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Kirk Hinrich

With the deadline for the negotiating window expiring at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Hinrich decided to sign the five-year deal rather than become a restricted free agent next off-season.

League sources said the deal is worth $47.5 million and starts in the 2007-08 season at roughly $7.8 million. The deal will pay Hinrich approximately $11.42 million during its final season in 2011-2012.

The final numbers fall far short of Hinrich's initial goal of seeking to be compensated like Tony Parker, who averages more than $11 million per season in his five-year deal with San Antonio....More

Paxson's Team

What he has accomplished is to create an aura of accountability that didn't exist in the lean years after the 1990s dynasty was dismantled.

Ready to begin his fourth season as general manager, Paxson is entering his first with a roster composed completely of players he traded for, acquired as free agents or drafted.

"Nah," Paxson said. "When I got the job, it was my roster."

Such a mind-set speaks to how Paxson operates. Accountability is one staple. Directness is another. Responsibility is a third.

With the Bulls set to tip off the NBA season Tuesday night against defending champion Miami, Paxson is cognizant of his achievements but far from satisfied.

"Everything we've done has been to try to make us better," he said. "The quality of player we have is better. And we've tried to handle each situation that's presented itself along the way the best way we could, from Jay Williams to Eddie Robinson to Eddy Curry.....More

Preseason Games

Preseason
10/11 WASHINGTON W, 87-86 1-0
10/15 vs. Seattle (at Lawrence, Kan.) W, 110-105 (OT) 2-0
10/16 at Memphis W, 87-78 3-0
10/19 at San Antonio W, 99-67 4-0
10/20 MINNESOTA L, 83-85 4-1
10/24 MEMPHIS W, 87-84 5-1
10/25 at Minnesota L,105-109 5-2
10/27 TORONTO W, 108-97 6-2

My Prediction on the record of the Bulls 60 - 22