I’m not sure if we as this “organizational decision” coming, but the the deactivation of Richard Hamilton was just a formality at this point in the standoff. Will we ever know the real story of how this drama escalated into what it is? I’m not sure, but what I do know is that I’m sure that both sides have to take some blame.
The Pistons will take a hit as will John Kuester, and Rip’s legacy in Detroit is now tarnished. Sad….really it it.
“I felt that way once I started sitting, because I really couldn’t do anything about it. When you really can’t do anything about it, you just stay in shape and keep working out, and things like that.
“I’m disappointed in it, but what can I do? I’m healthy, you know. That’s pretty much it. There’s not much I can say about it.”
Kuester.. i hate you.. you need to leave now.. k thanks bye
I’m not a big believer in legacies or “eras.” Very few players deserve that kind of distinction – a player that starts and ends his career with one team, perhaps … Barry Sanders, Al Kaline and Steve Yzerman come to mind. Rip didn’t start here and he won’t finish here.
That’s the nature of sports. I’ve got a few more thoughts on Rip if anyone wants to take a look at my blog.
I think that the problems with Rip are obviously bigger than Kuester, my guess is that this has been going on for over a year. Remember I mean RIp did not get a long with Curry as well? I feel like there is no way that it is just Kuester and Dumars verses Hamilton. I suspect that there are internal conflicts between players are being hidden.
also, pistons must trade hamilton. honestly, do not let a buy-out happen because then Boston will take him. That would be worse.
Honestly, at this point I do not care if we trade Rip for Greg Oden or Artest. We are not going to get a good deal anyway, lets just go grab someone, anything is better than a buyout.
well his legacy isnt tarnished for me,I still like him and wish him the best wherever he goes
Remember that Tom Gores still seems to be under negotiations to buy the team. See printed article in the Detroit News today. I could imagine Hamilton’s 25 million he has coming over the next two seasons could be considered additional cost for a new owner. Perhaps the word, Deactivation might have some sort of legal merit in regards to write-offs if they have to buy him out.
This whole thing is Karen’s fault. Greedy b*tch.
It should not of come to this in the first place. Ever since Chauncey was traded away, Rip has not been the same since. He feuded with Curry, now with Kuester, and now what? He is now deactivated, but by no means say his legacy is tarnished. His legacy will forever be with the Pistons organization. He was part of the 2004 and 2005 NBA Finals teams, with the team through the 5 consecutive E.C.F. appearances. The teams leader in scoring consistently through those years, he will be greatly missed, there is no hiding that fact. But, everyone has to realize that this team has to move forward, sure picking up Tmac helped the point guard situation to a minimum, however, this team needs to get younger. I hate to lose Rip as much as the next person, but in cold hard reality, the NBA is a business, whether we like it or not. The team needs to get younger, get players that are in their primes, not on their declines. This team needs a “true” point guard to compliment Stuckey’s talents, and another “big” man to compliment the huge potential in Monroe. He will be a great player for a long time for this organization.
The Pistons are playing better since the rotation change, but not that much better. They are still losing close games. BG is starting to find his groove. Other players that need time are doing better (AD,CW and WB), but with Stuckey out they could find some spot minutes at the 2 or 3 for Rip. His mid-range jumper could have been utilized in the NJ win instead of giving DaJuan Summers playing time who they really have no spot for him and don’t need him. It’s not right to diss a future Piston legend with sweat equity that’s been your leading scorer for 8 years. A.I. who jacked up the team got more respect than that! There is more to this story than we know but if you don’t plan on using him you should buy him out , trade him soon or at the very least tell him what time it is. He still could help this team in some way. If you feel me , Holla
This has been a long time coming.
Rip, Chauncey, Tayshaun, and Sheed were mailing it in since 2006, too bad we didnt pull the trigger on that Rip/Rondo trade a couple years back that everyone here scoffed at.
AI didn’t jack up the team, with an able-minded coach at the helm he could have revived his his career in Detroit (ala Tmac)
Can someone explain the comment about Oden and Artest to me? It sounded like the poster seemed as if he or she would be disappointed if we wound up trading Rip for Oden or Artest, maybe I missed the sarcasm, but, at this point, we couldn’t get Luke Walton for Rip Hamilton (salaries aside). I’d love to see a Rip for Cousins + salary relief or Rip for Blair + sal. relief trade but that will never happen.
Leagacy tarnished?.. says who?.. Nat I love your website but are you serious?… the man lead us in scoring during one of the two best runs we had as a franchise EVER!.. so his last year here didnt go well.. that means his entire legacy in Detroit is tarnished?.. maybe to you but sure as heck not to me. when we all look back and remember rip we will remember him hitting jumper after jumper with sweet feeds from Chaunc.. I will remember the rip/reggie games.. I will remember his 51 points on the knicks… not this past year when the entire team hasn’t done well..
You tell em Josh!
i like to believe that fairy tales are not just stories that havent finished. I have to believe this will have a happy ending. It starts with Joe D and Rip. Kuester and the teammates after that.
I also take exception to the comment that Rip’s legacy in Detroit is tarnished. Brother! What an idea! I totally agree with Josh.
How long ago was it that everyone was commenting on the good chemistry between Tmac and Rip?
Put this all down to that moron Q. I think I dislike this little man more than I did MC, if possible. I really cannot wait until this fellow vanishes forever.
now hes playn??
Still Karens fault.
I hope she’s not trying to squeeze every penny out of the deal.
Sell the team already.
Okay am I the only thinking this: After watching our Piston this season the ups the downs Highs and Lows Can we lose to the Cavs? It’s possible we always seems to lose to teams we should beat… Back on topic it was a win but we all know what happens next………………… to be continue!
RIP is the Pistons all time Playoffs scoring leader.
That won’t vanished, but yes he could have been a mantor to the next pistons gen
He could have taught ‘back’ what he learn throught his career to the young one
He’s not the leader Joe & Q believed he could be
I like to think the pistons 04-06 starting line up as one of the best to ever take the court…still it has no HOFer in it!! Team ball! Pistons ball!!
I love RIP but he should be thankfull also to the organisation that made him,
he won’t have been an allstar outside of the D…Ben learned it in 06
Billups ended up in a perfect situation in 08 but now Denver wants him out to open space for the future…
Things went wrong when the core started to act as superstars…they weren’t, they aren’t, they won’t be
They never needed to be.