I think it's official. Grant Hill's career is just about over.

[se7en]

What a shame of a great talent. Magic are indicating that Hill won't be playing next season.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-magic-hill&prov=ap&type=lgns

The Grant Hill issue got me thinking.

Someone recently posted an ESPN thing ranking the best and worst players drafted at particular spots since 1985. I found their analysis of players drafted 3rd overall rather interesting.

Their best 3 are as follows: Grant Hill ('94); Baron Davis ('99); Pau Gasol ('01)

Penny was left on the "mixed bag" list.

Now let me get this straight. Hill, Davis and Gasol have had better careers than Penny Hardaway? I don't think so. Penny was a perennial All Star that took a team to the NBA finals. Are they serious about Davis and gasol? And Hill? I think Penny proved more before his injuries than Hill did. Does anyone agree or disagree here?

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/shanoff/030617/roundone.html

 

[Mike Olbinski]

I would take a healthy Grant Hill over a healthy Penny anyday.

Mike

 

[se7en]

This isn't about what if's. This is about reality. But even if you think Hill has had a better career than Penny that still doesn't excuse placing Davis and Gasol over Penny.

But I still don't know how you can say that Hill has outperformed Penny over their injury shortened careers. Not only has Penny had more long term success but he's also had more short term successes. Penny took a team to the finals and for a period was considered the 2nd best player in the NBA behind Jordan.

What does Hill have over Penny during his short career? I say nothing.

 

[Joe Mama]

I agree with you that Hardaway is probably a better choice than somebody like Davis. However I don't believe you can say Hardaway was better or more deserving of praise because he took a team to The Finals. Grant Hill never played with anybody like Shaquille O'Neal.

Statistically Grant Hill has the edge in points and rebounds per game. I eyeballed the statistics from each of these guys' 6 best seasons.

21 points
8 rebounds
6 assists
48% shooting

Penny Hardaway:

18 points
5 rebounds
6 assists
48% shooting

It's pretty sad eventually. Each of these guys in their primes was a top-five player. He may have a bad contract, but at least Penny Hardaway can play.

Joe Mama

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

yeah, i saw that article and was much surprised at penny not being listed in the top three. i think his later career has really tarnished the memory of what he used to be able to do. when he came into the league, for the "lil penny years" he was unstoppable. you can argue the hill selection over penny, but davis and gasol are just flat out wrong.