This is hardly the way Rip and Detroit fans thought he would go out, but if the Carmello talks continue with the Nuggets and Nets it will be the way he goes out.
The NBA is a business and if Rip Hamilton’s bad contract doesn’t fit well with the Pistons right now anything Detroit can get in return should be considered a plus. It’s become obvious that Rip is frustrated with the team and that it’s time to part ways.
As Detroit fans lets not forget the good years Rip gave us. Detroit had the best starting back court in the NBA when Rip and Chauncey Billups were both there. Their chemistry was unmatched and they made it fun to watch Pistons basketball during their 2004 championship run and the streak of six straight conference finals appearances.
If the three team deal goes through that everyone is talking about Rip and Chauncey would be reunited in New Jersey. With both players nearing the end of their careers it would be a fitting way for both of them to go out.
I consider myself a huge Pistons fan and have been calling for Hamilton to be traded all season, but that’s not because I don’t appreciate what he did for Detroit over the years. It’s just time to move on.
So if indeed Rip has played his final game in a Pistons uniform let’s all give him a big thank you, wish him the best of luck in his future and give him a Chauncey level applause in his first trip back to the Palace.
