Hoops Habit
Fansided

2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 veterans that could help playoff teams

By Larry Hammonds

Jan 22, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) shares a laugh with forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) shares a laugh with forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
NBA trade deadline (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
NBA trade deadline (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

NBA trade deadline target No. 5: George Hill

George Hill is a career 38.4 percent 3-point shooter and a legit perimeter threat whenever he touches the ball. He’s shooting 38.6 percent from downtown this season and a remarkable 47.5 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.

He is a tough veteran guard that can finish through contact shooting an astounding 70.6 percent in the restricted area despite being listed at just 188 pounds. At age 34, Hill has lost a bit of athleticism, but he’s a sharp-witted floor general who will run the offense efficiently. His high basketball I.Q. allows him to find creative ways to attack the basket and set his teammates up for an easy score.

Hill is currently recovering from a thumb injury that has kept him sidelined since Jan. 24. The OKC Thunder are in the midst of a rebuild and don’t have much use for him while developing their youth. They will likely try to trade him before the deadline or work on a contract buyout if they don’t get any reasonable trade offers.

Whether it be as a starter or in a bench role, Hill still has plenty to offer and can help almost every playoff team. In 26.3 minutes per game, he’s averaging 11.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with impressive .508/.386/.840 shooting splits.

When he returns from injury, expect Hill to be the topic of trade rumors around the league. His veteran leadership, perimeter scoring, and reputation as a defender make him the ideal trade target for numerous playoff teams.