Sixers talk George Hill’s role on team as playoffs continue to approach
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The Philadelphia 76ers acquired George Hill from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-team deal at the trade deadline on March 25. The idea was to bring in a veteran with a ton of playoff experience who will make an impact on both ends of the floor.
In 12 games with Philadelphia thus far, he is averaging 5.5 points and 1.8 assists while shooting 42.1% from the floor and 31.3% from deep. He has been a calming veteran on the floor when the team needs it, and he has provided physical defense that will be important in the playoffs.
Hill expressed after the team’s recent win over the New Orleans Pelicans that he is still trying to find his role. Coach Doc Rivers cleared that up a bit on Saturday before a win over the Detroit Pistons.
“What he’s doing,” Rivers explained. “He’s terrific defensively, being a speed guard for us, making open shots, being another facilitator on the floor with Shake (Milton). Shake’s not a point guard, and neither is George. They’re both just really good guards. Just finding the rhythm with those two guys and then playing with the rest of the guys.”
Hill is still learning how to fit in with the rest of the team and he is talking with guys on the roster. For example, veteran Dwight Howard has been talking with Hill on the bench to help him along, and they are trying to help Milton, Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle along the way.
“Me and George have been playing for a very long time, so we understand the game,” Howard explained. “We know that we’re playing against guys who are really just really starting to blossom and open up as players so for us, it’s just trying to find ways to communicate to them effectively on how to make each other greater.”
Hill made a big defensive play at the end of the win over the Pelicans. He bodied up against Eric Bledsoe and forced a turnover that sealed the win.
“It’s great to have the luxury of putting George on the floor at the end of the game,” Rivers added. “He’s so smart defensively. It adds another defender that we can put on the floor which is really good for us.”
The important part is Hill has been around for a while, and he understands how to make adjustments. He will have Howard in his ear as well to make those continued moves forward individually and as a team.
“How to get Shake easier buckets, George, how to get all our guys easier shots,” Howard finished. “The angles that they want in their screens, so our conversations are always about how we can improve as basketball players.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
