First Impression: Jordan Hill
With two summer league games in the rear view mirror, let’s talk a bit about who we hope to be a big time player for the Knicks, Jordan Hill. 
During the pre-draft process, Hill was widely regarded as a top 5 talent. Some people, such as Jeff Goodman, were not as high on Hill as others. Goodman believes that in a strong draft, Hill would project in the latter half of the 1st round. Goodman feels as though Hill will be a good active big man off the bench, not an Amare or a Chris Bosh.
Well, after two games, let’s start to think about a few things. Let’s start with the positives. First, Hill proved in just two days that he can hit a jumper from at least twenty feet away from the rim. His shooting ability was touted leading up to the draft and he showed that he has a nice touch. Hill also showed that he can be an active rebounder. Despite not being in shape, there were certain possessions where Hill fought for loose balls, even to the point where he ended up on the ground for them. David Lee is a good rebounder, a better one than Hill. But Hill has different rebounding skills. Hill’s athletic ability allows him to keep balls alive and to tap balls away from opponents. Third, Hill proved that he can run the floor. When he gets into better shape, he will be able to keep up even better.
Now let’s hit the negatives because I feel these are more important to address. First, Hill has been regarded as a good shot-blocker, but I did not see it. Hill might be a good weak side shot-blocker, but I do not see him patrolling the middle and swatting away lay-ups from opposing guards. Perhaps Hill’s heavy legs kept him from dominating the paint defensively, but I did not see his premier shot-blocking skills. Despite people already labeling him a bust, I could at least see Hasheem Thabeet’s shot-blocking instincts. That is not to say that Hill has to be a premier shot-blocker in the pros. Even if he does just excel as a weak side help defender, we can use that desperately.
Second, Hill fell in love with his jumper a bit too much for my liking. Against the Pistons today, I am not sure if he attempted to set up on the blocks like he did yesterday. I’m sorry but while Hill is a good shooter, he is not Danilo Gallinari out there. Hill has to work an inside-outside game. Living out on the perimter or in the mid-range will hurt Hill. Hill has to be versatile with his offensive repertoire.
To that effect, Hill’s interior game can use some work, but overall I thought he was effective there against the Grizzlies. He falls away from the hoop on his post moves, but so do a lot of guys. Of course I’d love to see him attack his defenders and attack the rim, but if he can hit the fade away, then so be it.
Third, going back to defense, Hill has to be more active defensively. He looked tired and lazy on some defensive possessions. The frustrating part (not that frustrating considering it is only the summer league) is that on other possessions, he shows what he can do defensively. He can close passing lanes with his athleticism and his length. He can come from the weak side and swat a shot. He can move laterally with his opponent. I think his potential as a defensive player is high, but potential means nothing if Hill does not work to realize that potential.
Fourth, Hill has to bulk up. He is just simply not strong enough to handle the NBA on a nightly basis. Not as a full-time starter at least. I am not concerned about that though. He is only 21 and he has the frame that can withstand some extra bulk. Give that time.
Fifth, Hill has not shown that he can pass out of the post yet. Perhaps he did once or twice, but I have not seen an impressive post move followed by a pass out to man on the perimeter. And I am not talking about the basic inside-outside pass that leads to the PG simply getting the ball back at the three point line. I want to see Hill find an open man ready to shoot the ball (i.e. Morris Almond). To his defense, Hill has not had many opportunities to do this, so I will give him the pass.
Overall, Hill has shown skills thus far. Despite his sluggish play, he has put up decent numbers and has had some good stints. Hill has to get into shape and has to bulk up before training camp. Like most rookies, Hill will not likely see much court time to start the year. He will eventually grown into a role and hopefully earn his spot in the rotation. When he does get into the rotation and he is playing with other legit NBA players, I am sure that his tendency to shoot from the perimeter constantly and his sluggishness will wear off and he will become the player that we all expect. Make no mistake, he has all the tools to be a great player. He can shoot. He is tall. He is athletic. He has room to bulk up. The tools are there.
Regardless of whether or not Hill develops into a star player, he showed me thus far that he will at least be a useful player. When he is on the floor, you generally notice him because he is an active guy.
Despite being overshadowed by Darrell Arthur yesterday, and Austin Daye and DeJuan Summers today, there is reason to hope with Hill. He does not look as polished as those three players, but sometimes the most polished players are not the best players.
Thoughts?
About Chris Alvino
Chris Alvino grew up in Crestwood, NY. He graduated from Regis High School in 2005. There he played both basketball and baseball. Chris is currently a student at Boston College, where he practices with the varsity Women's Basketball Team (... seriously). Chris has been a Knicks' fan for years and can literally talk about them all day long, every day of the week. Chris enjoys writing on this blog and seeing what everyone out there has to say about it. View all posts by Chris Alvino →-
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