How a small guard defied the odds to become a Chicago Bulls legend
In short: In 2003, scouts doubted Kirk Hinrich could play professional basketball due to his size. Nevertheless, the ex-Kansas star exceeded predictions by setting a Bulls record for three-point field goals that remained unbroken for more than twenty years.
Kirk Hinrich's path to the NBA was anything but certain. Despite being a standout at the University of Kansas—where he helped the Jayhawks reach consecutive Final Fours in 2002 and 2003—many experts questioned if his game would translate to the professional level. His smaller stature led some to believe he was better suited for shooting guard, yet the Chicago Bulls selected him seventh overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, driven by a specific need for a point guard following Jay Williams' injury. Before joining the Jayhawks, he had originally intended to play for Iowa State. However, he switched his commitment after his previous coach accepted a position with the Bulls.
Hinrich's rookie season was a whirlwind of defensive intensity and unexpected milestones. He became the only rookie in the 2003–04 season to record a triple-double, achieving the feat against the Golden State Warriors on February 28, 2004. This performance, alongside his leadership and playmaking, earned him a spot on the NBA's All-Rookie First Team and the Bulls' Most Valuable Player award. During that debut campaign, he also secured the Ted Owens Defensive Player Award while at Kansas. He was also recognised as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press.
Throughout his tenure in Chicago, which lasted seven seasons before his first departure, Hinrich became a cornerstone of the franchise. He held the team's record for three-point field goals until November 2024, when Zach LaVine surpassed him. His career was defined by a relentless, aggressive defensive style—a trait that occasionally drew scrutiny from opponents like Pat Riley, but one that solidified his reputation as a high-caliber professional and a vital leader on the court. His defensive tenacity was so notable that he was the only Bulls player to average over one steal per game during the 2005–06 season.
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