Knicks Rumors: New York Reportedly Met with Veteran Grant Hill

The New York Knicks appear to have interested in Grant Hill. As reported by Frank Isola of the New York Daily News:

"

The Knicks recently met with free agent Grant Hill in Las Vegas, sources tell the Daily News.

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) July 15, 2012"

This is an interesting situation, because the Knicks could certainly use Hill as the frontcourt must gain even more reliable depth to become Eastern Conference title contenders.

Hill may also be turning 40 years old in October, but the veteran proved he could still play, starting 46 of 49 games played last season. To that end, let's analyze how Hill can help the Knicks and increase the expectations for the 2012-13 campaign.

Rotation

Providing talented depth to the rotation is an obvious, yet crucial aspect for the Knicks to bring in Hill. With Marcus Camby to back Tyson Chandler, New York needs a guy who can contribute at either forward position.

Now Hill's age and size may not fit well at power forward, however, his experience alone proves enough to work in at both spots. Plus, the Knicks have to get someone with the ability to back both Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire (if and when needed).

In New York it would take Hill a bit of time to transition as a role player since he's been an everyday starter for so long. His effectiveness, if anything though, is something the Knicks can't pass up to be a deeper team.

Reliability

Although Grant Hill has been an aging veteran for what seems like the past six years, the man has started 406 games since the 2006-07 season and averaged at least 28 minutes per contest as well.

Simply put, the Knicks can rely on Hill off the bench on a daily basis and he's good for at least 20 minutes. At age 39 during the 2011-12 season, Hill averaged 28.1 minutes for the Phoenix Suns and 30-plus minutes during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.

One of the more sound defensive players around, Hill brings excellent court awareness and can consistently shut down without fouling. New York may have ranked No. 11 in points allowed last season, but the rotation needs to be more reliable for a stronger postseason presence.

Offense

Every season of Grant Hill's career has seen an average 10-plus points with 2011-12 being his lowest. Still, with the ability to score by knocking down jumpers (48.4 career percentage from the field) and connecting from the line (76.1 percent last season), Hill's offense would suffice in the Big Apple's rotation.

And after playing in Phoenix with Steve Nash, it's not surprising to see Hill having averaged almost 2.5 assists per game throughout the past five seasons. For a forward, that's not bad ball movement and New York did ranked No. 18 in assists last year.

Against strong Eastern Conference defenses like Miami, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, the Knicks must be able to move the ball around all game long. This especially holds true in the rotation, because regaining/maintaining the momentum feeds back into the starters.

With Hill the Knicks' rotation would be rather old, but there's no denying his total skill set. New York needs reliable depth and looking for experience on a resume is never a bad idea.

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