March 28--Monday night might have marked Kirk Hinrich's final appearance at the United Center.
Or it might not.
Hinrich, traded to the Hawks by the Bulls in February, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he hasn't ruled out trying to play a 14th season.
"I would love to keep playing if the situation was ideal," Hinrich said. "At this point, I have to think about my family as well."
The Hawks' schedule broke the right way for Hinrich to spend Easter Sunday in Chicago with his family, which is adjusting to having Hinrich elsewhere. Just like Hinrich is adjusting to moving from a rotation role with the Bulls to an afterthought with the Hawks.
"Everybody wants to play, no matter how young, how old or how long you've been doing it," Hinrich said. "I've been trying to stay ready. My experience has taught me as soon as you're unprepared, that's when you get your chance.
"I'm enjoying being part of this group. We've got great guys. They play the right way."
Hinrich, who has four young daughters, was caught off guard by the trade-deadline deal. The Bulls acquired a 2018 second-round pick from the Jazz, Justin Holiday and a $2.8 million trade exception that expires in February 2017.
Hinrich -- the Bulls' all-time leader in 3-pointers and in the top four in games, minutes, assists and steals -- can't put a finger on his former team's struggles.
"I've been kind of following the box scores and highlights and stuff. I don't know exactly what's going on," he said. "I've got so many good relationships with those guys. I just feel for everybody. I know what kind of character those guys have.
"I've been through a lot of battles with some of those guys. I hope they can figure it out but just not (Monday)."
kcjohnson@tribpub.com
