i was thinking about this a few games ago, when i said to myself that Rip was really attacking the basket more this year. sometimes, he's out of control, but he's doing a good job getting to the line:


Attack mode (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/SPORTS0102/701290380/1127)

Richard Hamilton shot 303 free throws in 80 regular season games last year. He has shot 271 in 40 games this season. What gives?

"It's something I wanted to do coming into the year," Hamilton said. "I just wanted to be aggressive, go to the basket, try to get to the line and get us to the bonus. The game is a lot easier when you are in the penalty."

His new attack mentality was spurred by a talk he had with team president Joe Dumars before the season. Dumars praised him for leading the league in 3-point shooting accuracy last year, but said it came at the expense of him getting to the free-throw line.

"This year, I wasn't even worried about the three-ball," Hamilton said.

"I just wanted to get to the basket and get to the line as much as possible."
at his current pace, he could set a career high in free throw attempts for the season. we've all been hoping to get a slasher and athletic finisher, all the while, Rip came into the season talking about attacking the glass more and he's proven that he can do it. good for him (and good for us) that he's dedicated to improving his game.

Rip's career stats (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/richard_hamilton/career_stats.html).

also, he's averaging the fewest turnovers per game in his entire career (aside from his rookie season, where he didn't start).

I think Rip is a legit all-star SG right now, as opposed to being a secondary scorer like he's been for us in the past. He's proven this year without chauncey that he can be a volume #1 scorer.

I'd put Rip on a level with guys like vince carter and paul pierce. Quality All-stars, but not superstars.

upon further research, he's averaging a career high in blocks per game and rebounds per game.......Rip at center, anyone?

http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2006-01/21522929.jpg
"Oh shit, he's a beast!!!" -Jamal Crawford

I like the aggressiveness. Too bad he and Billups are also shooting worse from the line than last year. They seem to be missing a lot of free throws lately.

Chauncey is shooting worse, Rip is shooting better.

So is this an appreciation thread for Rip's free throws?

I call dibs on the "Ronald Dupree Sideline Menswear Collection[smilie=punks.gif] by JC Penney" appreciation thread.




j/k the more FTs the better, even if he'll never reach the legendary reputation/status that DeeWade has.

Chauncey is shooting worse, Rip is shooting better.

Is he? I didn't look at the stats. it just seems like there have been some key misses by both this year. I guess I stand corrected.

Is he? I didn't look at the stats. it just seems like there have been some key misses by both this year. I guess I stand corrected.
Could be that he's making more of them, but missing more that are crucial.

upon further research, he's averaging a career high in blocks per game and rebounds per game.......Rip at center, anyone?

http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2006-01/21522929.jpg
"Oh shit, he's a beast!!!" -Jamal Crawford


Looks like Rip is the new starting running back for the Pistons.