Richard Hamilton unsure about Tuesday debut with Chicago Bulls – NBA Update
Newly acquired shooting guard Richard Hamilton isn’t sure about making his on court debut for the Chicago Bulls just yet.
Hamilton has practiced with the team but hasn’t yet played in a game. The Bulls will play their second pre-season game on Tuesday and Hamilton was expected to take part in it.
The player however doesn’t know just yet. He is still getting used to the routine at the Bulls, learning their plays, adjusting to the rhythm. He said he was getting more used to Chicago’s style all the time but couldn’t make a
definite judgment just yet.
"We'll see," Hamilton said after Sunday's practice. "Every day I get a little better. It's a lot to learn. Everything's new for me.”
“We'll see how it feels when it comes."
Hamilton was signed by the Bulls after being let go by the Detroit Pistons. Rip was one of the longest serving players at Detroit but the club has decided to move in a new direction after the fiasco of last season, and Richard
didn’t have a place in their plans.
His falling out with the Pistons though was a welcome opportunity for the Bulls. Chicago had a terrific season last time out but were short of quality at the two guard position. Keith Bogans started all 82 games for the Bulls as
shooting guard last season but the 39 year old was relieved of services after the NBA lockout ended.
Hamilton fitted the bill for what the Bulls required and head coach Tom Thibodeau is happy with the progress Richard has made since arriving.
"We'll get another practice under his belt," Thibodeau said. "He looked pretty comfortable today in the scrimmaging so that will be the next step for him."
Tom hasn’t decided yet whether to give Hamilton the role of starting point guard or not. He used Ronnie Brewer at the two guard in Chicago’s first pre-season game and some sources have suggested that he could continue in the role
during the regular season.
Although Hamilton will make a significant impact coming off the bench for Chicago, Tom also has the lure of pairing him with super star point guard Derrick Rose right from the start and see how those two develop as a back court
partnership.
"I'm not sure yet what we'll do," Thibodeau said. "But both guys are going to play a lot."
Chicago topped the league last season on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. They lost out to the Miami Heat who went on to play in the NBA Finals, but the Bulls are hoping that the addition of Rip can help
them get to the Final this time around.
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