CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls will be without one familiar face for much of the coming season, so they're bringing back another to help fill the void.

Kirk Hinrich returned to the Bulls on Tuesday. The nine-year veteran rejoins the team that drafted him in 2003 and with which he played his first seven professional seasons.

"We went into this offseason, it was probably our biggest priority to get a combo guard," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said. "He knows his teammates. We just think it's going to be a perfect fit not just for the coming year, but for the future."

Hinrich will likely start at point guard for Chicago while star Derrick Rose rehabilitates from left knee surgery. The MVP of the 2010-11 season is expected to be out until at least January, though recent reports suggest that Rose may not return until March.

When Rose returns, Hinrich will likely become a key part of a revamped Chicago bench.

"We know Derrick is going to take his time to come back and everybody is going to have to step up while he's out," Hinrich said.