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03/08/2004: "Lindsay Hunter, Class Act"

From The Detroit News:

With Lindsey Hunter filling in at shooting guard, the Pistons’ ball pressure has intensified, as has their resistance to dribble penetration.

Hunter had six steals Sunday.

“Everybody is involved, everybody is making plays, we are sharing the ball and helping each other out,” Ben Wallace said. “We’re not letting teams run their sets. It’s a lot of fun when you play like that, and we are tough to beat.”
...
Hunter has clearly carved a place for himself in the rotation. His ball pressure has helped tighten the defense, and his willingness to move the ball has helped get Tayshaun Prince and Ben and Rasheed Wallace more involved in the offense.

“It’s a number of things,” said Hunter, reluctant to take too much of the credit. “We are playing a lot more through Rasheed, and he is a tremendous passer.

“He makes us so much better. You see guys getting so many easy baskets now, dunks and short jumpers. When you play inside-out, it makes a big difference.”

Hunter, in technically his third stretch with the Pistons, has endured being stashed on the injured list for 43 games, then traded to Boston, waived and re-signed by the Pistons, who are 6-1 since his return.
...
Don’t expect Hunter to remain in the starting lineup once Hamilton gets back.
...
Whether he starts or sits, Hunter just wants to help.

“I just play hard and do whatever,” he said. “I’m a proven scorer in this league, and I know I can defend. I will do whatever it takes to make us better.

“I’m not begging for shots or begging for minutes. I will earn whatever I get. We just got to keep on winning.”

So here's a guy that get jacked around and still comes in and plays unselfish ball, still gives credit to others.
I kinda hate to admit it, but I think I omitted the money quote:

“God had me here for a reason,” Hunter said. “I just want to come in and add something to this team. I think we have a chance to do something special, and I want to be a part of it.”

That is, people that aren't all caught up in themselves find it easier to do the next right thing.

And I thought the Boston Celtics were supposed to be good at keeping such high caliber players.