A Career Year for Rip Hamilton?
Having only played 8 games to last year’s 80, it is far too early to predict how Detroit’s Rip Hamilton will turn out. But we can speculate - and speculate we shall…
Aside from a slight dip in FG% and 3PT%, Rip is up across the board. In 8 games, here are the averages:
- FG%: 48.5%
- 3PT%: 32.8%
- FT%: 88.5%
- Rebs: 4.1
- Assists: 3.6
- Steals: 1.0
- PPG: 23.8
The most tell-tale number relating to Hamilton’s improving performance? His free-throw numbers. In 8 games, Richard Hamilton has shot 61 free throws. In 8 games last season, Hamilton shot only 24 free throws. Rip’s vendetta to attack that basket is proving fruitful by the contact that he pulls, not only the baskets that he sinks.
On a side note, I am not a fan of David Stern’s concept of what a foul is. Ten years ago, Hamilton wouldn’t have gone to the line half this much. All of the top guards in the NBA, from Wade to James to Parker, all play this rule like a flute. The latter plays it beyond my content, and continues to act out fouls like Manu Ginobli himself. But for honest guards like Hamilton (who is no foreigner to the flop, I must admit), this rule has enhanced his game– as proven by his numbers so far this season.
Rip, keep doing what you do. Follow this path, and you’ll wind up with one hell of a career year. Just watch yourself when driving for that basket. Your agressiveness brings not only baskets, but the risk of injury as well…
UPDATE– Need4Sheed.com has got the scoop on an upcoming GQ magazine cover with Mr. Rip Hamilton himself. Be sure to check it out here! Props to Natalie and Need4Sheed!]
[…] How did Detroit take this one? 1) Rip Hamilton. 2) Great teamwork on the defensive end. 3) A little luck. 4) Depth of bench. While Miami’s offensive teamwork did outshine Detroit, with only 5 turnovers to our 10 and 16 assists to our 13, the Heat’s shooting fell just short of the basket. Detroit shot 45% to Miami’s 41% from the field. The last important stat– Detroit had 9 blocks to Miami’s 2. Bear in mind Detroit lost their leading blocker in Ben Wallace, and Miami had Alonzo Mourning on the floor (who was 5th in blocks in 2005-06). […]