3. Kirk Hinrich
Hinrich is an epitome of the consummate professional. He is one of those players who is in the gym first and is the last to leave. He has been in the NBA for 13 seasons while averaging 10.9 points on 41.1 percent from the field to go along with 4.8 assists a game. He has also been a stellar 3-point shooter, at 37.5 percent over his career.
If Smith leaves, Hinrich would not be same caliber player, but he would certainly be able to fill some of the gap that Smith leaves behind. Hinrich, in his career, has shown an ability to play the shooting guard position as well as operate effectively as a backup, as he played almost the exact same role he would on the Cavs as he did for the Chicago Bulls.
Hinrich’s age is a problem, as he would be 36 this season. But he would be a cheap option, who would likely sign a one-year deal before retiring, hopefully as an NBA champion.
The two best things about bringing Hinrich on board would be his leadership skills as a veteran to mentor players like Irving and Shumpert, as well as his ability to knock down the open 3-pointer, two things the Cavs would desperately need should Smith not return.
And as anyone with an NBA title will tell you, a team needs players like Hinrich in order to stay hungry in pursuit of back-to-back titles.
Next: Gary Neal
