Has Rip Hamilton quit on the Detroit Pistons?

This story really shows what a mess the Detroit Pistons are, and the really poor job General Manger Joe Dumars has done the past few seasons running this team. Rip Hamilton missed a team practice and a game last weekend because of a tummy ache. There have been many allegations in the press that Rip has quit on this team, and the team has been looking to dump him and his big contract for quite some time. The real story here is teh Pistons are a freaking mess, and that may be scarring off potential new ownership.

To be fair Rip has a great deal to be upset about. He use to be the focal point of the Piston offense, working off screens to get a nice mid-range jumper. A few days after Rip signed his huge deal Dumars traded PG Chauncey Billups and blew up a roster that had gone to six straight Eastern Conference finals. I have long argued that Dumars traded the wrong piece, and it now seems that trade was a monumental mistake.

Now Ben Gordon (who might end up being another Dumars mistake) is the starter and Rip comes off the bench. His numbers are way down, and his role has shrunk nearly every month. All of that is driving down his value on the trade market, and that is bad for everyone. It seems Rip needs a change of scenery and maybe should have been the piece dealt two years ago.

In the end I blame Dumars. He signed this guy to a big deal, and then pulled the rug out from under him. In my mind he has every right to feel upset. However he cannot not show up to team functions because his belly hurts. That is pure crap and will only led to the Pistons not being able to deal him and his attitude.

Related Links:

• The Business of the NBA
• The History of Detroit Sports
• Joshua Lobdell.com