Why Richard Hamilton Is a Perfect Complement to Derrick Rose on Chicago Bulls

In a whirlwind of MVP talks and dynasty resurrection hopes encircling Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls, the young point guard could use some stability. Enter Richard Hamilton, whose contract was bought out by the Bulls before the start of the season. 

Bulls general manager Gar Forman and the front office acted aggressively by getting Hamilton into a Bulls uniform, a move that caught the 12-year veteran by surprise.

ESPN's Nick Friedell reports that Hamilton expected to end his career with the Detroit Pistons. 

"I did," Hamilton said.

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"Me and Chauncey Billups both. We always talked about that since we first got here. That was our main goal, 'OK, let's go out together.' When the whole extension came up, that was the whole [plan]. Let's go out together and that was our biggest thing."

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While he might get a little homesick, Hamilton has to be excited to be playing on a championship-contending team and alongside the 2010-11 MVP.

But is Hamilton the missing link that will push the Bulls into the NBA Finals? That will remain to be seen but one thing is evident: His presence will take a lot of pressure off Rose.

In talking with Washington Post reporter Matt Brooks, Rose said, “With him, I’m going to have a lot more assists this year."

Let’s not diminish the role of Keith Bogans though, who played hard defense and occasionally nailed a three here and there. He started over Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver and was a good fit in Tom Thibodeau’s defensive scheme. 

But now it's Rip’s turn and 16 games into the airtight schedule, when he’s played, he’s shown that he and Rose can become a formidable dynamic duo. 

He’s one of the best at running without the ball and getting an open shot, hitting the mid-range jumper with lethal accuracy, averaging 45 percent in his career. Playing with Rose is Rip’s golden ticket back to the promised land. 

In a report by Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com, Rip said teaming up with the MVP is "very, very (exciting). There are not too many opportunities to play with the MVP of the league," he said.

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"The kid is very special. The kid can do any and everything. He showed that last year. I just want to help. I just want to be there when he needs my back and be able to ride with him."

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Some things to watch for:

Fast Breaks

Rip is fast enough to run with Rose in the open court and not many players can do that. 

Consistent Scoring

He led the Pistons in scoring every year and demands constant defensive attention, clearing space for Rose to operate in the lanes. 

Unselfish

For a true scorer, Rip is unselfish and a willing passer. When he won a championship with Detroit, he had 4.9 assists.

Mass Hysteria

Without Rip, Rose made Swiss cheese out of most defenses. With an elite sharpshooter filling the wing, the Bulls offense has the potential for complete domination.

Is Hamilton the championship ingredient? We shall see but it is clear that he can let it rip from outside, and the Bulls are moving forward.   

After a much-needed two-day rest they will travel to Cleveland on Friday.