Grant Hill News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 7

Boston Herald

"Depending on who you ask, Grant Hill either nearly became a Celtic last summer or knew all along that he would remain a Sun. Even the Phoenix swingman, who has enjoyed a late-career renaissance as a Sun, seemed a little unsure of the machinations prior to his team's 110-103 win against the Celtics at the Garden last night. "Man, there was a lot going on at the time," he said. "I was trying to gather a lot of information, trying to sort out all of the teams I was looking at. I was certainly very interested, and it was very flattering to have their interest. "I can tell you that I have a lot of respect for (general manager) Danny Ainge, (coach) Doc Rivers and (owner) Steve Pagliuca, who's a ..."

Grant Hill advised Jameer Nelson not to play in last season's NBA Finals

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November 5

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic fans probably don't want to hear about Phoenix Suns SF Grant Hill advising any Magic player about playing with injuries. But Hill said before facing his old club on Wednesday night that he did speak with point guard Jameer Nelson last season and encouraged his former teammate not to come back to play in the playoffs. "Put that on the record. You can ask him. I told him not to play, just from my own experience," Hill said. "Not so much from a basketball standpoint. Maybe I shouldn't have, because you don't want to plant that seed in somebody before they're going out to play. But I said, 'Look, I've been out there when [I'm] not right and even when you are right, it's a process when ..."

In return to Suns, Hill motivated by 'failing' season

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July 27

USA Today

"After playing 82 regular-season NBA games for the first time, Grant Hill was in demand this summer even at 36. He might have played on the NBA's marquee stage, at Madison Square Garden, for the New York Knicks. He could have joined the Boston Celtics. Or perhaps five other teams. Instead, like teammate Steve Nash, Hill elected to stay with the Phoenix Suns to complete what he says is unfinished business. The Suns failed to make the playoffs last season for the first time in five years despite going 46-36. "Even though we won 46 games, there was a feeling of failing," said Hill, who averaged 12.0 points and 4.9 rebounds. "That's the first time that core of guys (including Nash and forward ..."

Suns' deal with Hill made official

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July 16

Arizona Republic

"Suns forward Grant Hill's returns to Phoenix became official today. Hill's signed contract was returned to the Suns, who will pay him $3 million this season and give him an option to play in Phoenix again in 2010-11 for $3.24 million. In his second Suns campaign, Hill averaged 12.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season while playing every game for the first time in his career and shooting a career-high 52.3 percent, which led all small forwards and guards."

Sources: Hill to stay with Suns

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July 10

Yahoo! Sports

"Grant Hill has decided to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns, and a large part of the decision is based on the belief that Steve Nash is close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Suns will also sign free agent Channing Frye to a two-year deal for $3.8 million, sources said. The second season is at Frye's option. The New York Knicks reportedly offered Hill the choice of a one-year, $5 million deal or a three-year, $10 million contract. Hill also had an offer from the Boston Celtics.Nevertheless, he's believed to be comfortable with the direction of the Suns to re-sign there."

Knicks could look to Andre Miller as Plan B if Grant Hill stays in Phoenix

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July 10

New York Daily News

"If Grant Hill elects to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns, the Knicks will consider making an offer to free agent point guard Andre Miller, according to a team source. With free agent dollars drying up and more teams exercising fiscal responsibility, Miller is one high-profile free agent who is falling through the cracks. Miller's loss could be a huge gain for the Knicks, who would significantly upgrade their point-guard position by adding a player who helped transform the Sixers from a lottery team to solid playoff team after he came over from Denver in the Allen Iverson trade. The Knicks could conceivably offer Miller the same deal Jason Kidd rejected; $18million over three years. Another ..."

Knicks' Extra Incentives Could Close Deal for Hill

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July 10

New York Times

"The Grant Hill watch is entering its fifth day, with only hints and gut feelings - but no definitive word - about his intentions. Hill is weighing offers from the Knicks, the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics, with entirely different incentives to consider each of them. No one will predict the outcome with any confidence, but there is a growing consensus that Hill is leaning hard toward the Knicks. "It's looking more like he will be a Knick," said a Suns official, who hastened to add that Phoenix was not ready to concede the race. There is cautious optimism at Madison Square Garden. But the Knicks have already been spurned by one veteran star, Jason Kidd, and they know that Hill has a ..."

