Richard Hamilton Eyeing NBA Return?

Former NBA player Richard Hamilton is considering making an NBA return this season, Ananth Pandian of CBSSports.com relays. Hamilton told Pandian that he his agent put out feelers to several teams and he is planning on training hard for the next 30 days. If his body holds up during that time period, Hamilton is going to attempt a comeback, the scribe adds.

“I’m giving myself thirty days where I am really hitting the gym.” Hamilton said. “I’m working on my game. I’m in the weight room. I’m running my two, three miles a day. And I’m trying to see if my body can hold up. If my body can hold up after these thirty days, I will be making a comeback.”

The 38-year-old last played in the NBA during the 2012/13 season with the Bulls, appearing in 50 games and averaging 9.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 21.8 minutes per outing. The Leon Rose client retired with more than $109MM in earnings over the course of his time in the NBA, according to Basketball-Reference. He averaged 17.1 PPG and 3.4 APG with 34.6% three-point shooting and a 16.5 PER for his career.

Hamilton acknowledged it will be difficult to rejoin the league after being away from the game for three years and will only come back if it is the right situation, Pandian writes. “If I get the opportunity where I can come in and earn my minutes,” Hamilton said. “I think that I will be able to make an impact on someone’s NBA team.” The swingman also noted that one reason he wants to play again is because of his children and to get another shot at winning a title. “I’m actually doing it for [my kids] and for myself, too, to get an opportunity to make one more run at it,” Hamilton said. “And if there’s an opportunity, where I could go out and win another championship, I’m all for it.” I’d also wager the deals handed out this summer courtesy of the spike in the salary cap played a part, but I can’t fault Hamilton for giving it a go.