Rip Hamilton close to returning

[truebluefan]

Bulls guard Rip Hamilton took some contact on his injured shoulder before Wednesday's shootaround, and he said there's a chance he will play against the Atlanta Hawks, although Derrick Rose likely will miss his eighth consecutive game with a groin injury.

Hamilton, who worked out with Brian Scalabrine, injured his shoulder March 5 and has played in just 16 games this season because of various injuries.

Read more: http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story...-hamilton-play

[transplant]

To put it mildly, this has to have been a frustrating season for Hamilton. As we've seen with Rose, a pulled groin takes a long time to recover. Then you come back and rack up your shooting shoulder.

Hamilton's a savvy vet who knows how to play the game and can both score and facilitate. Like Boozer, he understands the game enough to score 20 when those points are there or dish out 6+ assists when that's what the game dictates. He's a basketball player...can't have too many of those.

I expect him to play tomorrow. Welcome back, Rip.

[Good Hope]

He's day by day.

He's made a big difference when he's out there. Big help for Luol and Ronnie.

worried about Derrick. He worked so hard to be ready for the Heat...and now things are getting close.