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 Yes, this is a basketball post. I know you don't see them around these parts too often, but I figured I needed to mix things up a bit before the Cubs made me pull my hair out.....
Kirk Hinrich decided that he did not want to play for Team USA this Summer and that means that Bulls fans can breathe a sigh of relief. While it would have been nice for Hinrich to get some time playing against the best players in the world, that is not what he, or the Bulls Organization, needs right now. Hinrich is the floor general of the Bulls, and as such, plays a ton of minutes (when he's not in foul trouble). With the expected maturation of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Ty Thomas, etc. this season, it's going to be extremely important to have Hinrich on the floor and healthy as much as possible.
There have been a lot of players (Tim Duncan, Shaq, etc.) who have spent their Summer playing for Team USA only to come back to their NBA team burned out which a lot of times leads to injuries. When Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen played for the original Dream Team, Phil Jackson let them sit out a lot of the pre-season practices and games so that they would be fresh for the season. While it looks like NBA players are excellent athletes and always in shape, the daily grind of the NBA game takes it toll on the body.
Bulls forward Andres Nocioni has also decided to sit out this Summer and not play for his national team. Hinrich and Nocioni are both in similar situations since they never shy away from contact and always play as hard as they can. It would be a shame for these players to play during the Summer and not come back at full strength for the NBA season. It is known that NBA Franchises can't tell their players not to play for their national teams, so it's a smart move by Hinrich and Nocioni to take the intiative to sit out on their own. I imagine that this makes Scott Skiles, John Paxson and Jerry Reinsdorf very happy.....most importantly, it makes me happy. It shows me that these players are not content with exiting from the playoffs in the second round and are intent on coming into training camp at 100%.
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2008 Cubs Preview
think this was preemptive as his pt was limited so far. The only guy playing less was JJ Redick. Maybe he got tired of sitting on the bench and just wanted to hang out with his new bride. Silly boy.
I think he actually started a few games for them last Summer...either in the exhibitions or the real games. Either way, with Kidd and Billups around, you are probably right.
it's easier to back out than it is to get cut because Billups and Kidd are around.
honestly, who cares about USA Basketball?
Sadly...I care about USA Basketball, a lot. Seriously.
It's not a certain he would have been cut, but it was going to be close.
You and Simmons are the only two that care. Why don't you ask him if you can go on his podcast and talk about it.
he probably would have been cut since he basically competeing with Deron Williams. But I'm glad he's not playing. I wrote a post a few weeks back about how every guy on the Bulls is playing for their country and it could end up hurting them. Hinrich is going to have a big year for the Bulls, too. He's always better when he's surrounded with a lot of talent and this year will be the best cast he's ever had around him.