Chicago ? Forget the 20.2 shots per game that Jamal Crawford is averaging since Scott Skiles took over as Bulls coach, though that certainly brings a smile to Crawford’s face.
Forget the occasional forced shot that Skiles excuses or the 38.8 minutes that Crawford has averaged in the last six games.
Crawford is most happy about one Skiles move in particular, and it went to a new level in Saturday’s victory over Indiana when Crawford and Kirk Hinrich formed the starting backcourt.
“He isn’t afraid to play us together,” Crawford said. “That’s good for the team because there’s no bad blood between me and Kirk.
“He’s pulling for me. I’m pulling for him. And we’re playing off each other.
“I love playing with Kirk. He’s a selfless player who’s all about the team. It’s not like we’re competing and looking over our shoulders. Coach is letting us play through our mistakes and get better and develop some chemistry.”
Hinrich’s locker sits next to the vacant stall of Jay Williams in the locker room and across from Crawford’s. Last season that distance represented a well-worn path for reporters, as almost every game presented a mini-point guard controversy. Now the same distance is traveled to talk about cohesion, not competition.
“When Jamal and I are out there, it can be tough to handle because we’re interchangeable and we’re both guards who can attack with the dribble or shoot it,” Hinrich said. “That’s what we’re doing.”
Indeed, Hinrich has been more aggressive in looking for his shot, posting back-to-back games of season highs in points.
Averaging 17.5 points over the last two games, Hinrich has drained 6-of-8 three-pointers.
“I’m a pass-first guy, but (assistant) coach (Ron) Adams and coach Skiles have been telling me that when the game says shoot it, you have to shoot it,” Hinrich said. “I think I’m a good shooter and can score when I need to.”
Hinrich did so most impressively with a drive and basket while getting clobbered by Pacers forward Jermaine O’Neal late in Saturday’s victory.
Hinrich has quickly earned his teammates’ respect for his selfless and gritty play.
“Kirk is fearless,” Skiles said of the ex-Kansas University standout. “He plays the game with a certain reckless abandon that is not out of control. Even though he still turns it over a little too much, he does that just because he’s still feeling his way. That’s why we’re high on him. He gives it to you every day.”
Skiles beamed when asked about the backcourt’s ability to push the ball in transition during a decisive 16-0 third-quarter run against Indiana. Hinrich and Crawford each scored six points in the run. More important, both looked to attack-alternating ballhandling duties as necessary-at every opportunity.
Crawford said Skiles “wants us to play at an up-tempo pace. We have to use our athleticism and speed to our advantage. Kirk and I take turns bringing it up and play off each other.”
