Sixers Notes: Hamilton happy with Bulls

Former Coatesville High star Richard Hamilton took time out Sunday from packaging more than 20 tickets for family and friends to reflect on his career.

"It's crazy thinking about how fast and where it's taken me; it seems so fast," Hamilton said as he stuffed envelopes with tickets while sitting in a corner of the Chicago Bulls locker room at the Wells Fargo Center. "Here I am."

Hamilton, drafted by the Washington Wizards with the seventh overall pick in the 1999 draft, was traded to Detroit in 2002 and was a starter on the Pistons' 2004 championship team.

The Pistons bought out the remainder of his contract before the start of this season, and Hamilton signed with the Bulls.

Why?

"It's simple," said Hamilton, who starts alongside reigning MVP Derrick Rose. "I played for a championship and I wanted to be in position to have that chance to do it again. This was the perfect place to do it."

Hamilton, who made his 15th start of the season on Sunday, is averaging 12.4 points and 3.4 assists in a little more than 28 minutes per game. He said he enjoys playing alongside Rose and, at 34, is enjoying his dual role of player and sage veteran.

"It's great, it's awesome, and it's a blessing," Hamilton said. "It's exciting for me to be a part of a situation like this, and I'm happy. What's really good about it is these guys want to learn. They work and they want to get better every time they step on the court."

Sixers rookie Lavoy Allen, playing in place of injured Spencer Hawes, made his 13th start at center against the Bulls. However, Allen, taken with the 50th pick in the draft out of Temple, sees his future at the four spot.

"I consider myself more of a power forward," said the 6-foot-9 Allen. "But with the size on this team, I have to play center. But I'm always up for the challenge. I will play either one."