George Hill's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs as the 26th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to play both guard positions, Hill quickly became a valuable asset to the Spurs. During his time in San Antonio, he played under the tutelage of legendary coach Gregg Popovich, which helped him develop a strong understanding of the game.
In 2011, Hill was traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, a move that would shape the future of both franchises. With the Pacers, Hill found a larger role and became an integral part of the team's core. His tenure in Indiana was marked by consistent performances, and he played a crucial role in the Pacers' deep playoff runs, including back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014. Hill's ability to manage the game and his defensive skills were instrumental in the Pacers' success during this period.
After five seasons with the Pacers, Hill was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2016. In Utah, he continued to demonstrate his skills as a reliable point guard. Despite dealing with injuries during his stint with the Jazz, Hill managed to have a productive season, averaging a career-high in points per game. His leadership and experience were valuable to the young Jazz team, and he helped guide them to the playoffs.
Hill's career took another turn when he signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2017. However, his time with the Kings was short-lived, as he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018. Joining a team led by LeBron James, Hill played a supporting role in the Cavaliers' journey to the NBA Finals that year. Although the Cavaliers were ultimately defeated by the Golden State Warriors, Hill's veteran presence was an asset to the team.
In 2019, Hill was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he embraced a role coming off the bench. His time with the Bucks was marked by efficiency, particularly in three-point shooting, where he led the league in percentage during the 2019-2020 season. Hill's experience and steady play were valuable to the Bucks as they pursued an NBA championship.
Hill's career saw him move again in 2020 when he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, his stay in Oklahoma City was brief, as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021. With the 76ers, Hill provided depth and experience to a team with championship aspirations.
In 2021, Hill returned to the Milwaukee Bucks, rejoining a team that had just won the NBA championship. His second stint with the Bucks allowed him to continue contributing as a veteran presence on a team with a strong championship core.
Throughout his career, George Hill was known for his defensive capabilities, leadership, and ability to adapt to various roles on different teams.
🏀