Chicago Bulls: First Impressions of New Shooting Guard Richard Hamilton

All offseason questions about the shooting guard position culminated this week when the Chicago Bulls signed former Detroit Piston Richard "Rip" Hamilton. 

After sitting out the first preseason game, we got the opportunity to see Rip play for the first time on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers in Chicago. I know it's just preseason, but already Richard Hamilton looks like a huge acquisition. 

Even compared to the first preseason game, the team just looked so much more potent offensively. It wasn't even just the fact that he was scoring the ball, but you could see the effect of having a scorer on the floor at the shooting guard position.

Rip looked poised out there, and he really looked like he has most of the abilities and skills that made him an All-Star in his prime in Detroit. His jumper seemed to be going and he was able to create separation in order to get it off. His defense as well was very solid, and the team defense did not seem to be affected at all when Rip was in the game, which is a good sign. 

He was also able to play very effectively off of the existing players on the roster, especially Derrick Rose, who finished with nine assists in only 28 minutes of play. There is no doubt that Rose will improve his assist numbers thanks to Rip. However, Hamilton's presence also appeared to allow Boozer to play his game much more effectively.

Oftentimes last year, the lane was clogged and Boozer did not have room to work with, but Rip's presence, along with his crafty passing (six assists on the day) allowed Boozer to have his most impressive game in quite some time. We should see Rose benefit in the same way when he is more aggressive during the regular season. 

Perhaps the most exciting moments of the game for Bulls fans were when Rose had the ball on the fast break, and was able to hit the cutting Rip Hamilton for an easy layup. I liked Keith Bogans and he was great for the price, but there is no chance that Keith could run the floor like that. Having a shooting guard who can run the floor with Rose will be a nice surprise to Bulls fans. 

What was most impressive about Rip was his veteran savvy. Like I mentioned above, he finished with six assists, and really seemed to improve the ball movement of the Bulls, even though he himself did not need the ball in his hand much. He also was very impressive when Rose was pressured, as he was able to put himself in the right place at the right time with ease.

Obviously we're just working with preseason basketball, but Richard Hamilton already looks like a great addition to this already elite team; Bulls fans should be excited for the upcoming season to see what a team with a true shooting guard can do.