"Early in the preseason, when the 76ers were struggling to comprehend new coach Doug Collins' offensive and defensive systems, and the coach was trying to figure out how to best put together the pieces of a puzzle that had won just 27 games last season, Collins got a call on his cell phone.

On the other end was Grant Hill, the former Duke teammate of Collins' son, Chris, who also played for Doug Collins in Detroit. All Hill wanted was to see how his former coach, his forever friend, was handling the new situation, the return to coaching after 8 years away from the sideline.

"I was struggling trying to figure things out, wondering how I was going to get everything the way it should be and then Grant called," Collins said at the time. "That put everything in perspective. He told me how what I had taught him as a young player has helped him up until now. You can't imagine how much that meant to me."

While Collins and Hill were united in Detroit, Hill posted some of the best numbers of his career, averaging more than 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

"Doug is a great friend and I was lucky to play for him early in my career," said Hill. "A lot of the things he taught me in Detroit early in my career are things I'm able to apply now. Obviously I'm not as athletic or explosive as I was when I was younger, but that foundation is the same from the things he did in Detroit - understanding the game, understanding various angles, preparation things - I have taken on my journey. It's great that he's back in the league coaching."

Now in his 16th season in the league, Hill has found a comfortable place in Phoenix, a big part of a high-octane offense that might get revved up even more now that they have acquired Vince Carter via trade.

"I love Grant," said Collins. "You watch him on tape and he's running like a thoroughbred. He's the first man down the floor, he's playing the other team's top player - [Dirk] Nowitzki, [Kevin] Durant, LeBron James - he's a great player. He's smart, loves to play, great energy, great teammate. I could go on and on. Grant Hill is one of the all-time great people in the NBA."

And one who knew Collins back in the early days of his coaching career."