The Boston Globe posted the entire transcript of Flip Saunders’ post-game presser — here’s his answer when asked about Rip Hamilton’s elbow:
Q. Just give us an update on what you know what Richard did to his hand.
COACH FLIP SAUNDERS: Rip strained a right elbow. It’s sore a little bit. We’re going to have to wait and see how it is tomorrow and how it is in 48 hours. He got a little bit of, I think, hyperextended in there on the rebound on that one defensive sequence that we had. He was great again tonight, especially in the last three quarters. Hopefully he’s going to be ready to go for us.
Chris Silva of the Free Press reports that X-rays taken after the game were negative and Rip will receive treatment between now and Game 6. Cross your fingers, because he’s been nails so far in the conference finals, shooting over 50% and scoring at a 22.2 point per game clip.
All in all, a tough break for a guy who just recently became the Pistons’ all-time leader in playoff games.
Man…this sucks…
Rasheed Wallace isn’t a happy camper either: “All that bull (bleep) calls they had out there, with Mike (Callahan) and Kenny (Mauer) — you’ve all seen that (bleep). A lot of them phantom calls, cats are flopping and falling all over the floor and they’re calling that (bleep). That (bleep) ain’t basketball out there. It’s all (bleeping) entertainment. You all should know that (bleep). It’s all that (bleeping) entertainment.”
That sucks, but maybe some good will come out of it with an Aaron Afflalo sighting?
Whatever. Start Stuckey.
Affalo sighting my ass. This team needs Rip to play Friday, and play at the level he did last night. We don’t just need his scoring but his defense of Allen & Pierce. He’s more important to success in this series than maybe any other starter.
Boney and Lawyerboy have long debated the merits of Rip. I can see both sides of the argument. Boney would rather have someone who can create off the dribble is necessary in today’s NBA. Lawyerboy feels Rip’s off-the-ball game is just as effective and that Rip is a great value for his salary. (I think I summarized that right)
I go back and forth. I love Rip’s game but also feel the NBA rules and media highlights favors the scorer over the shooter.
But, one player that hasn’t (I think) come up in their debate is Jamal Crawford. I think this guy has all-star ability that isn’t seen because he’s on such a mess of a team. I think this guy could flourish in Detroit if he was in Rip’s spot. And he makes less money.
I’ve always liked Crawford, too, but he’s a career .403 shooter. With the exception of Crawford’s injury shortened 01-02 season, Rip’s worst shooting year has been better than Crawford’s best. That’s not to say he couldn’t have success in Detroit’s system, but he’d be a bit of a risk.
i have to say this elbow thing is beginning to bum me out.
the thing i’ve always loved about rip is how every offseason he focuses on a perceived weakness and improves remarkably. he improved his defense. he has the highest 3 ball percentage on the team. guy’s dedicated. his stamina is off the charts. the only guy i’ve seen run that much for that long is iverson.
iverson, hmmmmmm……
iverson who is widely rumored to be available with one year left on his contract at 20 million. who dumars tried to trade for before. who uses screens as well as anybody AND can create his own shot. i don’t want to get too in to it, especially in a post about how rip is f-ed up, but i’m just saying, it’s not the worst idea in the world.
Sheed had better keep his mouth shut tonight. He has six T’s. The next one gets him suspended automatically. Imagine winning tonight and then losing Sheed for Game 7. Ugh.