Richard Hamilton
Key Career Moment of Richard Hamilton
Richard Hamilton cemented his NBA legacy during the 2004 NBA Finals with the Detroit Pistons. Facing the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers, Hamilton averaged 21.4 points per game, using his relentless off-ball movement to dismantle defenders.
Richard Clay "Rip" Hamilton (born Febru) is an American former professional basketball player and current basketball analyst for CBS Sports HQ. Hamilton played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is best known for his nine-year stint with the Detroit Pistons, where he
His defining moment came in Game 3, where he scored 31 points, leading the Pistons to a pivotal win.
Rip was unstoppable-he never stopped running, teammate Chauncey Billups later said.This performance helped Detroit secure the championship, marking Hamilton as one of basketball's most clutch scorers.
Unique Skill of Richard Hamilton
Richard Hamilton's signature skill was his elite conditioning and perpetual motion off the ball.
Nicknamed Rip, he wore down defenders with endless curls around screens, creating open mid-range jumpers-a lost art in today's three-point-heavy NBA. His ability to maintain speed and precision after miles of sprinting made him one of the hardest players to guard.
Richard Hamilton's Stats
- 14-year NBA career (19992013), 3x All-Star
- 15,708 career points (17.1 PPG average)
- 2004 NBA champion with the Pistons
Richard Hamilton's Legacy in the NBA
Richard Hamilton redefined the role of the mid-range scorer in modern basketball.
His work ethic and unselfish play embodied the Pistons' Goin' to Work era, inspiring future two-guards like Klay Thompson.
Complete career NBA stats for the Chicago Bulls Shooting Guard Richard Hamilton on ESPN. Includes points, rebounds, and assists.
A unique fact: Hamilton famously wore a protective mask after breaking his nose twice in 2003-it became his iconic look. Today, his influence lives on as coaches still teach his off-ball techniques to young players, proving his timeless impact on the game.