Richard Hamilton News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 6

Detroit News

"The Pistons aren't going to have Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince tonight when they face the Orlando Magic. This will be the fifth game Hamilton has missed with a sprained right ankle. Prince will miss his second game with a lower back problem."

Rip Hamilton sorely missed; Tayshaun on trade block?

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November 6

Detroit Free Press

"Ben Gordon just laughed after Wednesday's loss at Toronto when asked whether teams were playing him differently since Rip Hamilton has missed the last four games with a sprained right ankle. "Honestly, I haven't played with Rip enough to tell if that's the case or not," Gordon said with a grin. "Obviously, our guards are getting a lot of attention because we rely on our perimeter players to score a lot." That's somewhat of an understatement as Rodney Stuckey, Will Bynum and Gordon have pretty much carried the offense most of the season. But you can probably make a case that the team would be undefeated if Hamilton hadn't missed any time."

Rip Hamilton might miss two more Pistons games

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November 2

Detroit Free Press

"When he first sprained his right ankle, Rip Hamilton said it felt like his "ankle actually hit the floor." That was the first sign that it wasn't a run-of-the-mill ankle sprain. As a matter of fact, the Pistons and Hamilton probably are lucky it isn't broken. In the meantime, the Pistons probably will be without Hamilton the next two games -- definitely Tuesday night's home contest against the Magic and likely Wednesday's game at Toronto, too. Hamilton hurt his ankle with five minutes left in the season opener at Memphis. An initial X ray proved negative. The Pistons took another X ray as a precaution when he returned to Detroit, and it also was negative. Still, there was massive swelling ..."

Pistons guard Richard Hamilton out of Tuesday's game

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November 2

Detroit News

"The Pistons are going to be without Richard Hamilton for at least one more game. Bothered by a sprained right ankle, Hamilton will miss his third consecutive game Tuesday when Detroit hosts Orlando. "He will not play tomorrow, and (strength and conditioning coach) Arnie (Kander) lists him after that as day to day," coach John Kuester said."

Pistons' Hamilton out for two games

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October 30

Detroit Free Press

"Richard Hamilton (sprained right ankle) will miss tonight's home opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Pistons coach John Kuester said he will also miss Saturday night's game at Milwaukee. Ben Gordon, who was signed in the off-season, will get the start in place of the 10-year veteran."

Pistons' Richard Hamilton injures ankle

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October 29

Michigan Live

"The Detroit Pistons easily defeated Memphis 96-74 on Wednesday, but the victory might prove to be quite costly. With less than 5 minutes to play in the game, Pistons guard Richard Hamilton injured his right ankle when he was fouled by O.J. Mayo. After making one of two free throws, Detroit had to call a 20-second timeout to get him out of the game. X-rays were negative, but that doesn't mean Hamilton is out of the woods yet. The ankle is sore to the point where he had to be carted into the locker room afterward in a wheelchair. "Usually, I try to walk it off, but when I went to the free throw line, I couldn't push off of it," Hamilton said."

Richard Hamilton-Ben Gordon tandem key as Pistons beat Grizzlies, 96-74, in opener

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October 29

Michigan Live

"Ben Gordon and Richard Hamilton are high-scoring guards. When they're on top of their games on the same night, they can be a handful. The Memphis Grizzlies found this out the hard way. The Gordon-Hamilton tandem proved to be too much as the Pistons had little trouble putting away the Grizzlies, 96-74, in their season opener. "I'll give Detroit credit," said Zach Randolph, a Memphis forward from Michigan State. "Richard and Ben (Gordon) were on fire tonight and made tough shots." Hamilton, who left the game in the fourth quarter with a right ankle injury, led all scorers with 25 points, and Gordon scored 22 off the bench as his backup. Detroit has won six of its past eight season openers. ..."

Richard Hamilton, Allen Iverson agree: Curry caused Pistons' problems

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October 29

Detroit News

"Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson says his time in Detroit would have been more pleasant had John Kuester been the coach instead of Michael Curry. "It would have been a hundred percent different -- a thousand percent better," said Iverson, who won't play Wednesday night in the Grizzlies' opener against the Pistons as he's recovering from a hamstring injury. "I would have known what I was getting into. Kue would have been straightforward with me on how things were going to be." Iverson knows Kuester from Kuester's days as an assistant under Larry Brown. Iverson was acquired by the Pistons from Denver for Chauncey Billups last season. "I was ecstatic about it (the trade) when I first ..."