Knicks Awaiting Hill's Next Move

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July 9

New York Post

"Grant Hill last week re-enrolled his kids at their private school in Scottsdale, Ariz. He has told confidants the worst experience he ever had was uprooting his kids when they moved from Orlando to Phoenix. But the 36-year-old small forward may have five million reasons to spend a year taking a bite out of the Big Apple. Money talks, and the Knicks are in the ballgame after their strong, one-year, $5 million offer that likely will top what Phoenix is willing to do. One high-ranking Knicks executive rated the Knicks' chances at "50-50." The Post first reported in Tuesday's editions the Knicks had made Hill a one-year offer for a large portion of their $5.8 million mid-level exception. ..."

Knicks are one of three on former All-Star Grant Hill's list of teams

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July 8

New York Daily News

"The Knicks couldn't out-bid Dallas for Jason Kidd but they may have blown Phoenix away with their offer to Grant Hill. According to NBA sources, Hill was presented with two offers: a one-year contract worth $5 million or a three-year deal worth $10 million. It is believed that the Suns were hoping to re-sign Hill for two years at approximately $2 million per season. Hill is deciding between Phoenix, Boston and New York but sources close to the player feel that his final decision will come down to the Suns and Knicks because those clubs can offer him a starting job. The Knicks may have the edge over cost-conscious Phoenix because they've offered a more lucrative contract. The Knicks had ..."

Knicks make Hill contract offer

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July 8

Arizona Republic

"The New York Knicks took one Hill out of Arizona this summer and now have a strong chance of snagging another one. After drafting Arizona's Jordan Hill, New York has emerged as the Suns' biggest competitor for free agent Grant Hill. New York offered Hill the option of a one-year, $5 million contract or a three-year, $10 million deal, according to an NBA source. Hill, 36, might not expect the same offer from the Suns, but the swingman said last week that he wanted to be "fairly compensated" after concluding a two-year, $3.8 million contract for the Suns. Phoenix was prepared to use a portion of its mid-level exception, set Tuesday at $5,854,000 as a whole, to re-sign Hill, who is its ..."

Knicks Cross Fingers for Hill

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July 8

New York Post

"Donnie Walsh said he's "hopeful" Grant Hill will select the Knicks today after Monday's nine-hour visit to New York. The Suns small forward, who's enjoying a rebirth to his career, is weighing whether he wants to help a Knicks rebirth. His other choices are staying in Phoenix or going to Boston for a chance at a championship. The Knicks believe a decision might come today -- the first day of the free-agent signing period. The Knicks could hit the trifecta, bagging Hill, forcing an out-of-options David Lee to re-sign at a lower rate and getting Nate Robinson to accept a one-year, $2.8 million qualifying offer. Walsh talked with Hill's agent yesterday about contract parameters after ..."

Knicks Look to Hill for Stability

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July 8

New York Times

"Jason Kidd said no, Grant Hill said maybe, and David Lee and Nate Robinson said thanks, but we'll get back to you. Seven days into July, the Knicks are waiting for answers and searching for roster clarity. Perhaps a dozen players could sign contracts Wednesday, following the midnight expiration of the N.B.A.'s annual moratorium. Ron Artest will be moving from Houston to Los Angeles (and the Lakers), Ben Gordon from Chicago to Detroit and Rasheed Wallace from Detroit to Boston. Mike Bibby will re-sign with Atlanta, and Zach Randolph will land in Memphis in a trade. And Kidd is staying in Dallas, despite a brief flirtation with the Knicks, who remain determined to import a steady leader. ..."

Knicks get another shot at Grant Hill

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July 7

New York Daily News

"When the Knicks recruited Grant Hill and his wife, the singer Tamia, nine years ago, they loaded up James Dolan's private jet with team officials and celebrities, and flew to Detroit to make their pitch. The traveling party included Star Jones, Chazz Palminteri, Matthew Modine, Michael Imperioli, Peter Boyle, Dave Checketts and Jeff Van Gundy. "I had an opportunity to come here in 2000," Hill said Monday. "But the problem is they wanted to trade me for Pat Ewing. I didn't want to do that." Hill ultimately worked out a sign-and-trade with Orlando, Ewing eventually landed in Seattle and the Knicks haven't won a playoff series since. All these years later, the Knicks put on another full-court ..."

