Sixers coach Doc Rivers optimistic George Hill makes team debut soon
The Philadelphia 76ers made their big move to bolster their bench back on March 25 when they acquired George Hill from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 3-team trade. Hill is expected to shore up the backup point guard spot behind Ben Simmons and being a two-way ability to their bench unit.
He has yet to make his debut for the Sixers due to a thumb procedure that has held him out since Jan. 24 after playing only 14 games for the Thunder. With the playoffs fast approaching, the team would like to have him out there on the floor before the postseason begins so he can get a feel for his new teammates.
Coach Doc Rivers has repeatedly said that there is no timetable for Hill, but he provided a new update on Friday as he is optimistic that the veteran return soon.
“No timeline, but I think sooner than later,” said Rivers. “He had a good workout yesterday (Thursday), a live workout, I think that may have been his first. Today, he was on the floor, but not live. Tomorrow, we’ll be able to do a little bit more, then we have a couple days that we can do some work so we’ll see. I would say sometime next week would optimistic, but I’m optimistic so I’m gonna go with that.”
In terms of the workout, it was not with the regular players on the team, but it was a way for him to get out and up and down the floor. He was also able to take a couple of hits on that hand and be able to work through all of that for his progression.
“We didn’t have 10 guys, but with some of our bad basketball playing coaches out there,” Rivers laughed. “At least it was up and down, his hand seemed to do okay. That’s what he told me so. That’s gonna take some time now.”
Hill averaged 11.8 points and 3.1 assists while shooting 38.6% from deep with the Thunder.
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