Rip Hamilton, Allen Iverson agree: Curry caused Pistons' problems

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October 28

Detroit News

"Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson says his time in Detroit would have been more pleasant had John Kuester been the coach instead of Michael Curry. "It would have been a hundred percent different -- a thousand percent better," said Iverson, who won't play Wednesday night in the Grizzlies' opener against the Pistons as he's recovering from a hamstring injury. "I would have known what I was getting into. Kue would have been straightforward with me on how things were going to be." Iverson knows Kuester from Kuester's days as an assistant under Larry Brown. Iverson was acquired by the Pistons from Denver for Chauncey Billups last season. "I was ecstatic about it (the trade) when I first ..."

Pistons' Richard Hamilton misses practice, expected to play in opener

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October 27

Michigan Live

"Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton was excused from Tuesday's practice to attend to a personal matter. It is unclear if he will fly out of Detroit with the team today, but coach John Kuester said Hamilton is expected to be in uniform for the Wednesday's season opener at Memphis."

Guards pace Pistons in preseason win vs. Hawks

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October 12

Michigan Live

"One of Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester's themes is taking advantage of his team's strengths, and his team is blessed at the guard position. Ben Gordon scored 22 points, Rodney Stuckey 20, Richard Hamilton 15 and Will Bynum had 11 as the Pistons raced past the Atlanta Hawks 100-91 in a preseason game at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday night. "I don't want (Stuckey) to slow down," Kuester said. "I don't want Will Bynum to slow down. I don't want (Hamilton) or Ben Gordon to slow down. I want them to be in an attack mode and create things for themselves for others by doing that." Despite a sluggish start and 21 turnovers, Detroit moved to 3-0 in the preseason at the expense of a team ..."

Chicago rumor has Bulls' Ben Gordon coming to Pistons, Rip Hamilton traded

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June 18

Detroit Free Press

"A blog posted this week about the future of the Chicago Bulls reads more like the Detroit Pistons' rumor du jour. Sam Smith, a former Chicago Tribune reporter who now writes for bulls.com, says that the agent for Chicago guard Ben Gordon has been talking about a promise his client has from the Pistons. Apparently, it's a pretty serious promise: $11-million per year for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. The writer finds it hard to believe that the Pistons would truly be interested in yet another shooting guard. But that idea winds up pointing to another rumor - this one involving a trade for Richard Hamilton. Here's an excerpt of Smith's reasoning:"

New Orleans Hornets continue to be mentioned in rumored trade deals

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April 29

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Although the New Orleans Hornets are one loss away from elimination in their best-of-seven series against the Denver Nuggets, there is speculation the franchise could go through an extensive housecleaning this summer to revamp its roster and avoid having to pay the luxury tax. But 10 days ago, New Orleans General Manager Jeff Bower said their evaluations will be based on what they do in the playoffs. The Nuggets hold a 3-1 lead series entering tonight's Game 5 at the Pepsi Center. In Game 4, the Hornets lost by a 58-point margin at home, tying an NBA record for worst playoff loss. Despite rampant trade rumors since March, the Hornets cannot not begin making trades until this July because ..."

Cleveland Cavaliers' Delonte West happy to get rest after defending Rip Hamilton

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April 27

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"It is popular to say that the playoffs are a marathon and not a sprint. But defending Rip Hamilton in a single playoff series can be a true marathon. The Pistons create shots for their leading scorer - and have done so for years - by running Hamilton and his defender all over the court and through numerous screens. It is not unusual for Hamilton to cross the court two or three times in a single possession. This not only takes advantage of Hamilton's catch-and-shoot ability, but it wears his defender out. In a playoff series that takes place over a couple of weeks, it can have a cumulative effect on the poor defender. So, it's not a surprise that Hamilton has been the Pistons' leading ..."

Will Rip return soon? Yes, sir!

