Sacramento Kings: George Hill is a perfect combination with De’Aaron Fox
By Evan Massey
The Sacramento Kings signed a perfect combo guard for rookie point guard De’Aaron Fox when they signed George Hill.
George Hill may not be a big name, but he is the type of two-way glue player that every team needs to have. He received a lot of interest in free agency this offseason, but shocked the NBA when he chose to sign with the Sacramento Kings, rather than sign with a playoff contender.
Sacramento hasn’t been a playoff contender for quite some time, but they put together a nearly perfect offseason this year. In addition to signing Hill, they were able to sign veterans Zach Randolph and Vince Carter, while also adding De’Aaron Fox, Justin Jackson, Harry Giles and Frank Mason III in the draft.
Hill may not make the Kings a contender this season, but he is a perfect mentor and combo guard to play alongside Fox moving forward.
Last season with the Utah Jazz, Hill averaged 16.9 points per game to go along with 4.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds. He shot 47.7 percent from the field overall and knocked down 40.3 percent of his three-point attempts. Fox is expected to play the point guard position, which will allow Hill to play the shooting guard position that he plays best in.
At 31 years of age, Hill is ready to play a role of mentor for the first time in his career. He has always had veterans around him until this point in his career. That role is not easy to play, but Hill is more than excited to take on that challenge.
What should the Kings and their fanbase expect to see from Hill this coming season?
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Predicting a season for any player is never an easy task. Hill is an especially difficult player to predict due to the health issues that he has had throughout his career.
He was only able to play in 47 regular season games last year, while only playing in 43 regular season games back in the 2014-15 season with the Indiana Pacers.
Looking ahead at the upcoming season, the Kings could be a borderline playoff team if they stay healthy. It won’t be easy to earn one of the last spots in the Western Conference, but the Kings have made the right moves to get back into contention over the next few seasons. Hill staying healthy and on the court is one of the biggest factors for Sacramento’s playoff chances.
If Hill is able to stay healthy, it is likely that he will end up averaging around the same numbers he did last season. They could even rise a bit, as he will be utilized as a spot-up shooter more than he was last season.
Sacramento may not end up making the playoffs this year, but Vlade Divac has made it clear that they want to get back to contention soon. Adding pieces like Hill show that fact clear as day. The fact that players like Hill are considering signing with the Kings is a good sign for the franchise as well.
Expect to see Hill step up and be the veteran leader that the Kings have been searching for. He will not have to do it alone, as Divac also brought in Randolph and Carter, but Hill will have the biggest role of the three. He will fit perfectly alongside Fox and will be an excellent mentor for the talented, young point guard.
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Do you think George Hill was a pivotal signing for the Kings? What kind of season are you expecting from the veteran guard? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!