Probably, but it's close. I think their PER's will be very close by season's end, and Hinrich's a better defensive player. Besides, it's not like the Bulls drafted Hinrich instead of Williams. Neither one is Chris Paul; that's for certain. Oops, Utah. No, it really isn't close. Deron Williams is a far superior defender to Kirk Hinrich, a better playmaker, and might end up being the better shooter. Chris Paul is good, but Utah got who they wanted. Paul would have a hard time playing for Sloan, what with having to play defense and all. I actually give Kirk the edge on defense. Keep in mind that Kirk has been guarding 2 guards since he broke in the league mainly because Duhon and Gordon can't. I just think the difference between their defense is smaller than the difference in their offense. Deron, age 22/3 season: 16.9 ppg, 8.8 assists, 3.3 rpg, 1.0 steal per, 2.7 turnover per, +18.88 EFF. Kirk, age 25/6 season, 13.8 ppg, 5.8 assists, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 steal per, 2.18 turnover per, +14.39 EFF. FWIW, Kirk, age 22/3 season: 12.0 ppg, 6.8 assists, 3.4 rpg, 1.3 steal per, 2.68 turnover per. Kirk has been an incredibly consistent player for his career, so unless what we are seeing here is due to injury or fatigue, he will end this season around 15 points and just south of 7 assists. Regardless, Deron Williams is proving to be a better player.