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March 27

Detroit Free Press

"Rip Hamilton was working up a good sweat Thursday morning. At the Palace practice facility following the Pistons' shoot-around in preparation for a visit from the Lakers later that evening, Hamilton ran to a spot, caught a pass from strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander, and knocked down his customary mid-range jump shot. He was cutting and running, showing few signs of the sore left groin that sidelined him for 14 games this season. And when he was finished, as he walked toward the team's weight equipment, a reporter yelled, "Close?" And Hamilton replied: "Yes, sir!" Later that day, coach Michael Curry gave the ultimate indicator that Hamilton was feeling better: He announced that ..."

Pistons' Hamilton says agent stole $1 million from him

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March 25

Detroit News

"A sports agent and former Connecticut basketball student manager is guilty of recruiting violations in the men's program, Yahoo! Sports is reporting. Agent Josh Nochimson also is accused by Richard Hamilton of stealing more than $1 million from the Detroit Pistons player, according to the story. "He was pretty much running his business as an agent off of me," Hamilton is quoted as saying. Hamilton played for Connecticut from 1996-99. He fired Nochimson as his agent in 2008."

Pistons' Hamilton not likely to play vs. Bulls

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March 23

Detroit News

"It'll continue to be a depleted group of Pistons that travels to Chicago Tuesday night. Allen Iverson (back) and Rasheed Wallace (calf) are both out for the game against the Bulls, and Richard Hamilton (groin) is unlikely to play, coach Michael Curry said after Monday's practice. "With Rip it's a matter of feel," said Curry, noting Hamilton's style of play, constantly in motion. "It's not likely (Hamilton will play), but I don't want to rule him out. Sheed's out.""

Lingering injury keeps Richard Hamilton out of game

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March 18

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons coach Michael Curry knew exactly what was wrong when Rip Hamilton blew a breakaway in Sunday's home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Hamilton's sore left groin was getting worse, forcing him to miss Tuesday night's game against the Mavericks. Also out were Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace (sore left calf). Iverson was to get his sore back re-examined today by doctors at Georgetown. "I've been seeing it," Curry said of Hamilton's injury. "I kind of thought the last game he was laboring a little more. He's been sore. He still hasn't been able to really practice. He's just been doing a lot of work trying to get ready for games." Hamilton is questionable for tonight's game at the ..."

Richard Hamilton doing more than just scoring

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March 11

Detroit Free Press

"Everybody has noticed how Rip Hamilton has scored since he was reinserted into the starting lineup six games ago -- it's difficult not to notice a guy averaging nearly 25 points. But Hamilton is doing more than scoring. With a career-high 14 assists in Monday's 98-94 victory over the Orlando Magic, Hamilton is averaging 6.6 assists during the Pistons' 5-1 stretch. Hamilton is making teams pay for double-teams when he catches the ball off a screen. He's dumping the ball to the big men for dunks or open jumpers. He's also passing the ball back on the weak side for open three-pointers from the wings. Backup small forward Walter Herrmann has been the main beneficiary of this tactic. It's all ..."

Pistons start over

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March 2

Boston Globe

"Rip Hamilton is hardly one to complain, but the Pistons' record with him coming off the bench - a dismal 4-12, including eight straight losses headed into Friday's contest at Orlando - needed little added hyperbole. And since Hamilton was re-inserted into the starting backcourt before that Orlando game, following a back injury to Allen Iverson, there has been considerably more bounce in his step. Witness the Pistons' 93-85 win over the Magic and yesterday's 105-95 defeat of the Celtics, the first win by an Eastern Conference opponent at TD Banknorth Garden this season. Hamilton was more than happy to provide the dagger in yesterday's win. With 49 seconds to go and the Celtics looking to ..."

School ties for Richard Hamilton, Ray Allen

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March 2

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen does not wear the green elastic sleeve on his left elbow for fashion purposes, or to keep his elbow warm. Instead, it’s a UConn thing. He started wearing the sleeve because Detroit’s Richard Hamilton, his fellow alumnus and a player known for having some of the longest fingernails in the NBA, likes to swipe at the elbow. Indeed, whenever they play, Allen and Hamilton look like two brothers going a little too hard at each other out in the driveway. “Honestly, I don’t know why it gets that way, really,” Allen said before the Celtics’ 105-95 loss to Detroit yesterday. “But he slaps at me harder. He’s the reason I started wearing this sleeve. (The sleeve) has also become good luck ..."

