Veteran guard George Hill talks injuries, leading Sixers youngsters
The Philadelphia 76ers brought in George Hill on March 25 to bolster the bench and provide production on both ends of the floor. He can shoot, run an offense and hold his own on the defensive end.
He did not make his Sixers debut until Monday due to a thumb procedure he underwent in January, and it gave him a bit of a different perspective on the game. After all, when away from their passion as long as Hill was, one has to start thinking about other things.
“When you’re playing the game, your mentality is always so high, and you start thinking the best because you’re on your high horse,” said Hill. “When you’re not playing, it gives you a different perspective of just being grateful at all situations.”
Another opportunity it presented Hill while being out with the injury was being able to mentor some of the younger guys on the roster, including Matisse Thybulle and Shake Milton. He has a lot of experience and wisdom to share.
“Injuries are just a roadblock in the road, but at the same time, you get to experience different things in life, look at it from the outside looking in,” Hill stated. “At the same time, it gives you a chance to mentor some of the young guys to see what you see out there on the court, talk to them, be more around them, and try to help them out also along the way. You can’t take anything for granted.”
Thybulle is a terrific defender, but he is looking to learn from Hill. The veteran took on the challenge of Steph Curry on Monday night, and he did a solid job, but Curry got his points because he’s immune to any defense.
Thybulle can pick some things up from Hill along the way.
“It was great just to see him out there because he’s been bringing a lot to the team just off the court,” Thybulle explained. “Just mentoring us young guys, he’s been huge for me just as a defender himself giving me tips and things to look for guarding some of these elite guards and to see him back out there getting his legs under him again is good. I’m excited to start playing with him.”
Hill and the Sixers will take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday as they look to bounce back from the loss on Monday.
