Hamilton to Pistons: Hang Tough

Posted: Nov. 15, 2009
Richard Hamilton's message to Pistons: Hang tough
Injured guard impressed by recent wins
BY VINCE ELLIS

WASHINGTON -- Losing veterans Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince to injuries for an extended period early in the season can't be good for the Pistons, right?

But after Saturday night's 106-103 victory over the Wizards, the Pistons are 5-4 and have won three straight, including impressive home victories over the 76ers and Bobcats.

And Hamilton wants the young team to hang on awhile longer until he can return from a severe ankle sprain that has caused him to miss every game since the opener last month.

"It could have went the other direction, where we could be looking at 2-6," Hamilton said after Saturday morning's shoot-around. "I thought that the guys did a great job after losses to Oklahoma City and Milwaukee ... of really regrouping and taking care of business against Charlotte and getting the one against Orlando."

Ever the competitor, Hamilton thinks the team should have beaten the Thunder and the Bucks.

"If we expect to be good, we can't lose to certain teams," Hamilton said. "There are certain teams where we have to win, regardless of who we have on the floor."

As for his ankle, Hamilton said he still has a considerable amount of pain and hasn't even tried to run yet, so that would rule out a return during an upcoming West Coast trip.

But he's confident that first-year coach John Kuester will keep the team above water until he and Prince (back injury) return.

"He's done a great job of keeping the guys rolling, because we are a young group, and sometimes we play well and sometimes we don't play so well," Hamilton said.