Kirk Hinrich has been dealt in a three-team deal that sends him to the Atlanta Hawks. The Bulls receive swingman Justin Holiday from Atlanta and a 2018 2nd-round pick from the Utah Jazz, who complete the deal by hauling in shooting guard Shelvin Mack from the Hawks.

Moving Hinrich at the deadline was hardly a lauded move by the majority of Bulls fans. Kirk has been a great source of leadership and toughness for the Bulls for over a decade (albeit in separate stints), and has been highly-regarded both in the locker room and amongst fans. Though it brings more contempt to GarPax, there were financial motives to the move. It saves the Bulls about $3.5 million and provides the Bulls with, well, potential. A 2nd-round pick could yield a young star. Unfortunately, that comes with the expense of Hinrich’s veteran presence, and, barring a 1-day culminating contract, likely means Hinrich won’t retire a Bull.

Let’s not pay attention to that, and rather turn an eye toward the wily 6’4″ guard’s accomplishments in Chicago. Kirk was never known for lighting up the stat sheet, but that didn’t stop him from putting together an impressive resumé in Chicago. He’s the Bulls’ all-time leader in 3-pointers with 1, 049, and is third in assists, steals, and games played. Who are the two Bulls that are above him in those categories? Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Those guys were pretty good. (Also, side note, look at that link and take notice Dennis Rodman’s rebounding average as a Bull. It’s at almost 15.5 per game. Yeah.)

Aside from the statistics, it’s the intangibles that launch Kirk into Bulls’ history books. His grit and resilience, especially on defense, brought some thrilling moments. Not only that, those qualities personified Bulls basketball for a stretch in the mid 2000’s. Remember when he absorbed the impact of a driving LeBron James? Mind you, LeBron James is not a human being. He is a 6’8, 250 lb basketball automaton that moves insanely fast and has bone-crushing momentum. It takes incredibly commendable heart and courage to take a hit from LeBron. Would you want to get in the way of James? If LeBron James ran into me at full or even half speed, I think I would disintegrate. Kirk Hinrich quite literally embraced the challenge.

Another classic Kirk moment was when he shoved Rajon Rondo in that wild Bulls-Celtics playoff series. I’m sure he’s not the first person who’s wanted to attack Rondo, but it was a perfect representation of the Bulls’ mindset during that incredible series. I’m not sure how many people expected that series to be as close as it was. Displays of resilience and toughness by players such as Kirk were big reasons the Bulls were such an exciting team to watch in his heyday. He deserves a lot of thanks for that.

Thank you for all of your great times as a Chicago Bull, Captain Kirk, and best of luck in Atlanta.