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"You would underestimate him" - Taj Gibson names the most underrated Chicago Bull of all time
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- "You would underestimate him" - Taj Gibson names the most underrated Chicago Bull of all time
Most would probably consider Kirk Hinrich as one of the most popular role players in Chicago Bulls history. He wasn't a star like Michael Jordan or Derrick Rose , or even as impactful on the court as players like Joakim Noah or Scottie Pippen, but he was arguably one of the most important during the 2000s.
Selected seventh in 2003, Hinrich was one of the first important pieces of the rebuilding process the Bulls initiated after the end of their dynasty in the 90s and MJ's retirement. He spent his first season building something in Chicago, which eventually culminated in his transition into a limited-veteran role that was as crucial to the franchise as it became competitive.
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Taj Gibson recalls how Hinrich helped shape his young career and helped Chicago find its identity as its almost-decade-long rebuild culminated in a competitive roster led by D-Rose.
A veteran edge on the young Bulls
By the time the 2010s rolled around, Hinrich's role in the franchise had massively changed. He wasn't the young point guard entrusted to establish an era post-MJ anymore, but the veteran who could guide the core of Rose, Noah and Gibson and instill an identity that would make them title contenders.
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Other players would not have taken kindly to the role change as Hinrich did, embracing it and leading by example. Despite being one of the smaller players on the court, Gibson recalled that Captain Kirk's energy would propel the rest of the team to rally behind him.
"One thing I do remember is just loving being around Kirk Hinrich. Love that dude," Gibson shared . "You see him, and you'll underestimate him. But man, he's so tough."
"He used to amp me up 'cause you knew he was going to turn it up on somebody, and you just had to be there behind him. He kind of brought that fire out of us for real," he continued.
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He built the identity and energy that the Rose-led Bulls were known for. Even though he wasn't really present during the franchise's breakout 2011 season, when they reached the Conference Finals after being traded to the Washington Wizards in 2010, his influence was undeniable.
Rose and his supporting cast stormed through the East like they had something to prove, and prove they did. Under new head coach Tim Thibodeau, Chicago won 62 games and reached the Conference Finals, where they would fall short against the Miami Heat .
It was a sign of things to come, and Gibson credited Hinrich for instilling their identity and toughness. He would develop into a capable backup big man, while the likes of Noah and Luol Deng continued to echo their identity, even after injuries derailed Rose's career.
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Hinrich spent another season with the Atlanta Hawks before the Bulls couldn't help but bring him back in 2012. Hinrich returned to being a reliable backup guard as the franchise tried to maximize its championship window.
The bridge between Bulls eras
Despite the Bulls not capturing any titles during that era, their success still gave Chicagoans the hope that was once lost after Jordan's retirement. Not many people understand that at the center of it was Hinrich, who was the bridge between the rebuilding years in the mid-2000s and the generation that featured the youngest MVP in league history.
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Some still regard Captain Kirk as one of the most underrated players, and it's easy to see why. Early in his career, he was one of the key players who established the foundation for the Bulls during a tough rebuilding period, and then became the veteran leader who helped a young and promising squad find its identity.
Nowadays, only a few will ever credit Hinrich's contribution to the Bulls, or even the NBA. Still, for Bulls fans who watched from the very beginning, Captain Kirk was integral to keeping their hopes alive during the dark years and to serving as the connector who helped them become one of the best teams in the league, even if only for a little bit.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
