Richard Hamilton has been debating whether to return to the NBA or not. Last year was the first time he was a free agent. So he spent it with his kids. And after having a freak accident in October. He has decided to not come back to the NBA and that’s final. As he announced today that he is retiring from basketball on ESPN’s His & Hers With Michael Smith And Jemele Hill.
Richard “Rip” Hamilton came onto the scene in College. Leading the Connecticut Huskies to the NCAA championship in 1999. He was drafted by Washington Wizards but his career was really made in Detroit when he was part of the magical 2004 NBA Championship winning Pistons. The Six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances were unprecedented. It’s a damn shame they couldn’t make more Finals appearances. They were always that team that were so fun to watch and you cannot help but love Rip and how he played the game.
Speaking of the 04 Pistons. That only leaves Tayshaun Prince and Mike James as the only players from that squad that are still active.
He is one of 17 players that have one both a NBA and NCAA championship. That’s some rare air right there. And he was an integral part of both teams. Now let’s wait for Detroit to retire his jersey.
