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The Chicago Bulls probably expected more from Richard Hamilton than he provided in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 NBA season, and now that the normal routines of training camp are back and an 82 game schedule is in place the 34-year-old former first-round pick says he will be prepared to play better this season.
The veteran guard recently spoke with ESPN Chicago to explain why this season will bring more success:
"Last year, I didn't even get to play in training camp, so everything was learned on the floor with no practice. It's fun for me now because I now get an opportunity to really learn Thibs, learn the system, learn everything. Offensively, I've always been a player who really studied the offense, knowing where to get shots, knowing where things are open and things like that. Last year, I was like on the fly. How do I use Carlos Boozer to my advantage? How I do I use Joakim Noah to my advantage?"
Hamilton struggled with injuries during his first season with the Bulls, and he appeared in only 28 games while posting his lowest averages for minutes per game, points per game and true shooting percentage since his rookie season with the Wizards in 1999-2000. He signed a three-year $15 million deal with the Bulls in December of 2011.