Hill's reward for picking Suns is title shot
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 4, 2007 12:00 AM
TUCSON - When the Pistons were recruiting Grant Hill to return to Detroit in June, Pistons president and former teammate Joe Dumars told Hill that it was time to make a decision that would reward him for the travails of his career.
After five ankle surgeries, a hernia operation, a life-threatening staph infection and only four playoff games in the past seven years, Dumars told Hill he deserved a chance to win a championship.
"I think he was thinking about Detroit when he said that," Hill said in his first week of practice as the Suns' starting small forward. "He was right. This is a reward."
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The Suns feel like they are the ones being rewarded. To a team trying to corral its payroll, landing Hill for a two-year, $3.8 million contract allowed Phoenix to improve its starting five, team IQ and overall character with a player that coach Mike D'Antoni pegs to be an All-Star and average at least 15 points.
Hill is only two years removed from his seventh All-Star selection but still is doubted by some because he will turn 35 on Friday and has an awful history with his left ankle.
His early arrival in Phoenix to work with Suns athletic trainers has him at a healthier starting point than usual.
"I do feel like I've got something to prove," Hill said. "I kind of made it through a year, last year, healthy. I feel like I've got a lot left to offer. I feel like I can still play this game at a high level so I look forward to proving that."
Hill's first six seasons produced numbers at a Hall of Fame level.
Slam magazine put him on a cover with the title, "Like Mike. Only better."
Suns assistant Alvin Gentry coached Hill for the final five of his six Detroit seasons, including 2 1/2 as his head coach.
"Before he got hurt, he was as good as any player in the league,"
Gentry said. "He was really made to play in our system. It's unfortunate he didn't play in a system like this when he was healthy and almost a MVP in this league.
"The big thing is that he's healthier than he's been in five years. I think he's going to surprise everybody. He's still got a ton of athleticism left."
At 6 feet 8, Hill has played every position in his career. It is that versatility that makes him an ideal fit. His playmaking and court smarts make him a point forward who can lighten Steve Nash's load and make the game easier on teammates because he will adapt.
"He thrives in an open, free-flowing kind of game," said D'Antoni, who is figuring the career midrange shooter taking about 150 three-point shots this season.
"Obviously, that will make us go a little bit faster and be more efficient."
Hill did not come for the money. He came for the chance to win a title.
He has yet to come close with his five playoff teams all losing in the first round and sending him to postseason media work.
But he has never had a team this talented or a point guard such as Nash with whom to work. Now Hill can finish or facilitate.
"He is the happiest guy in the world," Gentry said. "He's like, 'This is unbelievable.' "
It is appropriate that Hill turns 35 this week because that is a midpoint of sorts for him.
"My ankle might be 40 years old but my body feels like 30 because I haven't played a lot in the last few years," said Hill, who played 65 games last season but only 196 of the previous five seasons' 410 games.
"That's how I look at it - less mileage, less wear and tear on the body. I feel like I've got to make up those years on the back end."
