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Kirk Hinrich adjusting to Wizards
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By Scott Gleeson
November 11, 2010
Washington, DC — Washington Wizards guard Kirk Hinrich admits he doesn't know much about Star Trek or Captain James T. Kirk.
But Hinrich does know how to sit in the captain's seat.
"Captain Kirk," as Hinrich was known to fans who followed him the last seven seasons with the Chicago Bulls, is settling into a new role as Wizards co-captain with rookie sensation John Wall.
Helping to guide Wall, 20, the overall No. 1 draft pick, is similar to the role Hinrich found himself in with the Bulls and 2008 overall top pick Derrick Rose.
"When I was a younger player, I had veterans who helped me and were very instrumental in how much I learned about the game," said Hinrich, who will be 30 in January. "I'm kind of trying to do the same here, more by example than anything. … As a veteran, that's part of the duty."
Hinrich will meet up with his former team for the first time in the regular season Saturday when the Wizards play at the Bulls.
"It's huge to have Kirk here," Wizards coach Flip Saunders said. "You love to have those type of guys because they've been through it, they were young and had those growing pains. Even more so with John because Kirk went through it with Rose."
Rose and Wall each played one college season under coach John Calipari, Rose at Memphis, Wall at Kentucky.
Wall is "a true athlete with great speed. He's been so good with the team. He's a real leader," Hinrich said. "The more years he's in this league, you can only imagine how good he can be. Coming out of the gate, he's had so much success already."
Hinrich had success in Chicago, and he has said the trade "blind-sided him" as he went from a playoff contender to a young team finding its identity.
The Bulls were looking to free up salary cap space to attract LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, among others. Chicago's plans folded and the franchise ended up signing Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer.
Hinrich said there are "no hard feelings" and he's excited to return.
"There's definitely a comfort level for me" in Chicago, he said. "I appreciate the (Bulls) organization giving me a chance to play. They drafted me (seventh, out of Kansas) and gave me a chance to grow as a player."
Known for his long-range shooting, Hinrich last season established a Bulls career record for most three-point field goals made (822 by the end) and averaged 10.9 points and 4.5 assists as a part-time starter.
He has started every game for the Wizards (2-4) and is averaging 11 points and 3.8 assists.
"It's been a transition but it hasn't been too tough. Everybody in the organization has been great to me," Hinrich said.
"We're a young team … trying to build and get better every day. I want to get things turned around here. … We've made progress but we have to keep moving forward."
• NBA News Archive Index:
2010, 2009
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