Kirk Hinrich and T.J. Ford went seventh and eighth in last June’s NBA draft, respectively. Statistically, their rookie seasons are almost identical. But given how Hinrich and his blue-collar work ethic have been embraced by Chicago fans and given how Ford is starting for a playoff-bound Milwaukee team, neither general manager can be upset with his choice.
Hinrich scores more, at 11.2 points per game compared with Ford’s 7.1. Ford has slight advantages in rebounding (3.3 to 3.2) and assists (6.5 to 6.1) averages. Hinrich plays more minutes, has more steals and more three-pointers and, by all accounts, is regarded as a better defender. But forget Ford for a second. Here’s how Hinrich’s season projects statistically among the best rookie seasons in Bulls history:
Minutes
Hinrich is on pace to play 2,664 minutes, which would rank fifth all time behind Michael Jordan in 1984-85, Elton Brand in 1999-2000, David Greenwood in 1979-80 and Reggie Theus in 1978-79. Jordan played 3,144 minutes to set the bar extremely high.
Points
Hinrich is on pace to score 862 points, which would rank 11th behind Jordan, Brand, Theus, Greenwood, Quintin Dailey, Scott May, Mitchell Wiggins, Erwin Mueller and Ron Artest. Jordan scored 2,313 points in 1984-85.
Assists
Hinrich is on pace to dish out 473 assists, which would rank third behind Ennis Whatley and Jordan. Whatley posted 662 assists in 1983-84.
Steals
Hinrich is on pace for 104 steals. That would place him fifth behind Jordan, Whatley, Artest and Wiggins. Jordan tallied 196 thefts in 1984-85.
Three-pointers
Hinrich is on pace to sink 133 three-pointers, which will rank first all time. In fact, he already is first, having surpassed Jay Williams’ total of 65 from last season. Hinrich has made 88 three-pointers in 51 games.
