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Can George Hill Replicate Last Year’s Great Numbers?

By Jared Wade

Apr 12, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Oklahoma City 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Oklahoma City 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last week, we looked at where the term “Aggressive George Hill” originated. It is an interesting investigation, and turned up a fun look down memory lane.

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The most important part of that quest going forward, however, is the fact that Aggressive George Hill showed up throughout the 2014-15 season. When he was healthy anyway.

Over at Indy Cornrows, C. Cooper broke down some of the last year’s numbers for Hill, who was clearly and by far the team’s best player whenever he was available.

"The Pacers were 26-17 (.605) in games with George Hill in the lineup. They went 12-27 (.308) without him. In case Indiana’s win-loss record alone does not fully communicate just how valuable Hill was to the team’s second-half of the season surge, the below graphic should speak volumes.The Pacers outscored opponents by 7.0 points per 100 possessions when George Hill was on the floor but were outscored by 3.4 points per 100 possessions when he was on the bench.Still not convinced?If you filter all of Indiana’s lineups from the date George Hill returned from a groin strain (January 23), the most productive duo over that span of time, in terms of Net Rating (minimum 700 minutes played), was George Hill and CJ Miles. The best trio (minimum 500 minutes played)? George Hill, CJ Miles and Roy Hibbert. How about the best foursome (minimum 300 minutes played)? George Hill, Solomon Hill, CJ Miles and David West. And the best 5-man unit (minimum 100 minutes played)? Well, that would be CJ Miles, Rodney Stuckey, David West, Roy Hibbert…and…oh, yeah…George Hill."

There is a lot of uncertainly around what the Indiana Pacers will be this season. The biggest question mark is Paul George. After that comes how the team will fair with a ton of wings as it, in theory, plays smaller and faster without the big men who provided the foundation of an identity.

But a lot also hinges on George Hill.

He played like a borderline All-Star last year, and if that guy shows up again this season, and Paul George can move and jump again, and Frank Vogel figures out how to use all his scorers … these guys could actually be pretty darn good.

Next: Paul George Ranked as 20th Best Player in NBA

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