Hamilton replaces Iverson in starting lineup

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February 28

Detroit Free Press

"The first time Allen Iverson was faced with the prospect of coming off the bench, let's just say he didn't react too kindly. With the Pistons mired in an eight-game losing streak, coach Michael Curry decided to make Iverson the sixth man and reinsert Rip Hamilton into the starting lineup, where he will play alongside point guard Rodney Stuckey. It paid fast dividends: Hamilton scored 31 points as the Pistons snapped the slide with a 93-85 win Friday night against the Magic. "It's nothing on Allen," Curry said at Amway Arena after the team's morning shoot-around Friday. "It's just that he's a guy that needs the basketball, and because of it, that reduced the amount of time Stuckey has the ..."

Starter spot right for Rip

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February 28

Detroit Free Press

columnist Vince Ellis

"After weeks of dropping hints, the time for subtlety finally ended for Rip Hamilton. Sitting at his locker room after Wednesday's 90-87 loss at New Orleans -- the Pistons' eighth straight -- Hamilton was openly critical of coach Michael Curry's decision to make him the sixth man. "The way we've been starting is the way (Curry) wants it," Hamilton said. "I've said I'm happy to come off the bench as long as we're winning. But we're losing. "Something's got to give. I'm all for doing whatever it takes for the team, but coming off the bench with us not winning, something's got to change." Despite Hamilton's 24 points, the Pistons fell to 4-12 with him coming off the bench and are 27-29 ..."

Ailing Iverson out; Hamilton will start

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February 28

Detroit News

"Allen Iverson will not play tonight against Orlando, and he is questionable for the game Sunday in Boston. Results of an MRI on his ailing back Friday came back negative, but the team has sent him back to Detroit for more tests. Iverson injured his back in Miami Tuesday and could play just eight minutes in New Orleans Wednesday before shutting it down. Coach Michael Curry announced Friday that Iverson would be coming off the bench the rest of the season, with Richard Hamilton moving back into the starting lineup. In addition, the NBA has fined Rasheed Wallace $25,000 for throwing a towel first into the stands and then in the direction of referee Bill Kennedy Wednesday."

Hamilton bumps Iverson as starter

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February 27

Detroit News

"Richard Hamilton is back in the starting lineup and Allen Iverson, for the first time in his hall-of-fame worthy career, will be coming off the bench. Coach Michael Curry announced his decision, calling it the final lineup change of the season, after shoot-around Friday -- a shoot-around Iverson missed because of his sore back. "This change is more than about Allen and Rip," Curry said. "We hope that with this change, more guys will play better. That's what we are seeking. Hopefully this will allow us to execute better, get us back in sync and rejuvenate us." Curry said he talked at length to Iverson Thursday night. Curry said Iverson isn't happy with the decision but he expects him to ..."

Rip is right: He should be a starter

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February 27

Detroit Free Press

columnist Vince Ellis

"After weeks of dropping hints, the time for subtlety finally ended for Rip Hamilton. Sitting at his locker room after Wednesday's 90-87 loss at New Orleans -- the Pistons' eighth straight -- Hamilton was openly critical of coach Michael Curry's decision to make him the sixth man. "The way we've been starting is the way (Curry) wants it," Hamilton said. "I've said I'm happy to come off the bench as long as we're winning. But we're losing. "Something's got to give. I'm all for doing whatever it takes for the team, but coming off the bench with us not winning, something's got to change." Despite Hamilton's 24 points, the Pistons fell to 4-12 with him coming off the bench and are 27-29 ..."

Hamilton not happy off bench

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February 26

Detroit Free Press

"Rip Hamilton is trying to be the good soldier. He became the sixth man -- although he opposed it -- because he was told it would help the team. But after the Pistons fell to 4-12 with him coming off the bench after Wednesday night's 90-87 loss to the Hornets, he let everyone know that he doesn't think it's working. "The way we've been starting, is the way (Pistons coach Michael Curry) wants it," said Hamilton, who scored 24 points. "I've said I'm happy to come off the bench as long as we're winning. But we're losing. "Something's got to give. I'm all for doing whatever it takes for the team, but coming off the bench with us not winning, something's got to change." And Wednesday night's ..."

