Spurs sign George Hill

[spursjustice]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlcAQhc2akpmTks_.JtW2zm8vLYF?slug=ap-spurs-hill&prov=ap&type=lgns

Spurs sign George Hill
By CLIFF BRUNT, AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—The San Antonio Spurs signed first-round pick George Hill on Tuesday, Hill’s agent said.

The Spurs took Hill out of IUPUI with the 26th selection, but didn’t have to sign him. Michael Whitaker said Hill participated in summer league with the Spurs and had been working out in San Antonio since Aug. 18, despite the fact that he hadn’t officially signed.

“The Spurs are a championship organization,” Whitaker said. “They told us all along they wanted to get the deal done, they just wanted to use the time to sign free agents. We just took them at their word.”

Now that Hill has signed, the first two years of the deal are guaranteed. The rookie scale shows that Hill would make $1.22 million his first year and $1.31 million his second year. The Spurs have team options the next two years.

Hill, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 21.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists last season for the Jaguars. He declared himself eligible for the draft after his junior year, and performed well enough in workouts to put himself in position to get selected.

Whitaker needed to reassure Hill that the deal was going to happen.

“It’s not common for first-rounders to go that long, but I told George, ‘You got drafted by a unique team,”’ Whitaker said.

[timvp]

Wow, it actually happened.


“The Spurs are a championship organization,” Whitaker said. “They told us all along they wanted to get the deal done, they just wanted to use the time to sign free agents. We just took them at their word.”

That doesn't make any sense. More like the Spurs might have to package him in a trade so they waited. There was no impending luxury tax or salary cap issue that would have forced the Spurs to sign free agents first and then Hill.

[Solid D]

“The Spurs are a championship organization,” Whitaker said. “They told us all along they wanted to get the deal done, they just wanted to use the time to sign free agents. We just took them at their word.”



:smokin

[Bruno]

Now that Hill has signed, the first two years of the deal are guaranteed. The rookie scale shows that Hill would make $1.22 million his first year and $1.31 million his second year. The Spurs have team options the next two years.


It's impossible. It's more than 120% of the rookie scale. :downspin:

[Ocotillo]

It is done.

[Solid D]

Bruno and timvp. The writer only states what the high of the scale is (120%). He doesn't say what he signed for.

Like I have been saying, the Spurs were probably holding off on signing him because they had gotten a willingness from Hill for the Spurs to play with the $335K of flex (80-120% of swing)

[duncan228]

Jeff McDonald: Spurs ink rookie Hill (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2008/09/jeff_mcdonald_s_15.html)

Meanwhile, in other backup point guard news ...

The Spurs finally put pen to paper and signed first-round pick George Hill on Tuesday. There was little drama in the signing.

The Spurs didn't have to ink Hill, taken 26th overall in June out of UIPUI. The rookie point guard, however, said he never had any doubts the deal would get done.

"I knew it was going to happen," said Hill, who played with the Spurs summer league entry and has been working out in San Antonio since mid-August. "They were just getting all their free agents and stuff in order first. They told me just to be patient, and I was."

There was little haggling to get Hill under contract. As per the NBA collective bargaining agreement, Hill is due a rookie scale contract worth a guaranteed $1.22 million this year and $1.31 million next year. The Spurs own team options in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Training camp, which begins Sept. 30, will be key for Hill. Throughout the preseason, he will battle with Jacques Vaughn and newly signed Salim Stoudamire for minutes behind Tony Parker at the point.

[Bruno]

The writer only states what the high of the scale is (120%).


And he is wrong.
The high of the scale for Hill is $1,006,200 for the first year.

[lurker23]

Now that Hill has signed, the first two years of the deal are guaranteed. The rookie scale shows that Hill would make $1.22 million his first year and $1.31 million his second year. The Spurs have team options the next two years.

It's impossible. It's more than 120% of the rookie scale. :downspin:



It sounds like the writer was just speculating on the numbers based purely on some rookie scale chart he found. Based on the numbers he spat out, it looks like he was on the line for the 17th pick overall for some reason.

http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba-rookie-salary-scale-2008/101

[Solid D]

And he is wrong.
The high of the scale for Hill is $1,006,200 for the first year.

