The Curious Case of Rip Hamilton

Rip Hamilton, 3-time NBA All Star, NBA Champion and ..... team cancer?

Rip has been a valued member of the Detroit Pistons since the trade that brought him here in the 2002-2003 season. He helped define a hard working, lunch pail, tough minded Detroit team for many years during a very very successful number of years. However, over the years something has changed with Rip. Maybe as fans, we didn't notice it or just didn't mind it as much when the team was winning, but Rip is now viewed by many as a team cancer. The whining to officials, technical fouls, being critical of several Piston coaches and as of late coming up with seemingly fictional excuses to not participate in team activities.

What is worse is that his poor attitude has seemingly spread to the rest of the team. First it was Tayshaun, then Stuckey and now T-Mac too. The Rip virus has spread throughout the team. It is now at the point where the Detroit Pistons are the antithesis of what they once were. "Going to Work"? The team slogan these days should be "Going to Work When its Convenient".

The other tough part of this whole situation, was that I am not sure Joe Dumars could trade Rip Hamilton as many fans and sports personalities begged for him to do. Rip's contract was too large given his age and talents at this point in his career. No other team wants to be saddled with a disgruntled player who has a large contract.

Its sad to see as Rip was most likely on track to having his jersey put in the rafters with other Pistons' royalty. But given his childish actions this year and his part in a player protest, its hard to imagine Pistons brass would now want to hoist Hamilton's #32 into the rafters upon his retirement.