Kirk Hinrich back to Bulls bench in Derrick Rose’s return

In a perfect world, Kirk Hinrich would show up to the arena for morning shootaround, knowing whether he had to prepare for the opponent’s starting point guard or the backup.

As the first two weeks of this season have taught him, however, the Derrick Rose injury situation is far from perfect.

On Monday, Rose made just his second start since spraining his ankles against Cleveland on Halloween night, which meant it was back to the bench for Hinrich.

“Well, I mean we know from being here the last … being around it, things are going to happen, guys are going to be in and out,’’ Hinrich said, when asked if the constant Rose speculation was tiresome. “Obviously, he’s a major story and a major piece, but whatever happens we’ve got to be ready and that’s what we’re trying to do.’’

And while it’s less than ideal, it’s what the veteran signed up for when he inked the free agent contract last summer.

“Yeah, I mean I think ideally you’d like to know, but it’s not always ideal,’’ Hinrich said. “I just try to be ready for everything and whatever is needed of me that night, try and go out and do it. Just not change my preparation in how I get ready. Just make it the same, get a routine, and hopefully that will have me prepared.’’