From Chris McCosky’s blog:

We were talking to Flip Saunders today, and Sherrod Blakely asked him if he has thought about the idea of bringing Richard Hamilton off the bench. Remember, I had suggested this in a recent column as a bail-out plan if Hamilton’s struggles were to continue for another 30 games or so. Here’s what Flip said.

“No… We are trying to get Rip focused, but he’s just not in a rhythm right now. He hasn’t been healthy, and when he got healthy, then he got sick. You can’t totally judge him now. If a guy’s healthy and he’s been playing, that’s one thing. But if a guy is not healthy and you do something, then you are making an adjustment that you might not need to make. I am not going to overreact to this.”

Hamilton did not practice again Monday. He’s still fighting the flu, but Saunders expects both Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace to be in the lineup for the Cavs game Wednesday. Wallace (sore left knee) did a little bit, but not much, at practice Monday.

I have to agree with McCosky on this one. If not for Rip missing games with injury and the birth of Richard Clay Hamilton II and now battling the flu then it might be something worth maybe thinking about with the way Rip has played.

I’ve read a lot of fans wanting the Pistons to use Rip off the bench like San Antonio uses Manu or Jason Terry in Dallas. That’s fine if it’s done before the season starts as a way to bolster the bench scoring and not as a demotion for poor play 13 games into the season. Rip has earned his starter’s role with this team and deserves to be given the chance to play his way out of this funk. It’s way to early to have hands all over the panic button. We’re in no threat of missing the playoffs right now.

We’ve all been frustrated with Rip’s play but benching him in the first month of the season would send the wrong message and would potentially do more harm than help.

Just a quirky little note, all the Pistons injuries have come on the left side.

Sheed’s knee, McDyess’ shoulder, Chauncey’s knee, Rip’s ankle, Amir’s ankle, Nazr calf, & Stuckey’s hand. How’s that for team continuity?

We’re getting closer to seeing just how Rodney Stuckey can help solidify our rotation. Rodney says his hand is pain-free.

from the Detroit News:

Saunders also said that Rodney Stuckey (broken left hand) would start taking part in half-court drills starting today. He still hasn’t been cleared for contact. He will get another opinion from the doctor after the Pistons host Cleveland Wednesday.

Also…

• The Mad Ants were in action on Sunday, losing to Darvin Ham and the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. The Ants are 0-2
• Rasheed to team yesterday: “(Bleep) all those jumpshots, go to the basket!”. If not for Sheed’s play so far that might have been the most ironic statement in quite awhile…
• Dennis, Dennis, Dennis. That’s just the Worm being the Worm.
• Isiah’s still got it at age 46. He might actually run the point better than Marbury.

[box score] It’s been two years since the Pistons beat the Jazz, here or in Utah. Playing without Rasheed Wallace and with a sub par Richard Hamilton, Utah made it so that the Pistons will have to wait at least until February 27th to change that streak.

Rasheed Wallace sat for a second straight game with a sore left knee. Jason Maxiell started at center in his place. Rip was listed questionable with flu like symptoms but did suit up and start for the Pistons.

Sick, or still searching for his touch Rip turned in another forgettable performance. Rip scored 17 points on 6/16 (37%) shooting with 7 assists. The master of the mid range may be off but ironically he went 2/2 from the three point line. Rip’s backcourt mate, Chauncey, didn’t do so hot himself. Billups scored 15 on 5/14 (36%) shooting with 6 assists and 4 turnovers. The all-star backcourt combined for 11/30 shooting and 6 turnovers.

The Pistons started the game pretty well against their first Western Conference powerhouse opponent of the season. They had a balanced scoring attack and were given a boost off the bench from center Nazr Mohamed who had 10 first half rebounds. We led after one and were able to keep Utah within swinging distance by getting them in the penalty early on in the second quarter making 13 0f 17 first half free throws. We went into halftime down 57-50.

The Pistons were down only four late in the 3rd when the proverbial levies broke. Flip argued a foul on Tayshuan to the tune of two techs and an ejection by official Marc Davis whom had been getting an earful from Saunders all afternoon. Shortly after, Davis assessed another technical to the Pistons’ bench (trainer Mike Abdenour). Before you could blink the Pistons were down by ten to finish the quarter which ended up to be the same deficit they lost by.

Deron William and Carlos Boozer held a matinee pick and roll clinic on the Pistons. Deron finished with a season high 14 assists and Boozer had a season high in points with 36 (85% FG%). The Jazz did their best Sherwin Williams act getting it done in the paint, 48 points worth.

GAME NOTES:

• Flip Murray went ZERO for 7 from the field
• The Pistons shot 39.5% from the field to Utah’s 52%
• Rebounding was equal at 42 a piece
• Both teams starters all scored in double figures
• Nazr 14 boards (5O/9D) & 7 points in 17 min. of play
• McDyess had a double-double 19 pts / 12 rbs on 57% shooting
• Boozer & Williams combined for 57 pts / 15 rebs / 17 asts
• Pistons are no longer undeafted at the Palace for the season
• This loss dropped the Pistons to 2nd in the Central behind Milwaukee
• Memo scored 12, but none bigger than this dunk!

QUOTES:

Rick Mahorn (on the radio) on being friendly to the opposition:

I’m not friendly to anybody. When the game starts I’m punching you in the mouth

Chauncey on his and the team’s performnce:

“We all did a poor job,” said Billups, who finished with 15 points, six assists and four turnovers. “I feel horrible. I don’t feel I did a good enough job leading us today. It started at the point with my matchup (with Williams). We let them get into a comfort zone. I let Deron keep getting into the teeth of our defense, and when we shifted he would just dump it to Boozer.”

MORE RECAPS:

• Detroit News: Done in by Jazz beat
• Slam Dunk Central: BoozerPaLooza In Motown Jazz Beat Pistons 103-93