Grant Hill to Clippers: Veteran Star Reportedly Signs with Los Angeles
Grant Hill has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski:
"Free agent Grant Hill has reached agreement on a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tells Y!
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 17, 2012"
Hill, 39, is not the same athlete as he once was—age and injuries have taken their toll—but he's still a valuable veteran. Last season, his defense and leadership were evident with the Phoenix Suns.
Hill isn't a great offensive threat anymore (he shot 44 percent last season), but despite his lack of explosiveness, the Suns still relied on him for his defense in 2011-2012. Using his solid defensive technique and length, Phoenix would often put Hill on some of the game's greatest stars, including Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Monta Ellis, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony.
Hill spent his last five seasons with the Suns, appearing in the playoffs with the team in 2008 and 2010. He averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in 16 postseason games in 2010. He also shot 48 percent from the field, and the Suns made it all the way to the Western Conference finals before getting knocked out by the Lakers.
Hill is the type of player any team would have liked to have. Contenders love his effort off the bench, and he showed in Phoenix that he could be part of a mediocre team and still play with passion. He's widely respected throughout the league for his work ethic and demeanor.
The seven-time All-Star is still seeking his first NBA championship as his career winds down. If anyone deserves a title, it's Grant Hill. In L.A. with the newly contending Clippers, expect him to play an important role in a veteran three-man rotation with Caron Butler and recent acquisition Lamar Odom.
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