Indiana Pacers Player Recap: George Hill
Jun 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill (3) shoots between Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (40) and point guard Mario Chalmers (15) during the second half in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
This week, I will take time to step back and see how each player on the Pacers did this season. Also, give a look into what each guy can do to get better for next season. This time was right there knocking on the door of the NBA Finals, and with some improvement, they can break down the door, and crack the Finals. Next season will be a season of expectations, but these players have to come ready to play and ready for the challenge of that. Let’s start off with the point guard, George Hill.
There’s no doubt George Hill is the point guard for the Indiana Pacers. Anyone who thinks that the Pacers need to change there need to step back and look at how well this team performs with Hill out there. He’s a guy that doesn’t make many mistakes, and the offense just flows so much better with him out there. I love the way that he really looks to get everyone involved. He almost sacrifices himself a bit much to get other guys the ball. I would actually love for him to step up more aggressively at times, when there’s that chance for him. He can continue to improve his jump shot, and work on getting into the lane with that beauty of a floater he’s been developing over the past season.
Defensively, I would look for Hill to improve a bit as well. He got beat by some quality point guards when they were going offensively, and that’s got to be the area where he gets better. Coming into the Pacers, Hill was thought to be quite the defender, but I felt like we didn’t see that as much as I would have liked. I know he’s a good defender, and really steps up when need be. But he’s got to be alive defensively to slow down some of these top point guards. A guy like Deron Williams is probably going to beat just about any point guard, but Hill has got to make life difficult for him.
I know that Hill will take this summer to improve his game. He’s a guy that you can just tell loves to play for the Indiana Pacers. He’s the “hometown hero” and that’s something us fans can be so proud of. He’s from Broad Ripple High School, went to IUPUI in Indy, and spent a few years in San Antonio, but now looks to be a Pacer player for however he may. I would love to see him just finish his career as a Pacer, and I think when it comes down to it, that will happen. He’s a guy that will step up in the community, and will continue to lead the Pacers on the floor. What fan doesn’t want that in an Indiana Pacer? I look forward to seeing how much improvement Hill will show in the coming season. I think he’s ready to step up to that challenge.