Rip Hamilton plans to rest, heal over break

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February 11

Detroit Free Press

"When asked about his All-Star break plans Tuesday, Pistons shooting guard Rip Hamilton was to the point. "Rest. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less," he said at the morning shoot-around before the game against the Bulls. Nothing against the All-Star weekend with its parties and of course Sunday's game, but when folks leave Thursday for Phoenix, Hamilton will be curled up somewhere to rest his 30-year-old body and sore left groin. Even though he has played in the past three All-Star Games, he's glad his services weren't called for this weekend. "That's kind of crazy," said Hamilton. "But with all the games we've been playing the last couple of years and going to the All-Star Game and ..."

Rip plans to rest, heal over break

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February 11

Detroit Free Press

"When asked about his All-Star break plans Tuesday, Pistons shooting guard Rip Hamilton was to the point. "Rest. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less," he said at the morning shoot-around before the game against the Bulls. Nothing against the All-Star weekend with its parties and of course Sunday's game, but when folks leave Thursday for Phoenix, Hamilton will be curled up somewhere to rest his 30-year-old body and sore left groin. Even though he has played in the past three All-Star Games, he's glad his services weren't called for this weekend. "That's kind of crazy," said Hamilton. "But with all the games we've been playing the last couple of years and going to the All-Star Game and ..."

Hamilton hot off the bench for Pistons

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February 11

Detroit News

"Rasheed Wallace walked past Richard Hamilton after shoot-around Tuesday and shouted, "Eighth wonder." Maybe Hamilton's status hasn't quite reached Eighth Wonder of the World proportions, but he's certainly achieving a new level of respect from teammates. "Rip has a lot of pride," coach Michael Curry said. "Regardless of the situation, he always wants to play well." When Curry announced Hamilton would come off the bench, there were questions about whether it would work. Wrong. Sure, Hamilton doesn't like coming off the bench, but he has attacked the role with a vengeance. In his last three games -- including his 30-point performance in Tuesday's 107-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls -- he ..."

Hamilton asks fans to help arson-ravaged hometown

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January 29

Detroit News

"Richard Hamilton has a lot on his plate right now. First and foremost, he aggravated his left groin against Minnesota on Wednesday. He didn't practice on Thursday, spending the afternoon taking treatment. "Mentally, I'm going in saying that I am going to play," Hamilton said about Friday night's home game against Boston. "I don't want to miss that game. Obviously it's a game we want to get. I took a lot of treatment today so hopefully it feels better tomorrow." The Celtics have beaten the Pistons twice already this season by a combined 30 points. On top of that, Hamilton is dealing with a rash of arson fires back in his hometown of Coatesville, Pa. Toward that end, Hamilton and his Rip ..."

Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton returning to form

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January 29

Detroit Free Press

"For the second game in row, the Pistons received major contributions from Rasheed Wallace and Rip Hamilton. In Wednesday night's 98-89 victory over the Timberwolves at the Target Center, Wallace was dominant with 25 points and 10 rebounds. That follows his 22-point, 11-rebound effort in Sunday's home loss to the Rockets. He was active and aggressive in both games, calling for the ball frequently in the low post. Hamilton, in his fourth game as a reserve, scored 11 points on 5-for-12 shooting, but a hot streak in the third quarter allowed the Pistons to overcome an 11-point deficit. That follows Hamilton's 27-point game against the Rockets. Both players' recent success is a good sign, ..."

Hamilton, Wallace go through drills, but will sit for Pistons tonight

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January 7

Detroit Free Press

"Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace will tonight's Pistons game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Hamilton (slight left groin tear) took part in shooting drills and got in some light running after this morning's shootaround, but he will miss his sixth game in a row. Wallace (sore right foot) also did shooting drills, but he will miss his third consecutive game"

Injury finally catches up to Hamilton

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December 28

Detroit Free Press

"Rip Hamilton knew he was in trouble when he felt a pull in his problem left groin during the first half of Friday night's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played through it, but after missing the entire fourth quarter Friday and a day of treatment on the trouble spot, he was unable to play against Milwaukee on Saturday. Hamilton admitted the timing wasn't the best in the world, but, with the team going through a stretch of three games in four nights, he decided now was the time to try to get better. "I don't want to miss any games at all, especially at this time when we're all trying to find a rhythm," Hamilton said. Hamilton, who is averaging 17.2 points per game, injured the groin ..."

