Nate Robinson and Marquis Teague expected to step up for Chicago Bulls after Kirk Hinrich sidelined – NBA News
The Chicago Bulls are set to play the Boston Celtics on Monday night, and it is almost certain that their starting point guard this season, Kirk Hinrich, will not be playing in the game which means that the Bulls will have a weak
and depleted back court roster to compete against one of the best back courts in the league.
Kirk Hinrich injured his hip in the Saturday night victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and was sidelined after undergoing an MRI on Sunday. The Bulls have labelled him as day to day with no timeline for his return, almost
conforming that he will not be in the team line-up on Monday night.
"I have no idea when it happened. It just tightened up on me. It's frustrating, but I'll be all right,” said Hinrich on Saturday.
In the absence of Hinrich, the Bulls will have a weakened back court to worry about. Nate Robinson is going to start for the Bulls and rookie Marquis Teague will be playing a lot more minutes than he has played so far. Robinson
has been a great find for the Bulls and has added some good value to the team bench. So far in the season, he has been averaging 11.5 points, 4.2 assists and 2.5 turnovers in a little over 22 minutes of action per game. He is the most dependant player on the
Bulls 2nd unit and is a consistent scorer. Moving him to the starting guard position might get some more points out of him, which the Bulls desperately need. However, with Robinson starting the game, the Bulls do not have anyone to lead their important
2nd unit.
"Whatever Coach needs me to do, I'll do. I know Marquis and I will be ready and hope we hold it down until Kirk gets back and also (Derrick) Rose. I just try to get my teammates involved and give energy,” said Robinson.
Marquis Teague has looked in whatever little action he has seen so far this season. He is still learning the team defence philosophy, but Thibodeau will be counting on him to give some good minutes in the 2nd unit.
"It's just learning the NBA game, learning his teammates, learning a system. It's a big jump going from college to the pros. He gets here early, stays late. He's starting to develop more confidence,” said Thibodeau while talking
about Teague.
The Bulls will step onto the floor on Monday night with yet another limitation to cater, which has been the story for the franchise ever since their All Star point guard Derrick Rose strained his ACL. However, the Bulls have still
managed to start 4-2, and need to continue to hustle victories any way possible, till the time they are back to full strength.
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