OKC Thunder 2017 free agents point guard shortlist

George Hill:

The best situation for the Thunder would be to add a quality veteran point guard who can fill several roles. Someone who could start or lead the reserve unit. Versatility to play alongside Westbrook and be relied on to score in clutch situations. Hill fills all those categories and then some.

Hill has stated his decision to return to Utah will be entirely dependent on Gordon Hayward’s decision. In other words, if Hayward decides to rejoin his college coach in Boston, Hill will likely depart Utah.

If you caught any Jazz games in which George Hill played last season you’ll know how much his presence affected the squad. Hayward and Hill were lethal on the court and the veteran’s influence on the youthful Jazz was palpable.

In this scribe’s opinion, Hill would have warranted an All-Star berth had he not dealt with injury. In 49 games this year Hill averaged 16.9 points (career-high), 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.0 steal. His shooting efficiency produced percentages of the field: 47.7 perimeter: 40.3 (on 4.8 attempts) and line: 80.1. Furthermore, he posted a career-high 55.4 effective field goal percentage.

On court numbers punctuate Hill’s effect:

Now, let me add even more levity to the reason for pursuing George Hill  In terms of on court – off court statistics of Jazz player who played more than 350 minutes last season.  Hill was the top offensive on court Jazz player ( 109.7), yes even higher than Hayward. And, on the defensively minded Jazz, he ranked second (101.0) behind only Rudy Gobert.  Furthermore, his off court numbers showcased how much the Jazz faltered when he sat as he ranked third behind Gobert and Hayward for differential.

While Hill may fall out of the salary range the Thunder can offer, he sure is an intriguing option given he is the one player who checks off every box of what the Thunder need who isn’t a superstar free agent.