Knicks Make Grant Offer; Kidd Out

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July 7

New York Post

"The Knicks and Grant Hill are serious about each other. Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni spent nearly all day -- and night -- with the former All-Star yesterday, culminating with dinner in the city and a offer on the table. The offer was for one year and a portion of the Knicks' mid-level exception. Hill is permitted to sign as soon as tomorrow, the first day free agents are allowed to sign contracts. "We think we have a chance, but you never know," a team source said last night. In a visit that blew Jason Kidd's away, Hill arrived yesterday at the Garden at 11:30 a.m., got the arena tour and the jersey before being whisked to the Knicks' practice facility in Westchester. Last night, Hill, ..."

Knicks Give Grant Hill the Star Treatment

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July 7

New York Times

"A day after the Knicks were informed that Jason Kidd spurned their offer and would remain with the Dallas Mavericks, they turned their attention to another aging big-name free agent, Grant Hill. Hill, 36, received the same treatment Monday that Kidd received last week. He was presented with a Knicks jersey, then he; his wife, Tamia; and the agent Lon Babby toured Madison Square Garden and received a briefing on planned renovations. They later visited the team's training facility in Greenburgh and had dinner with the team president, Donnie Walsh, and Coach Mike D'Antoni. Through a team spokesman, Walsh said that a formal offer to Hill had not yet been made."

Free agent forward Grant Hill to visit Knicks on Monday

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July 6

New York Daily News

"Grant Hill will receive the Jason Kidd treatment from the Knicks Monday, which includes, among other things, a tour of Madison Square Garden and a home jersey. The one thing Hill won't be getting is a three-year contract offer worth $18 million like Kidd received. The Knicks are hoping to sign Hill, the veteran free agent forward, to the bi-annual exception - which is worth approximately $2 million per season. It's a reasonable offer, but with the Hill being pursued by Boston and with Phoenix looking to re-sign him, the Knicks may be fighting an uphill battle."

Suns' Hill making up for his lost time

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April 15

Arizona Republic

"When foot and ankle injuries limited Grant Hill to 47 games over four years, he told himself that he would make up the missed time on the back end of his career. That optimism occasionally broke through the darkness of wondering if he would play again. "It was something to get you through bad times," Hill said. Now, as the season ends Wednesday night, his health is getting him through otherwise bad times with the Suns. He still has not won a playoff series, but he will play in all 82 games this season, a career first. It's a massive feat, considering the troubles that injuries caused from 2000 until 2006, a year before he came to Phoenix. At 36, Hill will be the oldest NBA player not to ..."

Hill moved back to the wing

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March 2

Arizona Republic

"Even if Steve Nash had been available, Suns coach Alvin Gentry said he has wanted to move Grant Hill back to small forward by using Matt Barnes at power forward. With Amaré Stoudemire out, moving Hill to power forward took the Suns' best wing defender away from top opposing scorers and reduced his chances to fill fast-break lanes because he was rebounding. "It's a little bit unfair to him," Gentry said of Hill. "Not only is he past middle age, but we're asking him to bang with guys like Lamar (Odom) and Pau (Gasol)."

Hill's story great amid tough season

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February 19

Arizona Republic

columnist Dan Bickley

"Play long enough, and you'll hear the strangest things. Like young opponents trying to pay respect to Grant Hill. "Hey man, you're playing great!" And before Hill can smile or even respond, the caveat appears. "I had your shoes when I was in seventh grade." Or: "I didn't know you had gray hair!" "I don't know if it's an insult or if they're being genuine," Hill said. "But I know what I'm thinking when I hear that stuff: I'm going to beat them downcourt every time." Look hard enough, and you can find some great stories inside this turbulent basketball season. Hill is one of them. He will turn 37 in October. He was the team's best defensive player during the Terry Porter train wreck, often ..."

Nash, Shaq, Hill chosen as Suns' captains

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November 2

Arizona Republic

"The Suns players voted for Steve Nash , Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill to be the team's captains. "That says a lot about what the guys think of you," Suns coach Terry Porter said. "You've got to lead in the locker room. You have a voice in the game and in the huddles." Feel-good

Coming from Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Porter found the Portland environment to be the perfect fit as a NBA rookie because of the fans' booster club, after-practice cookies and homemade blankets later for his newborn. He may be 13 years removed from his decade with the Trail Blazers, but the club's revival still feels good. "I feel very proud about that now," he said. "Anybody who's ever played with ..."