Getting ejected after one technical foul stuns Rip Hamilton

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December 23

Detroit Free Press

"Typically it takes two technical fouls to get ejected from a game, but apparently Rip Hamilton got on an official's nerves so bad he was sent to the showers after one technical in Sunday's 85-78 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Pistons were trying to overcome an 18-point deficit and had pulled to within 82-76 with 1:29 left in the game when Hamilton attempted to drive to the basket. It appeared he was hit during the shot, but no foul was called. Hamilton was shaken up and lay on the floor while the play continued for 15 seconds before it was stopped on a Rodney Stuckey foul. Hamilton said he was hit in his head, and after taking a few minutes to gather himself, he decided to give his opinion ..."

Pistons' Hamilton: 'We have to leave the refs alone'

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December 22

Detroit News

"The Pistons' coaching staff has preached more self-control and restraint this season, but the message isn't taking hold. Pistons players have been whistled for technicals in eight consecutive games. Coach Michael Curry said after Monday's practice he's addressed the issue. "Some of it is the makeup of the guys we have and it's part of who they are," said Curry, pointing out that Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson have been emotional players throughout their careers. "But we want to make sure it's not interfering with what we're trying to do as a team. A couple of times, we've let interfere with that, and we've talked about that.""

Pistons give Iverson, Hamilton a break

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November 18

Detroit News

"The Pistons returned to practice Tuesday but were without their starting backcourt. Allen Iverson was out because of "general soreness." Rip Hamilton was excused for family matters. Coach Michael Curry expected both to be available for Wednesday's game against Cleveland. Curry said Iverson took part in conditioning drills, but was held out of contact."

Hamilton feels sense of loss from Billups trade

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November 7

Detroit Free Press

"Rip Hamilton couldn't hide it. It was in his face. And it was definitely in his voice as he spoke for the first time about the trade that sent his backcourt partner since 2002, Chauncey Billups, to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson. Hamilton said he is looking forward to playing with Iverson, but he had come to view Billups as family. "I lost a brother, and when you come to a team like we did ... we pretty much came in as nothing when we first got to Detroit," Hamilton said Thursday after a team workout. "When you win a championship with somebody ... it's just like the situation when we lost Ben (Wallace). ... You lose a brother. You lose a guy you've been in the trenches with. You ..."

Pistons' Hamilton saddened by Billups' leaving

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November 7

Detroit News

"Joe Dumars saw the hang-dog looks. He saw the subdued demeanor. He saw, in short, Richard Hamilton not being Richard Hamilton. And he knew immediately what was wrong. It wasn't that the Pistons traded for Allen Iverson; it was who they traded away to the Nuggets. Chauncey Billups, Hamilton's backcourt mate the past six seasons. That was familiar emotional terrain for Dumars, so he quietly pulled Hamilton aside Wednesday. "I told him, 'Look, I played with a great guard for a long time. And the first time I stepped out on that court and he wasn't there, man, that was a weird feeling,' " Dumars said. "He was the only guy I had ever played with, so, yeah, I totally understand what Rip's ..."

Richard Hamilton agrees to three-year extension

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November 4

Detroit Free Press

"On a day the Pistons made big news by trading Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to the Nuggets, shooting guard Rip Hamilton agreed to a three-year contract extension Monday. A team source confirmed that the deal is for three years. ESPN.com reported the deal is worth $34 million, and the first two years are guaranteed. The Pistons acquired Hamilton, 30, in a 2002 deal with the Wizards that included fan favorite Jerry Stackhouse."

Hamilton's new Pistons contract worth $34M

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November 4

ESPN.com

"The Detroit Pistons didn't stop at making over their backcourt Monday. In addition to acquiring Allen Iverson in a three-for-one trade with the Denver Nuggets, the Pistons agreed to a three-year extension with Richard Hamilton, a team source told ESPN.com's Chad Ford. The new contract is worth $34 million, with the first two years guaranteed. The third year is only a partial guarantee, the source told Ford. Hamilton, who led Detroit with 19 points Monday night in the Pistons' 101-83 victory at Charlotte, declined to speak to reporters after the game. "We definitely wanted Rip in the fold as we continue to make this run," coach Michael Curry said. "He's a valuable piece to this puzzle." ..."