Yes, that's right. The scale for the 26th pick is $838,500 (100%).

[timvp]

Bruno and timvp. The writer only states what the high of the scale is (120%). He doesn't say what he signed for.The max Hill could make this season is $1,006,000, IIRC. The writer is either using erroneous information, his math is bad or my memory is bad. :)


Like I have been saying, the Spurs were probably holding off on signing him because they had gotten a willingness from Hill for the Spurs to play with the $335K of flex (80-120% of swing)The thing is though, unless I'm mistaken and I'm missing something, whether the Spurs signed Hill for 80% or 120% there was no effect on the Spurs in terms of salary cap, luxury threshold or anything else. The Spurs are $3M+ under the luxury threshold, far over the salary cap so I don't see a mathematical reason why Hill "holding off" would do anything for the Spurs.

[Bruno]

The Spurs are $3M+ under the luxury threshold, far over the salary cap so I don't see a mathematical reason why Hill "holding off" would do anything for the Spurs.

$3M isn't that much. A trade and/or the sue of the trade exception could put Spurs damn near the threshold.

[ducks]

maybe the spurs thought they might trade for someone that makes 3 million

gives them flexiablitly

also spurs have some money left to sign players to

[Bruno]

And I highly doubt Spurs will cut Hill at the end of the training camp. Even if they have low balled him at 80% of the rookie scale, they have still invested $1.4M in him.

[Solid D]

The max Hill could make this season is $1,006,000, IIRC. The writer is either using erroneous information, his math is bad or my memory is bad. :)

The thing is though, unless I'm mistaken and I'm missing something, whether the Spurs signed Hill for 80% or 120% there was no effect on the Spurs in terms of salary cap, luxury threshold or anything else. The Spurs are $3M+ under the luxury threshold, far over the salary cap so I don't see a mathematical reason why Hill "holding off" would do anything for the Spurs.

He's the guy they had flexibility with, so why not see who they can sign before they commit to $1M or thereabouts. They seem to be sweating the details on not going over the Lux Tax line. Hill's numbers were a "known" whereas some of their FA possibilities were "unknowns" contract-wise.

[Drippin' Fan]

Let's hope that Hill is a big help to our team.

[lurker23]

And I highly doubt Spurs will cut Hill at the end of the training camp. Even if they have low balled him at 80% of the rookie scale, they have still invested $1.4M in him.

I think the possibilities for Hill for the beginning of the season are pretty clear.

Low-end expectation: He's shipped off to Austin as soon as the Toros start up.

High-end expectation: He's Tony's primary backup from day 1.

And as far as the first few months go, I don't think there's much in-between.

[timvp]

$3M isn't that much. A trade and/or the sue of the trade exception could put Spurs damn near the threshold.Assuming the plan all along was to sign Hill to a 120% contract, by holding out the Spurs kept open ~$161K. That's so little that it's hard for me to believe the Spurs drug it out for this long for an amount of money that is likely less than what they've guaranteed to training camp invites.

I'd say it's more likely they held off signing him so that if they needed to use him in a trade to match salary, they wouldn't have to wait the required amount of days. Or that they held off signing him in hopes to get him to take an amount less than the 100% scale ... like they did with Mahinmi.

:hat

[Solid D]

Stoudamire signs.....then.....Hill signs.

[Solid D]

Assuming the plan all along was to sign Hill to a 120% contract, by holding out the Spurs kept open ~$161K. That's so little that it's hard for me to believe the Spurs drug it out for this long for an amount of money that is likely less than what they've guaranteed to training camp invites.

I'd say it's more likely they held off signing him so that if they needed to use him in a trade to match salary, they wouldn't have to wait the required amount of days.

Maybe they were playing with 20%, but it was really 20% on either side of scale ($335K). The Spurs like cashing their lux tax checks every year, not contributing to everyone else.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Roster as of now:

C Oberto/Kurt
PF Duncan/Mahinmi/Tolliver
SF Bowen/Udoka
SG Manu/Mason/Finley/Stoudamire
PG Tony/Vaughn

The roster is pretty much set.

My guess is Hill, Bonner, and whoever loses between Vaughn, Finley, and Stoudamire go on the IR.

