Tell me this doesn't describe you in a nutshell: I don't know if he scatted much, but if he did, I'm sure he had nothing on your poetic maelstroms of visionary NBA team building. Mr. Jackson wasn't a crucial piece -- along for the ride -- rather than a pillar like Rip was for the Detroit teams. Besides, we've done pretty well garbage picking from Detroit's heap.
on the espn marquee it said we're close to closing a 3 yr deal with him. KC Johnson also tweeted that its confirmed he's gonna be at practice tomorrow.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/9443667-579/rip-hamilton-set-to-sign-with-bulls.html Rip Hamilton set to sign with Bulls Rip Hamilton will sign a free-agent contract with the Bulls later today, a source close to Hamilton confirmed Wednesday afternoon. The source, who asked not to be identified, said once Hamilton had been bought out by the Pistons and cleared waivers, he had narrowed his choices to three teams where he felt he would be the best fit. His top choice, however, was to play with Derrick Rose and the Bulls. “He’s beyond excited,” the source said. After clearing waivers Wednesday morning, Hamilton was en route to Chicago in the afternoon and could join the team as soon as Thursday morning’s practice. The makes its exhibition debut at the Indiana Pacers on Friday. While it’s possible Hamilton could make his Bulls debut at Conseco Fieldhouse, it’s more likely he will make his first appearance at the United Center when the Pacers come to down on Dec. 20. Hamilton fills a obvious need for the Bulls, who have been searching for a shooting guard that can prevent opposing defenses from collapsing on Derrick Rose like the Miami Heat in eliminating the Bulls from the Eastern Conference Finals last season. A proven scorer who can shoot from the outside and create off the dribble, Hamilton’s game should compliment Rose’s. “The ability to shoot and the ability to score is obviously important because the more space we can create for Derrick the more avenues he’s got to create off the dribble and create for others,” Bulls general manager Gar Forman said. --- Note Gar sees the difference between shooting and scoring as I do.
If he can still produce, I'm happy to have him. Should be a major upgrade over Bogans. Only thing that bothers me is I can't see how its enough to topple the Heat. I can't stand that they added Battier.
No, Rip isn't enough. But perhaps, a healthy Boozer, a healthy Noah and a healthy Brewer along with a maturing Asik and a more comfortable CJ Watson and Korver will be? -- Oh, and a motivated Rose?
Rip has been better than Battier their whole career. He was better last year. And he fills a bigger hole for us, starting 2 guard, than Battier does for the Heat as a backup F. Plus everything Good Hope said.
If the Heat figure they have to beat the Bulls, they can play LeBron on Rose and Battier on Deng. I do think they really helped themselves (the Heat).
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/12/14/bulls-rip-hamilton.ap/index.html Veteran guard Hamilton signs with Bulls DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- As Richard Hamilton and the Chicago Bulls put the finishing touches on a contract, Derrick Rose couldn't stop beaming Wednesday night. "With him, I'm going to have a lot more assists this year," the star point guard said. The Bulls made it official Wednesday night and announced they signed Hamilton to boost a backcourt that already included Rose, the league's MVP. Terms were not released, but a person familiar with the situation said earlier in the day it's a three-year, $15 million deal. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the contract had not been finalized. The Chicago Tribune, citing sources, reported the team holds an option for the third year. If the Bulls don't exercise it, he receives some partial guarantees. Either way, Hamilton is officially a member of the Bulls. "We are excited to welcome a player, and person, with the credentials of Richard Hamilton to our organization," general manager Gar Forman said in a statement. "Rip has been a winner at every level. His resume speaks for itself, and we are confident that he will be an excellent fit with our team, both on and off the floor." The three-time All-Star cleared waivers as expected after being bought out by Detroit this week, ending a nine-year run in which the Pistons won a championship and regularly made the Eastern Conference finals. The 6-foot-7 Hamilton gives Chicago another scoring option along with the height it was seeking in the backcourt. Hamilton was due to make $19 million guaranteed over the final two years of his contract in Detroit but was bought out for $11 million, saving the rebuilding team $4 million in cap space this year and $4 million more next season. Entering his 13th year in the league, he joins a team that led the NBA with 62 wins last season and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals before losing to Miami. The Bulls are looking for more. With Rose and one of the league's deepest rosters, they believed they were in position to make another big run whether they added a shooting guard or not. Hamilton should help take some of the scoring load off Rose, but he is also coming off a difficult season at age 33. He and some of his teammates clashed with former coach John Kuester, and he averaged just 14.1 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season. The Pistons had planned to reload with Hamilton when they traded Chauncey Billups to Denver in 2008, but they've been struggling ever since. During the good times, though, Hamilton was one of the best players on a team that reached at least the conference finals six straight years and captured the championship in 2004. He has averaged 17.7 points in a career that started in 1999 with Washington and flourished in Detroit after being acquired in the Jerry Stackhouse trade. "It's going to open up everybody's game," Rose said. "With me working on my 3-point shooting, me kicking to him, him kicking it back to me, me making it to the corner, to Lu (Luol Deng), him making shots - I think it's going to open up everyone's game. Everybody's going to have open shots." Relentlessly running around screens to set up his mid-range jump shots, Hamilton averaged more than 20 points over 120 playoff games with the Pistons and led them in scoring in eight of his nine regular seasons there.
Pull up the stats from the Heats-Bulls series. http://www.nba.com/playoffs/2011/eastseries7/ Mike Miller played well. Keith Bogans played like shit. That's who Battier and Rip are replacing. And good luck to Lebron if he is going go chase Rose all game long.
Color me very pleased. My wish list for the Bogans replacement included: - an experienced SG who can both start and finish games (not a off-the-bench "instant offense" guy or a SF conversion)...check - a player who can score in a number of ways...check - a guy with size so we aren't forced to have Rose defend SGs...check - a player who is at least average on defense...check - a smart player...check Yeah Hamilton's old, but he's been playing "old man basketball" for a long time and pretty damned effectively. By the way, it's being reported on the SCORE that the 3rd year isn't guaranteed. If true, Hamilton is an absolute steal.
The third year option was confirmed in the Trib's report. Yes, it's a good signing. The shoe fits! Well, we'll see about that I guess. And the other shoe? A 5th big man! I saw Sham suggest Tony Battie. Not a defensive big, but a guy who can score a bit. Sounds good. But I'll take Joel P if he's game.
I'm with you on this. On paper, Rip is going to let us play 4 on 5 at the offensive end instead of 3 on 5. But his game has always been about motion and making his defender work. He can always use his height to get good outside looks, but I'm hoping for more than seeing him stand at the 3pt line waiting for the pass.
I thought Jason Richardson was going to be a great signing for you guys. Rip Hamilton? Nah dudes, I don't know about that. All his numbers are really down and he's not the defender other guys are.
Mike Miller played well in two games maybe, his defense is porous and he was just getting back from injury. Personally I would expect him to be slightly banged up again, that's why we have Battier, Jones, and Cole.
