All this talk about him wearing opposing SG's down? Doesn't really help when he's wearing his own self down in the process. He's our only expendable starter at this point in time. This season it looks like he'd rather work out of ISO rather than work off of screens, and hes shooting a dreadful percentage while forcing a lot of shots.

Without Chauncey, we kinda suck. Without Tay, we kinda suck. Without Sheed, we're really lacking. Hell, we also saw how hard it is without Dice starting. But without Rip, we flow easier...??

We all said it was premature when there was speculation that we were better off without Rip after the first two games, but I think we could make a very interesting argument now. It would also free up our very crowded backcourt, and perhaps we could make a move to help our front-court. And it goes without saying that Tay would definitely benefit with this move.

1) Chauncey and Stuckey
2) Flip Murray and Afflalo (though the order could change depending on AA's progression)


Whether or not everybody agrees with this, it is still something to ponder.

Rip does look a bit out of place and playing without Rip does give a different look to the Pistons. I don`t know what it is but I mentioned in chat, perhaps, becoming a new dad has taken a toll on Rip.

I`m not making excuses for him but expecting a baby, getting injured then having the flu in the last few weeks is a lot to handle for him.

On the other hand, he does seem to be forcing the issue out on the court. IMO, Rip can still come off of screens for at least 6-10 points a game, however, Flip has abandoned that for him going one on one, or should I say one on two or three at times.

Flip leaving him in the game with the flu was baffling to me. Who did he think Rip was - MJ against the Jazz?

Anyway, let`s give him the benefit of the doubt. A few more weeks of his current play, then we send him off to whosoever will!!!!

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"You got to go wit da flow" Rasheed Wallace responding to Rip Hamilton's disbelief of him becoming a Boston Celtic.

It's definitely an interesting question. If we were to trade Rip one assumes it must be for a big man. And who would be a target? What is Rip's actual trade value? He does have quite a reasonable long term contract.

I would be open to any moves that would improve the team.

He has 3 years left incl this one. I think he would have pretty good trade value. I would like to get a good look at Stucky 1st to see what he has becasue we can't rely on Tay to score 18+ a night for a whole season.

I think we should be able to if Rip isn't ballhogging.

If we were to trade him, which I don't agree at this moment when we should fire Flip instead, we trade him to Orlando. Anyway, they have always like our players. Somewhat or rather, they end up there anyway. Most recent, one of Flip's favorite, Mo Evans.

We should trade Flip Saunders to ORL for SVG.

Trade Rip for who?? We would solve alot of problems on this team if Rip accepted the role of a Barbosa/Manu/Terry. I could see Rip coming off the bench as the go-to guy. There's nothing wrong with him or his game, there's just not enough touches in Flip's offense to get the max out of everyone. Starting Rip makes Tay and Dyess 4th and 5th options, which is stupid, then there's Rasheed who naturally plays like a 5th option. Now we have 5 players on the court who can score 20, but only the guards actually do it and they hog the ball in the process of it. If this team gets all it can out of Dyess, Sheed and Tayshaun, NOBODY CAN BEAT US, but that won't happen starting Rip.

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"Ain't nothin' strange 'bout yo daddy, what's strange is what he had to deal wit'!!!!!" - Rev. AL.

Without major injury, how come a player in the years of his prime can reduce from the next coming Reggie Miller, the best off-ball offender to an expandable player in only 2-1/8 season.

Good question.

He missed the pre-season and the 1st week or so of the season. Still getting up to game speed.