NBA Rumors: Veteran Leader Grant Hill Would Be Just What OKC Thunder Need
Free agent Grant Hill is looking to win a championship and nothing else matters.
How else would one interpret his feelings after hearing the three-team list of destinations he would like to play for (via NBA.com reporter David Aldridge):
"Grant Hill still considering Heat, Thunder, aswell as Lakers, per source. Story up soon on NBA.com's Hang Time Blog.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 10, 2012"
By my estimation, the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers could very well be the best three teams in the entire NBA next season.
After playing 17 championship-less seasons, the 39-year-old Hill only has one goal at this point: win a ring.
That’s why he should head to Oklahoma City.
The Thunder are one of the youngest teams in the league and need better veteran leadership. Derek Fisher came over late last season, but he didn’t seem to mesh incredibly well with the team.
While the Thunder may not have a ton of money to throw at Hill, it’s pretty clear money won't be the driving factor as long as he can have a serious shot at winning a title.
The other issue with OKC is the amount of minutes Hill would receive. He would be the ideal backup to Kevin Durant, but that won’t give him much run.
I envision a lineup that has Russell Westbrook at the point, James Harden at shooting guard, Durant and Hill at the two forward positions and Serge Ibaka or Kendrick Perkins at center.
Hill can extend the defense with his shooting touch on the elbow and keep the lanes open for Westbrook and Durant to penetrate. This is something Nick Collision really can’t provide. Hill would also mesh well in the Thunder’s aggressive defensive scheme with his length and strength.
He wouldn’t play more than 15 minutes a game, but that’s just fine. His fundamentally sound play, passion for the game and vast experience would rub off on the young Thunder—especially in the postseason.
Sure the Lakers now employ Steve Nash and the Heat are the defending championships, but the Thunder are on the cusp of greatness and need a versatile veteran who will never complain about money or playing time to complete their roster.
The Thunder must do everything in their power to land Hill and make sure he doesn’t go to their championship competition.
