaper to obtain as the backup. Why would the Suns want another bloated contract in Hinrich!

 

[Mainstreet]

As shooter, he is much worse than Mike Miller. As PG and for defense, he is much worse than the likes of Lowry or even Jared Jack, who are much cheaper to obtain as the backup. Why would the Suns want another bloated contract in Hinrich!

Because he is possibly available.

When I've watched Hinrich play I've always thought he has some Steve Nash in him. However, I always thought D'Antoni would get the best out of him too.

 

[cly2tw]

Because he is possibly available.

When I've watched Hinrich play I've always thought he has some Steve Nash in him. However, I always thought D'Antoni would get the best out of him too.

Well, then DA is in NY now.
Whenever I saw him play, I see an average talented player trying hard but hardly able to stay in front of quick guards on defense. He fouls more than Amare it seems. At best, he can reach the level of Hornacek, but way overpaid. And he will be even more overpaid as Nash backup than he was already in Chicago.

Googs was available too, if that's the justification for his signing. Why can't we learn from our own bad trades? Also, Popovich showed the league how to "buy low". I think Lowry might be available for #15, even though it's not reported by any NY papers.

 

[Mainstreet]

Well, then DA is in NY now.
Whenever I saw him play, I see an average talented player trying hard but hardly able to stay in front of quick guards on defense. He fouls more than Amare it seems. At best, he can reach the level of Hornacek, but way overpaid. And he will be even more overpaid as Nash backup than he was already in Chicago.

Googs was available too, if that's the justification for his signing. Why can't we learn from our own bad trades? Also, Popovich showed the league how to "buy low". I think Lowry might be available for #15, even though it's not reported by any NY papers.

I'm very uncertain of the Suns end game in finding a backup PG that could possibly transition into the future. I've seen this position ignored for the past several years with disastrous results. Pass first PGs are hard to find.

I'm not against Lowry. However, the Suns do need to find that transition PG for the future now. I thought perhaps the Suns could include another bloated contract in a trade with Chicago... somehow. Maybe it would require a three team trade. Anyway, I think we can agree the Suns have not addressed the backup PG position now or getting a starter going into the future. I just don't think the Suns are going to be able to address this need in the draft.

Yes, I would trade #15 for Lowry.

 

[OldDirtMcGirt]

If it's for Diaw, I really like this deal. Hinrich can play some two guard as well, and I'd prefer his reliable defense to that of Barbosa.

 

[shazaam6]

Hinrich is way too expensive, and trading Diaw just creates a hole in another position. Diaw is valuable now especially at small forward. We have subtracted talent for years, and got nothing. It is time to add not swap.

 

[nowagimp]

The suns need speed at the wing that can defend and will contribute. I like the idea of hinrich, but if the suns trade Diaw, they need to sign a decent defender at the 3,4 spot. To count on Hill for a full season at SF is beyond stupid after last year. The suns also need some outside shooting, they are no longer much of a threat outside nash and bell. that outside threat is needed to give amare and nash room to operate.

 

[LV-Suns]

Hinrich is way too expensive, and trading Diaw just creates a hole in another position. Diaw is valuable now especially at small forward. We have subtracted talent for years, and got nothing. It is time to add not swap.

Exactly. Diaw is too valuable at SF right now. Can we actually count on Grant Hill again?

 

[joshstmarie]

i keep reading that alot of you think kirk is too expensive but im wondering if you know what youre talking about...


you do know his contract goes down every year right? ending at 8mil in 2012...

 

[Irish]

What does it take to get what Hinrich produced this year? One guy whose numbers are comparable was Arroyo (an unrestricted free agent) who was paid $4 million last season. The following numbers are adjusted for minutes played.


Hinrich

ppg11.5
rpg3.3apg
6spg1.2
bpg0.2
fg%0.414
ft%0.8313
p%0.35
mgp31.7

Arroyo

ppg10.7
rpg2.8
apg5.4
spg0.6
bpg0
fg%0.451
ft%0.853
3p%0.345

I'm not suggesting Arroyo, unless it's for the minimum; but IMHO Hinrich should be hugely better for the price.

 

[mjb21aztd]

Well he would be better then Stephon Marbury I guess heh, and he wouldn't be a headcase all season long probally for having to come off the bench

 

[joshstmarie]

What does it take to get what Hinrich produced this year? One guy whose numbers are comparable was Arroyo (an unrestricted free agent) who was paid $4 million last season. The following numbers are adjusted for minutes played.


Hinrich

ppg11.5
rpg3.3apg
6spg1.2
bpg0.2
fg%0.414
ft%0.8313
p%0.35
mgp31.7

Arroyo

ppg10.7
rpg2.8
apg5.4
spg0.6
bpg0
fg%0.451
ft%0.853
3p%0.345

I'm not suggesting Arroyo, unless it's for the minimum; but IMHO Hinrich should be hugely better for the price.

and then you take a look at the career numbers of each player and its not even close. its easy to compare numbers to a guy that had the worst year of his career. stop hating on kirk.