Porter may start Barnes over Hill

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October 15

Arizona Republic

"A failed experiment in the playoffs can be costly. A preseason experiment can do no wrong, providing answers for theories. Suns coach Terry Porter tested the idea of starting Matt Barnes at small forward in place of Grant Hill, playing Barnes with the first team in the past two practices. Porter did not commit to starting Barnes Wednesday night at Atlanta but the idea has been up for debate since the summer. It is Porter's only lineup decision until he settles on an eight- or nine-man rotation in next week's final three preseason games. "He (Barnes) and Grant have some very similar skills, as far as the ability to put the ball on the floor, run pick and rolls, space it," Porter said. "In a ..."

Suns' Hill willing to come off bench to stay fresh

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September 24

East Valley Tribune

"Grant Hill had waited so long to start a season like his first with the Phoenix Suns. He was happy. Healthy. Playing long minutes and playing every night, contributing to a winning, veteran team on both ends and running the floor like he was turning back a clock. But that same season ended with an all-too-familiar script - with his team bounced in the first round of the playoffs, and with Hill injured, in pain and unable to contribute. "I don't even like talking about it," Hill said, biting at his lower lip. "I worked my tail off to get ready, I felt the best I had in a long time and then … my old friend came back." An emergency appendectomy not only ended a string of 34 straight games ..."

Suns plan to limit Hill's minutes

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September 24

Arizona Republic

"Steve Nash won't be the only veteran the Suns hope to play fewer minutes this season. The same approach will be taken with forward Grant Hill. The Suns hope to have Hill fit and fresh for the playoffs, and the decreased minutes will allow coach Terry Porter to use a deeper rotation and maybe start Matt Barnes in Hill's spot. The move is not because of a theory that Hill's health problems during the 2008 playoffs resulted from his regular-season workload, an average of 31.7 minutes per game that was 0.8 more than the previous season. Though Hill was the first to suggest that the Suns limit his time and pursue a free-agent wing (Barnes), he acknowledged Tuesday that his mysterious playoff ..."

Hill exercises option with Suns

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June 27

Arizona Republic

"The Suns announced that forward Grant Hill has exercised his player option for the 2008-09 season. Signed as a free agent on July 11, 2007, the 14-year veteran with a history of injuries was durable in his first season with the Suns. Hill appeared in 70 games, his most in a single season since 1999-00, including 34 straignt starts to open the season."

Magic get last laugh when it comes to Hill

May 5

Orlando Sentinel

columnist Mike Bianchi

"Somewhere, Grant Hill must be wondering where it all went wrong. He just made yet another exit in the first round of the playoffs, he may need surgery yet again and now he sits at home and watches his two former teams -- the Magic and the Pistons -- play for the right to go to the Eastern Conference finals. What's the old song from Hee Haw? Gloom, despair and agony on me, Deep dark depression, excessive misery, If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all, Gloom, despair and agony on me-e-e!"

Hill sits, questionable for Game 5

April 28

Arizona Republic

"Suns forward Grant Hill was with a winning playoff team for the first time in nine years but did not get to play in the game."

Suns' Hill questionable for Game 4

April 27

Arizona Republic

"You might have heard this before, only to see Grant Hill try to help while hobbling: The Suns forward might sit out Sunday."

Hill comes off the bench

April 26

Arizona Republic

"Suns forward Grant Hill never met the team's criteria of being at 100 percent, but he still was cleared to play Friday in a stunning turnaround from his "doubtful" status."

Decision to play wasn't easy for Hill

April 23

Arizona Republic

"At recent game-day shootarounds, Suns forward Grant Hill usually has felt like he had a good grasp of how much his body would allow him to do."

Hill bothered by nagging groin injury

April 21

Arizona Republic

"Mike D'Antoni didn't fully realize it until he looked at the game film. The Suns coach saw it on a couple defensive plays. Grant Hill was hurting."

Reinjured groin could cut Hill's Game 2 time

April 21

East Valley Tribune

"Suns forward Grant Hill didn't do much in Game 1 against San Antonio, scoring just five points on 2-of-4 shooting. Now we know why. Hill reinjured his groin while taking a charge from Michael Finley 23 seconds into the game and the injury could limit his effectiveness during the series."

Hill says he will be ready for Game 1

April 19

Arizona Republic

"Suns forward Grant Hill declared his health improved Friday after taking part in a full-fledged team scrimmage before the team's afternoon flight to San Antonio."

