Chicago Bulls news: Scott Skiles doesn't begrudge Kirk Hinrich's decision

Although Tuesday's preseason game between the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks was a reminder to Bucks head coach Scott Skiles of Kirk Hinrich's offseason decision to play in Chicago, not Milwaukee, Skiles says he is not upset with the veteran guard. Instead, he understands.

Hinrich played under Skiles in Chicago from 2003 to 2007, a span in which the guard-coach duo made the playoffs three times. Skiles hoped to reunite with Hinrich in Milwaukee this season. But when the decision came down to a choice between a former coach and a former team, Hinrich chose the Bulls.

Writes Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, Skiles understands Hinrich's ultimate decision and holds no ill-will towards the veteran.

"I wouldn't say I was disappointed," Skiles said before the game. "I understood, We talked and then we talked after he kind of decided what he wanted to do, so I understood. He was going to be able to come (to Chicago) and start while Derrick Rose was out and who knows? Maybe he'll continue to start when Derrick comes back."

Hinrich has averaged 11.3 points and six assists per game this preseason while filling in for the injured Derrick Rose, who is expected to miss approximately half of the 2012-2013 season. The Bulls open the regular season Oct. 31 against the Sacramento Kings.