Who is the odd man out when Rose returns?

[kingbrentg]

With the emergence of Marco and Jimmy, Kirk's defense, Rip playing very well when healthy, and Nate being an offensive spark, we may have a bit of a log jam. So, assuming everyone is healthy when Rose makes his return, who heads to the bench?

PG: Derrick Rose - Kirk Hinrich - Nate Robinson - Marquis Teague
SG: Rip Hamilton - Marco Belinelli - Jimmy Butler

We have 7 guys capable of playing at the guard spots (6 effectively right now). Jimmy is certain to be still seeing minutes at SF backing up Deng, but Rip and Marco could also slip up there in smaller lineups.

I'll leave Teague off the poll since he's already not seeing minutes regularly.

I'm sure the popular idea would be to move Rip in a deal, but aside from that, how do you break down the lineups/situations?

[Ezio]

Got to keep Nate in case Rose has a set back. Rip is most likely gone.

[Shammyguy3]

I'll answer this question in the hypothetical that everyone will be healthy, because not playing due to injury doesn't classify as a "odd-man-out" situation to me.

Thus, the answer is Nate. Rose/Belli + Rose/Rip + Rose/Kirk will all be combinations we see in the backcourt, not to mention Kirk/Belli and Kirk/Rip. So, Nate will be the one seeing his minutes dwindle.

[kingbrentg]

I think in the situation where we're keeping all the guys and being healthy, I'd break it down kind of like it has been.

PG: Derrick Rose - Kirk Hinrich
SG: Rip Hamilton - Marco Belinelli
SF: Luol Deng - Jimmy Butler

Kirk sees some minutes at SG and Rip sees a few at SF. Then turn to Nate if we're in an offensive funk and in need of a little boost.

So I guess my answer is Nate.

[KH12]

Nate.

I'm hoping we explore trading Hamilton too though.

[Iggz53]

Good question. Our offense is incredibly PG-based and our bench is in need of offense (other than Belinelli/Rip - whichever one comes off the bench). That being said, I don't see Nate going anywhere because he's shown he can be instant offense off the bench. I think the Bulls will look to trade Rip or Kirk and see what offers they get.

[CubbyBlue2009]

Hopefully it's Rip.

[KH12]

Good question. Our offense is incredibly PG-based and our bench is in need of offense (other than Belinelli/Rip - whichever one comes off the bench). That being said, I don't see Nate going anywhere because he's shown he can be instant offense off the bench. I think the Bulls will look to trade Rip or Kirk and see what offers they get.

They won't trade Kirk again. He took less money to come back, and we gave him a two year deal for a reason. Plus he's Pax's boy. I honestly believe there is a 0% chance he's traded.

[Iggz53]

It's a tough situation but I don't think they can afford to lose Nate. They're in desperate need of bench scoring and that's just not something Kirk can provide. It'll be interesting to see what happens but I don't see Nate going anywhere.

[Shammyguy3]

yeah, if anyone gets traded it will be Rip. But, i don't see that happening either (although i'm hopeful)

[ChiBulls4Life]

I'm honestly just hoping Rip gets traded.

[Cub_StuckinSTL]

since when does kirk do anything right?

[TopsyTurvy]

I wish it were as simple as saying Nate. Saddly I don't think that's a reality the Bulls will ever face - someone in that back court will always be nursing an injury.

[kingbrentg]

since when does kirk do anything right?

Stick to the Bears

[Team*Chicago]

I hope it's Kirk with his brick shooting ***.