 

[nowagimp]

and then you take a look at the career numbers of each player and its not even close. its easy to compare numbers to a guy that had the worst year of his career. stop hating on kirk.

I dont think there was any "hating" on Hinrich. I will agree that last year, the bulls were just in so much disarray that Hinrichs numbers didnt reflect his skill. Hinrich isnt a bad deal with a shrinking contract. No one has ever seen Hinrich play with an amare or a shaq(or any low post threat). I think some fans might be suprised. However, the suns need help at the '3', a real shooter from there who can defend. Hinrich can play some '2', but not '3'. It will be interesting to see how Kerr improves the roster. He'd better improve it, or the suns will fade fast.

 

[Yuma]

Heinrich is too young of a free agent for the Suns. We like our free agents to be in their thirties, please!

 

[Mainstreet]

What does it take to get what Hinrich produced this year? One guy whose numbers are comparable was Arroyo (an unrestricted free agent) who was paid $4 million last season. The following numbers are adjusted for minutes played...

I'm not suggesting Arroyo, unless it's for the minimum; but IMHO Hinrich should be hugely better for the price.

Arroyo is better than the minimum. Unless the Suns plan to acquire a PG in a trade (like Hinrich) they better draft one or sign one in free agency. However, PG is not where the value is in the draft at #15.

 

[bankybruce]

I dont think there was any "hating" on Hinrich. I will agree that last year, the bulls were just in so much disarray that Hinrichs numbers didnt reflect his skill. Hinrich isnt a bad deal with a shrinking contract. No one has ever seen Hinrich play with an amare or a shaq(or any low post threat). I think some fans might be suprised. However, the suns need help at the '3', a real shooter from there who can defend. Hinrich can play some '2', but not '3'. It will be interesting to see how Kerr improves the roster. He'd better improve it, or the suns will fade fast.

Having watched most of Kirk's games since he has come into the NBA, I have to say, I do not like him on the Bulls because he is a shoot first PG with a below average shot. I compare his shoot and Kidd's shot. Imagine if Kidd was a shoot first PG. If fe can learn to pass first, he could be could be good. I do not think that is all on him either. Skiles did not help him develop and he should have. I think you are right, if he had a low post guy to give the ball to, it may help. Also, if the Suns did trade for him they they need to make a run at Hornacek as a assistant to work with his shot. I want to see him succeed because he plays hard and has a lot of heart, but he time is done in Chicago.

 

[Irish]

Arroyo is better than the minimum. Unless the Suns plan to acquire a PG in a trade (like Hinrich) they better draft one or sign one in free agency. However, PG is not where the value is in the draft at #15.

I'd say Arroyo appears to be the best unrestricted free agent PG (better than Lue and Carter), but seems to have trouble with his coaches. I don't see him taking over for Nash at some point like Calderon might, he's more of a PG than Leandro.

 

[overseascardfan]

I'd say Arroyo appears to be the best unrestricted free agent PG (better than Lue and Carter), but seems to have trouble with his coaches. I don't see him taking over for Nash at some point like Calderon might, he's more of a PG than Leandro.

I forgot about Arroyo but look out for Chris Duhon, who I feel would be a nice pick up as well.

 

[cly2tw]

Having watched most of Kirk's games since he has come into the NBA, I have to say, I do not like him on the Bulls because he is a shoot first PG with a below average shot. I compare his shoot and Kidd's shot. Imagine if Kidd was a shoot first PG. If fe can learn to pass first, he could be could be good. I do not think that is all on him either. Skiles did not help him develop and he should have. I think you are right, if he had a low post guy to give the ball to, it may help. Also, if the Suns did trade for him they they need to make a run at Hornacek as a assistant to work with his shot. I want to see him succeed because he plays hard and has a lot of heart, but he time is done in Chicago.

Yours matches my own observation on Kirk quite well. Whenever watching him pass, you come away with the impression that he could do nothing but "routine" type swinging the ball on perimeter stuffs. His passes never lead to space gain an above average PG can generate. That's probably how he became shoot-first due to comparative advantage there. With a lowpost guy to feed the ball to, he might mature into a Hornacek type of player as his ceiling. Hardly worthwhile the trouble and 9 mil per year salary. I'd go with Arroyo at 1/2 the MLE, or trading LB or #15 to bring in a backup like Jared Jack or Lowry (plus others like athletic wings).

 

[cly2tw]

I forgot about Arroyo but look out for Chris Duhon, who I feel would be a nice pick up as well.

His problem seems to be shooting. Can he shoot?

 

[Andrew]

I think he could be a solid contributor off the bench...

 

[bankybruce]

His problem seems to be shooting. Can he shoot?

If you are asking about Duhon, he is a streaky shooter, but I think that is more to do with the fact that everytime he has streaks going, Skiles would all of a sudden bench him. The Bulls were a better team with Duhon running the point.