Rip must go at any cost

A few weeks ago, there were some in the Detroit media saying that it was time the Pistons let Rip go at any cost. That’s something I was totally on board with citing that anything they lacked in return could be made up with the idea that Ben Gordon would be able to start at the two guard spot. This would enable Gordon to develop more as a player and finally give the Pistons some pay off to the contract they gave him before last season.
There are reports, namely from Pistons sources, that Rip Hamilton has now become a distraction to the rest of the team. This was made public by Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News and published in today’s edition.
Some of these reports stem from Hamilton being a non-participant in Saturday’s practice and his supposed “upset stomach” which kept him out of Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Hornets.
After the events that transpired over the weekend (and I’m sure the actions of Rip leading up to the weekend) some Pistons officials have become very frank in admitting that Rip has quit on the team. Others within the organization may not be totally on board with that and instead say Rip is simply acting out of emotion and must adjust.
Either way, it has become clearer than ever that getting rid of Rip should be this team’s top priority at this point. Again if that means getting a career NBA-D player or an equally bad contract in return the Pistons cannot balk at any opportunity to ship this guy out of town. I would even go as far to add Stuckey to sweeten any potential deal (of course you would have to pay closer attention to what you get in return).
There is also that ownership hurdle that may be hindering Pistons GM Joe Dumars from making any moves to unload Rip. If that’s the case it is vital that Karen Davidson gives Dumars the green light to ship Rip out to any team willing to take on his contract and attitude (which I assume will be better once he’s out of Detroit). Not to mention that Rip probably isn’t helping the on the court value of this team.
The decline of Rip Hamilton has been amazing. He’s gone from one of the better two guards in the league that gave it 110% on a nightly basis to a whining baby that has quite frankly become an embarrassment for the Pistons when he is on the floor.
As recently as today, Hamilton stated that he wants to be a Piston for life and brushed off any idea of being traded. Unfortunately for him actions speak louder than words.
We also need to stop saying that Dumars should have traded Rip instead of Chauncey. Denver wasn’t taking Hamilton.