Brandon Jennings vs Kirk Hinrich

by jeffreb on Mar 20, 2010 3:36 PM CDT

Kirk Hinrich is a famously poor finisher. Will Brandon Jennings go down the same path?

To be fair, Hinrich is a good player, a quality point guard who can shoot, but you're hardly afraid of him getting past you.

Brandon Jennings is a little bit similar. His three point shooting is good, though inconsistent, but if he gets past you, he'll probably take a low % jumper, or get scared away by a shot blocker

what do you think? Does this comparison have any merit?

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Outside of that they both played for Skiles

No. Absolutely not. And Hinrich is an excellent player to have on any team

by Donald Driver on Mar 21, 2010 1:27 AM CDT reply actions

Different strengths

Kind of interesting that they do have similarities despite their obvious physical differences, but I think the reasons for that are fundamentally different.

Unlike Hinrich, Jennings has the quickness to get into the lane and create chances around the hoop—he just doesn’t have the strength and composure to finish at a respectable rate. I’m not sure he’ll ever be GOOD at that aspect of the game, but he at least has the potential to improve a lot, and it’s tough to be an efficient scorer when you’re doing all your damage from the perimeter. Hinrich is who he is at this point, but I think Jennings at least has the chance to improve. No guarantees unfortunately.

That said, Hinrich’s defensive versatility makes him useful even when he’s not scoring, but I’ve never been too impressed by his playmaking and court vision. Jennings meanwhile is still a liability on defense IMO but he’s really learning how to orchestrate an offense.

www.BrewHoop.com

by Frank Madden on Mar 22, 2010 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Hinrich's athleticism?

If you find it, then this conversation is worth having.

"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."

by Mitchell Maurer on Mar 22, 2010 7:12 AM CDT reply actions

yes...Im not to sure BJ would be pleased with the comparison

by ILIKEBJ'S on Mar 22, 2010 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Is Hinrich that poor of a finisher?

He’s been horrid this season, almost as bad as Jennings, but in the past he’s generally been just slightly bellow average to average. It’s not like he’s Derek Fisher or something

In my view the main difference is that Hinrich relies heavily on the pull-up jumper because he lacks the athleticism and the quickness to get all the way to the rim even after using a pick to get separation. So you’re right when you say" you’re hardly afraid of him getting past you" – that’s a bit exaggerated but the fact that he probably won’t get a easy lay-up makes thing more palatable to the defender.

Jennings goes all the way more often – 4.3 shots at the rim per 40 minutes for Jennings, only 1.9 for Hinrich.

Most players tend to learn how to finish at the rim with some experience. I think Jennings will; as he’ll eventually become a less streaky shooter – maybe a good but not great one like Hinrich.

by Joana on Mar 22, 2010 6:53 PM CDT reply actions

uhhh... BJ is really young right now but has the physical tools... mainly quickness and coordination to be able to develop into a decent finisher...

either way… i hope BJ makes his mark on this league with his passing and defense first…

by Superelkman on Mar 24, 2010 10:13 AM CDT reply actions

Quickness

IMO one other problem with Brandon right now—aside from strength—is that he doesn’t seem very effective at using his quickness to create shots. The Denver game was really frustrating because a couple times Billups just drove right by him, yet it doesn’t seem like Brandon beats his man nearly as often as you’d hope given his quickness. And in the open court he’s almost no threat to score, and prefers to wait for help even if he’s one-on-one with somebody in space.

www.BrewHoop.com

by Frank Madden on Mar 24, 2010 2:23 PM CDT reply actions

Jennings is better than Hinrich.

For one, Jennings actually “runs an offense”, while Hinrich dribbles in one spot for 15 seconds before passing to a covered guy with three seconds left on the shot clock.
Also, Jennings is what, 20? He’ll develop. Hopefully he doesn’t become Hinrich. Geez. Blows layups left and right.

Go Rockets/Nets[CDR]/Bucks[Jennings]!

by Prevenge on Mar 24, 2010 7:59 PM CDT reply actions

What do i think?

well one of those guys you have mentioned will be in the playoffs….the other?…so what does that say? both have played with Salmons..i guess that would be the only similarity.
Id choose Jennings over Capn Kirk anyday, dont sleep on BJ.

"minds sharpens minds, like steel sharpens steel"

by NELLY808 on Mar 30, 2010 6:08 PM CDT reply actions

Very different players

As a Chicagoan and a Bulls fan, I see a lot more of Captain Kirk than I do Jennings. From my perspective, there is very little similarity between the two. Kirk is athletically limited, but a high-energy sort of player who is one of the better on-the-ball defenders at the 1 or 2. His shot is average at best and, as another poster mentioned, he has a tendency to stall the offense at times. He’s more of a combo guard than a true point due to his limited playmaking ability.

Jennings is a true point guard and his offensive game does not have the same limitations that Kirk’s has. Jennings has a good outside shot and will develop the ability to finish drives. He simply has to learn how to use his quickness against much bigger NBA players, a la Allen Iverson. That’s not to say he’ll ever be the finisher that AI was, but he could be a player in the same mold. He’ll unlikely ever have the defensive ability of Hinrich, but has a much higher upside overall.

by notjeremyboeder on Apr 11, 2010 9:56 PM CDT reply actions