Detroit Pistons: Richard Hamilton's Mind-Boggling Act

“The hardest work in the world is being out of work."

Detroit has been one of the major cities struck by the recession. Officially, Detroit’s unemployment rate was under 30 percent in 2009, which then ballooned to almost 50 percent in 2010. It’s becoming mind boggling and a big scratch to the head to see NBA players turning down a franchise because they don’t have enough minutes on the court, or they don’t particularly like their coach.

They are paid to do their jobs. The franchise paid millions to see them play. And all while millions of people wished they were in their shoes. The players continued to waste those opportunities over and over again.

Richard Hamilton, Detroit’s captain, is the voice of the team. He has been one of the cornerstones of the Piston’s championship team. He influences the majority in Detroit’s locker.

There are many speculations on to why seven players missed the morning shoot-around before the game last Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, only Tayshaun Prince, Tracy McGrady, Ben Wallace, Rodney Stuckey, Chris Wilcox and Austin Daye have an excuse, not Hamilton.

It was no secret about Hamilton’s animosity towards his coach. Last January, in front of his bewildered coaches and teammates, Richard rebuked and cursed John Kuester of being a failure for two seasons in Detroit.       

It wasn’t how a leader behaves in front of his teammates, and it wasn’t how an employee treats his manager. Although Kuester remained mum about the whole situation, he just demoted his team leader before moving him to the bench permanently.

It wasn’t as if Detroit has a choice either. With still $25 million left on Hamilton’s contract, it’s becoming impossible for him to get traded. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to send their 2012 second-round draft pick with a $12.6 million trade exception, Hamilton quickly declined.

Another scratch to the head: Richard wanted playing time, wanted a change and then declined because of Cleveland, who sits at the bottom of the NBA standings. He could have helped Detroit with the draft pick, and with Cleveland offering him an $18 million buyout, he would secure his 2011-12 salary with the looming lockout season. He could sign up to a playoff contender team if he wants to.  

Players nowadays are taking hostage of their own franchise, like Carmelo not signing a $65 million contract with Denver or when the Utah Jazz had to do early damage control, when Deron Williams will be facing free agency next season. This is becoming a vicious cycle that will eventually ruin the NBA.

But it’s unfortunate to know what Richard has done to this franchise. The franchise that has given him enough opportunities to make him an All-Star, the city that continues to embrace him in spite of his shortcomings and the city that suffered so much during the recession and lost millions of jobs.

The trade deadline has already passed, and Richard Hamilton stayed. They have somehow managed to mend their broken ways with his coach. With two seasons left on his contract, amidst all the berating and all the disgruntled feelings, I think it’s safe to say...it’s time to do your job. Let the coaches coach and let the players play.