Post by Los Angeles Lakers on Apr 19, 2007 22:50:19 GMT -5
The Return of Rip
Rip Hamilton rejoins the Lakers after a six year stint with the Miami Heat
"I got something to prove," said Rip Hamilton at his press conference in Los Angeles.
Rip certainly does have something to prove as he embarks on his second stint with the team that parted ways with him nearly 7 years ago. The Lakers felt that Rip was underperforming and not playing to his potential several years ago. So, they made the move and traded him to Miami where he eventually flourished as a player and even made an ABCA Finals Appearance.
"I don't know what it was," said Hamilton. "I just really can't explain why the first time around didn't go so well. We had a great team with Jason Kidd, Bryant Reeves, Christian Laettner. I think maybe it was cause I was a youngster who was still trying to find a way to fit into an offense that was so potent."
Rip's sophomore season and second year in the league was about where the Lakers expected him to be. He averaged 11.7 points per game while starting in the backcourt with former Laker, Jason Kidd. However the next season, Rip performed extremely well in training camp and was expected to become one of the Lakers' go-to-guys. It turned out to be a season of disappointment for Rip, who only managed to improve his scoring average by two points.
"I think Rip pressed to hard back then," said Joel Przybilla, current Laker and who was also on the team with Rip those two seasons. "He had a lot of pressure on him to be the man and be the guy that would take the pressure off of Jason."
Issues with signing a new contract saw the Lakers trade Hamilton away to the Heat following the 2001-2002 season. He did show some slight improvement his first season but not nearly enough to merit the huge contract he received after that season.
"There were plenty of fans scratching the head on that one," said Hawks' President Roark. "At the time, it seemed foolish to be giving him that much money but he's actually turned out to be solid for most of that contract."
The following year, Rip Hamilton vindicated himself by finally averaging over 20 points per game. He helped the Heat to a magnificent run that lead them all the way to the finals. After a valiant performance there, Rip has been pretty consistent in sustaining his ability to perform. Just last season, he averaged a career best 28 points per game. He is hoping to show the fans of L.A. that he will be the player they all hoped he could be.
"Definitely excited to be back in Los Angeles, playing for the best basketball franchise in the world," said Hamilton with a smile. "I want to show these fans that they're going to love having me back and that I was no mistake."
Rip Hamilton rejoins the Lakers after a six year stint with the Miami Heat
"I got something to prove," said Rip Hamilton at his press conference in Los Angeles.
Rip certainly does have something to prove as he embarks on his second stint with the team that parted ways with him nearly 7 years ago. The Lakers felt that Rip was underperforming and not playing to his potential several years ago. So, they made the move and traded him to Miami where he eventually flourished as a player and even made an ABCA Finals Appearance.
"I don't know what it was," said Hamilton. "I just really can't explain why the first time around didn't go so well. We had a great team with Jason Kidd, Bryant Reeves, Christian Laettner. I think maybe it was cause I was a youngster who was still trying to find a way to fit into an offense that was so potent."
Rip's sophomore season and second year in the league was about where the Lakers expected him to be. He averaged 11.7 points per game while starting in the backcourt with former Laker, Jason Kidd. However the next season, Rip performed extremely well in training camp and was expected to become one of the Lakers' go-to-guys. It turned out to be a season of disappointment for Rip, who only managed to improve his scoring average by two points.
"I think Rip pressed to hard back then," said Joel Przybilla, current Laker and who was also on the team with Rip those two seasons. "He had a lot of pressure on him to be the man and be the guy that would take the pressure off of Jason."
Issues with signing a new contract saw the Lakers trade Hamilton away to the Heat following the 2001-2002 season. He did show some slight improvement his first season but not nearly enough to merit the huge contract he received after that season.
"There were plenty of fans scratching the head on that one," said Hawks' President Roark. "At the time, it seemed foolish to be giving him that much money but he's actually turned out to be solid for most of that contract."
The following year, Rip Hamilton vindicated himself by finally averaging over 20 points per game. He helped the Heat to a magnificent run that lead them all the way to the finals. After a valiant performance there, Rip has been pretty consistent in sustaining his ability to perform. Just last season, he averaged a career best 28 points per game. He is hoping to show the fans of L.A. that he will be the player they all hoped he could be.
"Definitely excited to be back in Los Angeles, playing for the best basketball franchise in the world," said Hamilton with a smile. "I want to show these fans that they're going to love having me back and that I was no mistake."
