"Rip Hamilton should keep teams from collapsing on Derrick Rose the way the Miami Heat did in the Eastern Conference finals. He's constantly moving without the ball and willing to hit the open man, which creates more problems for opposing defenses. He also understands the role defense plays in winning NBA championships.

Equally important is the playoff experience he brings to Chicago. Hamilton played in six consecutive Eastern Conference finals and has twice done what the Bulls haven't since Michael Jordan left — reach the NBA Finals.

His 120 playoff games are twice as many as the Bulls' second-most seasoned playoff performer — Carlos Boozer."