Solomon Hill Thriving Down The Stretch

In April, Indiana Pacers reserve forward Solomon Hill has earned playing time and is making the most of it.

The 2015-16 NBA season hasn’t been kind to Pacers forward Solomon Hill.

After leading the Pacers in minutes last season and playing in all 82 games, Hill saw his role with the team diminish greatly this season. Not all of this was unforeseen since Paul George had made a full recovery after missing almost the entire season and the addition of Monta Ellis sapped up even more of the minutes.

To make matters worse, the Pacers turned down the fourth year of Hill’s rookie contract. The final year of Hill’s rookie deal would’ve cost the Pacers $2.3 million, a measly figure compared to the expected salary cap hike that will come during the upcoming off-season.

All of that might be reason for other former first-round picks to pout, complain and look ahead to next season. That hasn’t been the case for Hill.

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In five games in April, Hill is averaging 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while shooting 57.5 percent from the field and 42.9 percent on three-pointers. Hill has three consecutive games with double-digit points after only two games this season with double-digit scoring outputs previously.

On a per 100 possession basis, Hill is putting up 18.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game and the Pacers are outscoring opponents by 11.4 points per game with him on the floor.

While Hill’s numbers are impressive, it’s his energy and defensive effort that have sparked the success they’ve had so far in April. It’s been plays like the one below on Kevin Love that have earned his spot in the rotation and helped the Pacers finish the season strong.

Hill’s athleticism, strength, and dedication to hard work have earned him a spot as a small-ball power forward, allowing the Pacers to play a different style for a few stretches at a time.

Per NBA.com/stats, three of the four most frequent lineups the Pacers have played in April have featured Hill playing as a small-ball four. Two of those lineups have had a positive net rating during their time on the court while the other one, featuring seldom-used players such as Joe Young and Glenn Robinson III, lost during a garbage time fourth quarter against the Nets.

What’s gotten into Hill to all of a sudden make him a viable player? Opportunity is a major key. Hill has seen his minutes per game rise in every month this season, a result of roster changes, injuries, and making the most of his time on the court.

Pacers wings C.J. Miles and Rodney Stuckey have dealt with injuries throughout the year that have limited their ability to get on the floor and also their ability to succeed when they’re on it.

Stuckey has appeared in only 56 games and is averaging his lowest scoring output since he was a rookie while shooting a disastrous 25.3 percent on three-pointers.

Miles has struggled with nagging injuries and bouts of inconsistency throughout the season, with a month-by-month shooting percentages as low as 30.2 (January) and as high as 57.1 (April).

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Also, the Pacers waived Chase Budinger on March 5 to make room to sign Ty Lawson as the team’s backup point guard.

The limited availability of the players competing with Hill for minutes opened the door for Hill to get on the floor and his productivity has made it hard for coach Frank Vogel to take him off of the floor.

Hill’s recent run has been a cause for the Pacers success, as they’re 4-1 in April after a 3-5 finish to March in which the Pacers looked on the verge of a late-season meltdown that could’ve seen them fall out of the playoffs. Instead, the Pacers clinched a playoff berth by beating the Nets by 24 on Sunday.

Part of the reason why the Pacers have been able to enjoy success in April with Hill is a weak schedule. The Pacers’ four wins in April have came against the Nets, Cavaliers (without LeBron James), Knicks, and Sixers. Nonetheless, Hill has looked promising.

Hill’s knocked down six of his 14 attempts on three-pointers and has illustrated athleticism that hasn’t been seen during his first two seasons with the Pacers.

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If Hill can continue to play at this level, it will be a great boon for the Pacers in their hopes of pulling off a first-round upset in the playoffs and will undoubtedly have the Pacers’ front office feeling foolish for declining the final year of his rookie deal.