FanPost

So, the Sixers acquired Richard Hamilton?

According to Rotoworld, Coatesville’s own, Richard Hamilton, is trying to make a comeback to the NBA after last playing in the 2012-2013 season. When I read it, I had to wonder just a little whether Rip splashed on some youth cream and snuck onto the Sixers summer league roster.

A 6’6" 180lb shooting guard, Hamilton averaged 17.1 pts/gm over his career, putting up 20pts/gm twice. "Rip" helped lead the Detroit Pistons to the 2004 NBA Championship, on a team that had two defensive stalwarts, Rasheed and Ben Wallace.

No, I don't want the Sixers to sign him. Sorry for the 52 fakeout title.

It's just that, for those of us who are moist over Jordan McRae, Richard Hamilton is the man we should be comparing him to. From the little we’ve seen so far, Rip was a better passer, and McRae will have more steals and blocks. But their sinewy physiques and shoot & slash offensive games are strikingly similar. Like Hamilton, McRae is obviously comfortable as a number one scoring option, shooting the three, adept at handling the rock and penetrating to the rim. They use the slender frame to get in and out of cracks in the paint and use their long arms to avoid blocked shots, and to get fouls off of those who miss the block attempt.

It’s a lot to ask for. I’m not saying he'll match Richard Hamilton's success. After all, Rip was the #7 pick in the draft, while McRae was #58. But if folks want KJ McDaniels to model his game after Kawhi Leonard, we should also hope that McRae patterns his offensive game after his doppelganger, the Ripster.


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