Hinrich speedy return creates logjam

Kirk Hinrich has been out injured with a torn ligament in his right thumb since November 11th when he had surgery. When he got injured fellow guard Larry Hughs was out injured and they flipped spots on the active roster. Hinrich was supposed to be out until the middle of February, but he is way ahead of schedule. He is predicted to be back by the middle of January around January 13th. When he returns the Bulls will have another guard to try to find playing time for. He will join Derek Rose, Larry Hughs, Ben Gordon, and Thabo Stefolsha fighting for playing time. This will be another challenge for Vinney Del Negro to keep everyone happy.

The Bulls need to make a trade to find a big man to complement the Bulls. They need to trade one of their guards along with one of: Nocioni, Thomas, Noah, and possibly a draft pick to get a difference maker. Hinrich would seem to be the odd man out because Hughs has the big contract, Gordon is a free agent after this season, Stefolsha doesn’t have much trade value, but looks like he could be a decent role player, and Rose is obviously untouchable. Thus, Hinrich will have to get some playing time to show he is healthy in order to be traded and bring the Bulls the pieces they need.