Richard Hamilton, also known as "Rip," is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 seasons. Hamilton was born on February 14, 1978, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Connecticut, where he played college basketball for three years.

Hamilton was selected seventh overall by the Washington Wizards in the 1999 NBA draft. He played for the Wizards for three seasons before being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2002. It was with the Pistons that Hamilton had the most success in his career, helping the team win the NBA championship in 2004.

Hamilton was known for his ability to score points, particularly from mid-range. He was also a strong defender and a good passer. Hamilton was a three-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2006.

In addition to his success with the Pistons, Hamilton also played for the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics later in his career. He retired from the NBA in 2013 with career averages of 17.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

Off the court, Hamilton was known for his trademark face mask, which he wore to protect a broken nose he suffered early in his career. He continued to wear the mask throughout his career, even after his nose had healed.

Hamilton's basketball career was marked by his consistency and his ability to perform in big moments. He was a key player on the Pistons' championship team and was known for his clutch performances in playoff games. Hamilton's legacy as a player is one of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

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