Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill (27) looks to drive on Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers’ roster should look very different this next season but amidst all the changes that are anticipated the Lakers have to decide if any of the players from this past year should be retained. Perhaps the most important decision will involve Jordan Hill, and there is no shortage of opinions among fans and the media on his prospective future with the team. Hill joined the Lakers in early 2012 when Dallas traded him for Derek Fisher at the trade deadline He initially brought a lot of energy off the bench, but this past year he was utilized as a starter. Hill has generally made a strong contribution whenever he has been healthy. He has a history of being injured since joining the Lakers, but he was relatively injury-free this past season. The team holds a team-option on his services for one more season at $9,000,000.
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Here are the top three reasons why the Lakers should strongly consider picking up the option on Hill for this next year.
1. He Is, In Fact, A Good Player
The fact is, Hill is a good NBA player and he is credible at both the power forward and center positions (though he is better suited for the former). He will never be a star but is solid on offense and can play defense when he chooses to do so (which is only intermittent). He is a good rebounder, and everyone knows he is particularly adept at grabbing offensive rebounds which is so important to a team’s success. This past year he developed a solid mid-range shot which he did not have before. This opened up the lane for him to drive to the rim. Hill has his weaknesses and lapses, but has developed into an effective NBA power forward who can contribute to a winning team.
The reality is, taking all factors into consideration, Hill was the Lakers’ best player for much of last season though he struggled at the end as his playing time diminished. He should not be a starter if the team hopes to improve from last year’s miserable record, but the Lakers have the upcoming draft and free agency to accumulate starters. They will still need valuable reserves off the bench, and Hill can fit that role.
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