Richard Hamilton, known lovingly as “Rip,” hasn’t played an NBA game since the 2012-13 season, and he’s 38 years old. But that isn’t stopping him from mulling an NBA comeback, as he told CBS Sports. The former Pistons great says he’s in the middle of a 30-day period of “really hitting the gym” to test the feasibility of returning to the court.
“I’m working on my game. I’m in the weight room. I’m running my two, three miles a day. And I’m trying to see if my body can hold up. If my body can hold up after these thirty days, I will be making a comeback.”
Hamilton isn’t alone among veteran shooting guards considering a comeback this offseason — Ray Allen has also reportedly thrown his name out there and has been linked to the Warriors and the Cavs. Both guys, if their bodies hold up, might be restricted to just a few minutes per game, but their knowledge and championship experience would be resources for any locker room. And if Hamilton can still shoot, even better.
Richard Jefferson proved once again this season that if he keeps his body right, a nearly forgotten old vet can still be a meaningful contributor to a championship team. Combine that with the massive salary cap, and you can understand why Hamilton wants to give the NBA another shot.
(Via CBS Sports)