Pistons' Hamilton is a happy camper

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October 1

Detroit News

"For most of last season, Richard Hamilton was not his usual self. He was moody off the court -- at least with the media -- and at times couldn't contain his frustration on it, which was evidenced by his career-high 15 technical fouls. There was speculation he was distracted by the birth of his son, which happened right before the season-opener. That, he says, wasn't it. "I had a son, which was one of the greatest times of my life," Hamilton said Wednesday. "That was not a disappointment. Nothing off the court was a disappointment." Advertisement So, what was? "I was disappointed at the way Flip (Saunders) did things, that was the frustrating thing about it," he said. Hamilton wouldn't ..."

Pistons' Rip Hamilton rips former coach Flip

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October 1

Detroit Free Press

"It was shooting guard Rip Hamilton's turn this afternoon to let everyone know that he approved of the new coach Michael Curry.

And by doing so he added his name to the list of those critical of former coach Flip Saunders, who was fired shortly after the Pistons lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals last season.

Shortly after the first practice of the day, Hamilton was asked about his happiness last season and he was quick to say:

"I had a son and that was one of the greatest times of my life so I was never actually mad or disappointed," he said. "I was disappointed sometimes with the way Flip did things. That was the most frustrating thing about it. My ..."

Break up the Pistons! Trade Rip

June 1

Detroit Free Press

columnist Drew Sharp

"It's time to move Rip Hamilton. He has the highest trade value of the veterans. He's only 30, a two-time All-Star with one of the NBA's better midrange offensive games, and he has a trade-friendly contract -- two more years at $21 million total. Chicago might be a willing suitor. The Bulls have the first pick in this month's draft, but they need an experienced championship-tested scorer. Might they be willing to part with Luol Deng and Ben Gordon -- neither has agreed to a contract extension -- for Hamilton? It becomes a summer of high intrigue because president Joe Dumars knows his team is beyond the subtle tweak."

Hamilton downplays injury

May 31

Detroit News

"Normally Richard Hamilton preaches caution when his son Rip tells him about an injury. But he made a different speech when he and Rip talked about whether he should play in Game 6 Friday night with a hyperextended elbow at The Palace. "Hey man this is now or never," Hamilton said. "I talked to my dad and he just said spit on it. Usually when you talk to your dad he is like, take your time, but he said just spit on it. You are at war right now. You ain't got no choice whether you want to sit down or anything. I feel good enough to play.""

R.I.P.? Without Hamilton, Pistons will be toast

May 30

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons coach Flip Saunders considered the question. A reporter wanted to know how he was feeling Thursday morning given his team's 3-2 hole in the Eastern Conference finals. Saunders rubbed the back of his neck with one hand and considered. "I think I'm more feeling excitement than anything," Saunders said. "Opportunity." Excited? With his team on the brink of elimination in tonight's Game 6, the third year in a row it has found itself in that position? With starting shooting guard Richard Hamilton a game-time decision with a strained right elbow?"

Rip Hamilton questionable with injured elbow

May 30

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Pistons don’t know if Richard Hamilton will be healthy enough to play against the Boston Celtics on Friday. Detroit’s leading scorer strained his right elbow in the final seconds of Boston’s 106-102 win on Wednesday night. X-rays were negative, and Hamilton’s arm was in a sling as he left the arena. Hamilton hadn’t been re-evaluated Thursday morning when coach Flip Saunders met with media, but Saunders said Hamilton is questionable for Friday night’s Game 6."

Rip Hamilton injures elbow in Game 5

May 29

Detroit Free Press

"Richard Hamilton was a scoring machine in the second half, scoring 16 of his 25 points in the second half. But Hamilton also strained his right elbow in the game's waning moments. X-rays taken after the game came back negative, and Hamilton will likely receive treatment in the hours leading up to Game 6. "We're going to have to wait and see how it is tomorrow and how it is in 48 hours," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said."

Richard Hamilton fires for Pistons

May 29

Boston Herald

columnist Tony Massarotti

"Question: Which player has scored more postseason points than any other in the history of the Detroit Pistons franchise? Answer: Rip Hamilton. For a franchise that has featured, among others, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Chauncey Billups, Hamilton has scored more playoff points than any of them. And before anyone suggests that Hamilton accomplished the feat purely by playing in more games, let the record show that his scoring average is higher than that of Thomas, Dumars or Billups."