Hamilton To Join Bulls Thursday After Signing Contract
(CBS) The Bulls have signed free agent guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton, after he cleared waivers following his release from the Detroit Pistons.
Terms of the contract were not announced, but Hamilton was set to join the team for practice on Thursday and be made available for interviews afterward.
"We are excited to welcome a player, and person, with the credentials of Richard Hamilton to our organization," said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. "Rip has been a winner at every level. His resume speaks for itself, and we are confident that he will be an excellent fit with our team, both on and off the floor."
Hamilton, a 12-year veteran who spent the previous nine seasons with the Pistons, has been selected to the All-Star team three times and helped take the Pistons to the Eastern Conference Finals six straight times from 2003 to 2008, including two trips to the NBA Finals. He won a ring with Detroit in 2004.
Hamilton, with averages of 17.7 ppg, 3.5 apg and 3.2 rpg in 33.0 mpg, also owns career shooting averages of .450 from the field, .347 from behind the arc and .852 from the line.
Hamilton, 34, will compete for the starting shooting guard position with Ronnie Brewer. His offense will be an upgrade, easing some of the pressure on Derrick Rose.
