Are the Bulls Better Without Rip?

Somewhere at the local sports bar somebody is asking this question: Are the Bulls better without Richard Hamilton?  They have watched every game, criticized every "analyst" and "expert" and commented here about it, etc.

To backup their argument, the Chicago Bulls are 3-0 without Hamilton. All of those wins have come against playoff contending teams in Memphis, Atlanta and Orlando.  Guard Ronnie Brewer has been reborn as a scorer, understanding when to shoot and when to pass.  Brewer's three-point shot is improving (a staggering .833 shooting percentage), and he is healthy.

The Bulls have looked good, if not great in two of those three wins with Hamilton sidelined with a groin injury.  The only game in which they played horribly was the Atlanta game. 

I hate to break the hearts of those who believe that Brewer can start over Hamilton long-term but after he scored 17 points and snagged seven rebounds in his first start, Brewer has only had six points (3-14 shooting) and five rebounds combined in his other two starts in place of Hamilton.  It is a clear example of a player trying push too hard once pressed into duty.  

He may never admit this publicly but Brewer wanted the starting guard spot.  He went out and worked on his shooting and despite his recent struggles his shot has immensely improved.  His confidence is at an all-time high and he was worthy of being in the conversation for the starting role.  That being said, the Bulls need Richard Hamilton.  But they need him healthy first. 

Few newcomers have made as much of an impact on his team's success as Hamilton has.  The only exceptions may be Chris Paul, Jamal Crawford and David West.  Averaging 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and three assists a game, Hamilton also helps the flow of the game for the Bulls.  For a sample of how good the Bulls can be, just go back to their game versus the Clippers where they shared the ball and everyone was comfortable in their roles. 

Derrick Rose is the centerpiece, Luol Deng is the glue, Carlos Boozer is the post-presence, and Joakim Noah is the energizer.  Hamilton's ingredient is that of the wild card.  He can do a little bit of everything.  Some sort of Luol Deng-lite but in the form of the been-there, done-that type of player who the Bulls lacked in the playoffs last season. 

Those of you who are asking if the Bulls made a mistake in signing him are pointing to the fact that he has only played in five games thus far.  I understand the frustration and discussion but Hamilton wasn't brought in for the regular season statistics, he was brought in for the postseason push.  That is where they will need him most. 

Are the Bulls better without Richard Hamilton?  To give players like Ronnie Brewer more confidence, Hamilton's injury helps in some strange way but no, they are not better without him.  Use the Atlanta game as evidence.