Grant Hill explains why he chose the Clippers over the Los Angeles Lakers – NBA Update
Despite being shopped by former team-mate and good friend Steve Nash of the Los Angeles Lakers, Grant Hill, the 40 year old free agent small forward, decided to join the Clippers a few days back.
Discussing his preference for the Clippers on Friday, Hill said;
"I had some good conversations with (Del Negro) and I was impressed with the things that went on last year. Obviously (Blake) Griffin and his progression, Chris coming on board and Chauncey and some of the moves that were made this offseason were big. It just seemed like a good fit. It was a team that took a big step last season and hopefully we can take another big step this season."
The Clippers have made some very good moves in the last two seasons, and out of nowhere, have emerged as one of the powerhouses in the Western Conference.
Last year, the Clippers managed to acquire star swingman Chris Paul in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets, and also added veteran point guard Chauncey Billups to their roster, which already had Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
The results were immediate as the Clips qualified for the playoffs as the 5th seeded team in the West and reached as far as the Conference Semifinals where they were bulldozed by the red hot San Antonio Spurs.
The seeds of greatness however have been laid and after the addition of Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford and Ryan Hollins, the Clippers look potent not only as a starting unit, but also on the bench, a luxury they did not have last season.
The Lakers on the other hand have also made some mega moves, the biggest being the acquisition of Nash. But the fact that they were offering Hill only a one year contract and that also on a veteran’s minimum, while the Clippers offered a 2 year - $ 4 million contract might have played its part in getting Hill’s sign.
The arrival of Hill will add a new dimension to the Clippers. Not only can the veteran stretch the court, he can provide a reliable cover for Caron Butler, who is injury prone. Last season, Hill started in 46 of the 49 games for the Phoenix Suns on an average of 28.1 minutes before suffering a knee injury, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
He went through a platelet-enrichment procedure (of Kobe Bryant fame) late in March and now feels re-energized;
"I feel good," Hill said. "I felt good before I went over there (for the procedure.) Bottom line is you want to play and you want to give yourself every opportunity to be right. It was really good. I feel good. It was worth the trip."
Tags: