It sounds as if, finally, Richard Hamilton is ready to return to the Chicago Bulls' starting lineup. Whether Hamilton returns tonight against the Atlanta Hawks or Friday against the Detroit Pistons is unknown, but it certainly appears as if Rip's return will come sooner rather than later.

Rip is getting closer. He said there is a chance he could play tonight. He took some contact on the shoulder for first time since March 5

— Nick Friedell (@ESPNChiBulls) March 28, 2012

If Rip doesn't play tonight, it sounds like he'll play Friday.He said he may want to get a couple more days under his belt &see how it feels

— Nick Friedell (@ESPNChiBulls) March 28, 2012

Hamilton has been out since suffering a shoulder injury in the first minute of the Bulls' March 5 win over the Indiana Pacers. At this point, the Chicago is used to playing without him. While Hamilton was brought in as the team's lone major offseason addition, he's played only 16 this season due to an assortment of injuries seemingly stemming from one undeniable truth: Richard Hamilton is an old dude, and it's apparent his body can't handle of the rigors of his condensded season.

Even so, the Bulls only really need Rip for the postseason, so returning with about one month left to get acclimated before the playoffs begin is really all the Bulls can ask for.

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