Hill’s injury not believed serious

April 15

East Valley Tribune

"But not only did the Suns rally to beat Golden State 122-116, the aggravation of the groin injury that Grant Hill suffered in the second quarter doesn’t appear to be too serious."

Hill excels in return from injuries

April 5

East Valley Tribune

"Dubbed the “Young, Unorthodox Medical Staff,” by O’Neal, their work on forward Grant Hill this week paid dividends. After missing three games with a groin injury and a lingering wrist sprain, Hill looked rejuvenated with a 16-point, 10-rebound performance in 29 minutes as Phoenix steamrolled Minnesota."

Hill to miss 3rd game in row

April 1

Arizona Republic

"That was one look at the Suns without Grant Hill Monday night against Denver. Another comes Tuesday. Hill came to US Airways Center on Monday morning with news that surprised coach Mike D'Antoni."

Hill out for game vs. Nets

March 30

Arizona Republic

"Suns forward Grant Hill will sit out tonight's game at New Jersey due to lingering problems with a pulled groin and a right wrist sprain."

Hill reveals injury, sits out road matchup

March 30

East Valley Tribune

"Grant Hill missed Saturday’s 110-104 victory over the New Jersey Nets due to a groin injury the forward said he has been dealing with since the Suns’ March 19 game at Seattle."

Hill plays role on defense

March 10

Arizona Republic

"Suns forward Grant Hill was upset Sunday when Amaré Stoudemire substituted for him with 10:30 to go. Hill had left Friday's loss with 7:07 to go and did not return. This time, Hill came back to defend Spurs guard Tony Parker for the final 5:55."

Hill: ‘I had a point to prove’ after flat game

March 10

East Valley Tribune

"Grant Hill had a lot of time to think about Sunday’s game with the Spurs. There was the off-day Saturday ... oh, and those last seven minutes of Friday’s loss to Utah, when he was benched in favor of Leandro Barbosa after scoring just seven points in 21 minutes."

Hill: 'This is last stop for me'

March 6

Arizona Republic

"Come July, say there is an NBA free agent who is a classy pro. Say he is as healthy as he has been in many years. Say he makes half his shots, provides versatility and is coming off a season with averages of roughly 15 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. How much money would that player command? It probably would be more than $1,976,400, but that is what Suns forward Grant Hill sounds willing to play for next season to remain with the Suns."

Hill scoreless for 1st time as Sun

February 25

East Valley Tribune

"Two games after Raja Bell went scoreless against the Lakers, the goose egg landed in Grant Hill’s column against his former team."

Hill let Detroit stay in his past

February 25

Detroit News

"Do you know when Grant Hill knew that coming back to finish his career in Detroit would not be in his best interest? It was during the playoffs last spring when the Pistons were sweeping free-agent-to-be Hill's Orlando team."

Hill talks about not returning to Detroit

February 25

Detroit Free Press

"Last summer, when former Piston Grant Hill became an unrestricted free agent, there were two possible destinations on his mind -- Phoenix and Detroit."

Big 3? Hill makes case as Suns' fourth star

February 23

East Valley Tribune

"While several media outlets billed the Boston-Phoenix game as a battle of "The Big Threes," Celtics coach Doc Rivers wondered if someone was getting shortchanged."

Hill finds a thrill in Rivers’ success

February 23

Boston Herald

"This isn’t Doc Rivers’ first chance to coach a really good team. He did have Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady in Orlando, though the former’s famed foot problems derailed that train before it ever got on track."

Hill elevates game; playing at 'high level'

February 15

East Valley Tribune

"Hill scored 26 points Wednesday at Golden State and his 15 rebounds were the most he's had in a game since Christmas of 2002, when he had 15 against Detroit while playing for Orlando."

Hill, Diaw share time, struggle

February 5

East Valley Tribune

"As soon as coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters that Grant Hill was starting over Boris Diaw Monday night against Charlotte, he quickly added 'and don't ask me why because I really don't have a reason.'"

Suns continue to rotate starters

February 5

Arizona Republic

"Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said that who starts between Grant Hill and Boris Diaw is not a big deal. Hill and Diaw have said they don't care."

Hill to return against Hawks

January 29

Arizona Republic

"Grant Hill is ready to return when the Suns host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Hill, whose appendectomy caused him to miss seven games this month, missed Sunday's game at Chicago because of back spasms but said he felt strong at Monday's practice."