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Bill Neff, George Hill's agent, was candid about his client's love for the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday afternoon. He was drafted by the Spurs. And even if he was traded to the Indiana Pacers from San Antonio, his intent a few years ago was to go back in free agency. He would've if the Spurs had more salary cap space.
When Neff talked about the Utah Jazz, he said they compared favorably to the Spurs in terms of professionalism. He talked about their class as an organization, and praised the way they did business.
In essence, Hill is quite happy to come to the Jazz, who acquired him on Wednesday in a three-team deal with the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks. The Jazz give their No. 12 pick in Thursday's draft to the Hawks, who then send Jeff Teague to the Pacers. The move leaves the Jazz without a selection on Thursday until the No. 42 pick in the second round. It remains to be seen if Utah makes another deal, however.
"This is a good fit for George," Neff told The Tribune on Wednesday. "One, George likes it in Utah. Two, George has a close relationship with Gordon Hayward [both are Indianapolis natives]. Three, [Jazz general manager] Dennis Lindsey was largely responsible for bringing George to San Antonio. George has worked with [Jazz coach] Quin Snyder. This is one of the teams George has always wanted to play for."
The trade for Hill is a bold move by the Jazz, and serves as evidence that the franchise is in a win-now mode. For most of the pre-draft process, Lindsey had been transparent about his desire to potentially move his lottery pick for a veteran, someone who could come in and help the franchise instantly. Hill, who had been Indiana's starting point guard, certainly qualifies as that.
What are the Jazz getting in the 6-foot-3 Hill? He's a good shooter and defender. He's someone who has played both backcourt spots over the course of his career. He's quiet, but also has a strong presence in the locker room. Hill doesn't need the ball to be effective, which is good for Hayward and Rodney Hood, both of whom spend a lot of time creating and initiating offense.
Hill has one year remaining on his contract, but Neff said he and his client hope to be in Utah beyond the 2016-17 season.
"I'd hope a team doesn't give up a lottery pick to take a guy for one year," Neff said. "George likes stability; he's not the kind that wants to move around."
For the Pacers last year, Hill averaged 12.1 points and 3.5 assists per game. He shot over 50 percent from the field in a first-round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors, and was Kyle Lowry's primary defender for seven games.
Yet, there was frustration in Hill's camp.
"George played well on both ends, and after the series the front office said they had two good players," Neff said. "George wanted to go where he was loved and wanted. The Jazz want George, and we're happy with that."
Hill isn't a stranger to the state. In early June he was at Lone Peak High School for the Knights' basketball camp. As a rookie with the Spurs, Hill played in the old Rocky Mountain Revue summer league at Salt Lake Community College.
He projects as Utah's starter next season, which moves Dante Exum to the bench, as he gets acclimated to playing again after recovering from a torn ACL.
Trey Burke is on the trade block, Shevin Mack, whom the Jazz traded for in February, has a non-guaranteed contract until early July. And then there's Raul Neto, who spent much of last season as Utah's starter at the position.
Currently, the Jazz have five point guards on the roster, a situation that obviously needs to be alleviated. At age 30, Hill becomes the oldest Jazz player on the team. Even with him being the starter this coming season, sources say Exum is still the future of the team at point guard.
But with this acquisition, Exum gets the chance to be brought along more slowly, and without as much pressure. The Jazz get better at the position, and they send a clear message to Hayward, who will be a free agent after next season, that they are attempting to improve in the short term.
Twitter: @tjonessltrib —
About George Hill
• Is a native of Indianapolis. Played for Broad Ripple High in Indianapolis and played for the Pacers for five years.
• Was traded to the Pacers from the San Antonio Spurs for the rights to first-round pick Kawhi Leonard, who has become one of the best players in the NBA.
• Turned 30 in May and is the oldest player on the Jazz. —
George Hill career stats
Season Team Gms Min Pts Ast FG% 3%
2008-09 SAS 77 16.5 5.7 1.8 40.3 32.9
2009-10 SAS 78 29.2 12.4 2.9 47.8 39.9
2010-11 SAS 76 28.3 11.6 2.5 45.3 37.7
2011-12 IND 50 25.5 9.6 2.9 44.2 36.7
2012-13 IND 76 34.5 14.2 4.7 44.3 36.8
2013-14 IND 76 32.0 10.3 3.5 44.2 36.5
2014-15 IND 43 29.5 16.1 5.1 47.7 35.8
2015-16 IND 74 34.1 12.1 3.5 44.1 40.8
Career 325 28.8 11.3 3.3 45.0 37.6