[ducks]

so how many partial and guarateed contracts do spurs have now

[Obstructed_View]

Jeff McDonald: Spurs ink rookie Hill (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2008/09/jeff_mcdonald_s_15.html)

Meanwhile, in other backup point guard news ...

The Spurs finally put pen to paper and signed first-round pick George Hill on Tuesday. There was little drama in the signing.

The Spurs didn't have to ink Hill, taken 26th overall in June out of UIPUI. The rookie point guard, however, said he never had any doubts the deal would get done.

"I knew it was going to happen," said Hill, who played with the Spurs summer league entry and has been working out in San Antonio since mid-August. "They were just getting all their free agents and stuff in order first. They told me just to be patient, and I was."

There was little haggling to get Hill under contract. As per the NBA collective bargaining agreement, Hill is due a rookie scale contract worth a guaranteed $1.22 million this year and $1.31 million next year. The Spurs own team options in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Training camp, which begins Sept. 30, will be key for Hill. Throughout the preseason, he will battle with Jacques Vaughn and newly signed Salim Stoudamire for minutes behind Tony Parker at the point.

So McDonald is basically plagiarizing AP articles, complete with incorrect facts, and re-badging them. Nicely done.

[timvp]

Stoudamire signs.....then.....Hill signs.

Good point.

I'll look at the salaries later today and perhaps the committed salaries + possible salaries - luxury tax threshold = ~$150K

It wouldn't surprise me if Solid D is right and ahead of the curve yet again.

:smokin

[Buddy Holly]

Didn't one of Hill's friends post here that he had signed or agreed to sign a four year deal last week?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

so how many partial and guarateed contracts do spurs have now

Tolliver is the only one with a known partially guaranteed contract, and probably Stoudamire, though the terms of the contract haven't been released.

[Buddy Holly]

Roster as of now:

C Oberto/Kurt/Tolliver
PF Duncan/Mahinmi
SF Bowen/Udoka/Stoudamire
SG Manu/Mason/Finley
PG Tony/Vaughn

The roster is pretty much set.

My guess is Hill, Bonner, and whoever loses between Vaughn, Finley, and Stoudamire go on the IR.

Stoudamire at SF? WTF! :wow:wow

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Stoudamire at SF? WTF! :wow:wow

:lol yea I know, I fixed it.

[DPG21920]

Yes, I am glad this is taken care of. I think Hill has a nice skill set, and once comfortable, will do well.

[Buddy Holly]

Oberto/Thomas
Duncan/Ian/Tolliver
Bowen/Udoka/Finley
Manu/Mason/Stoudamire
TP/Hill/Vaughn

[timvp]

Training camp roster so far:

C Oberto/Thomas/Watkins
PF Duncan/Mahinmi/Bonner/Tolliver
SF Bowen/Udoka/Finley
SG Ginobili/Mason/Farmer/Green/Hairston
PG Parker/Vaughn/Hill/Stoudamire

[Avitus1]

Hope he delivers.

[lurker23]

Roster as of now:

C Oberto/Kurt
PF Duncan/Mahinmi/Tolliver
SF Bowen/Udoka
SG Manu/Mason/Finley/Stoudamire
PG Tony/Vaughn

The roster is pretty much set.

My guess is Hill, Bonner, and whoever loses between Vaughn, Finley, and Stoudamire go on the IR.

Pretty much what I was thinking, except I think it's slightly more fluid than that. I think the IR is composed of the 3 losers from these training camp battles:

Mahinmi/Bonner/Tolliver

Finley/Stoudamire

Hill/Vaughn

With a slight possibility that both Hill and Vaughn are on the IR if Stoudamire shows enough to win backup PG. Also, I don't think Tolliver is a given to make the 15-man roster, nor Stoudamire if his contract turns out to be mostly non-guaranteed. If one or both of those are cut, it opens the door for other guys, or the possibility that the Spurs carry 14 players into the season.

[duncan228]

Didn't one of Hill's friends post here that he had signed or agreed to sign a four year deal last week?

His friend's name is jayc23.

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104818

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Also, I don't think Tolliver is a given to make the 15-man roster,
Yea, that was my bad.

nor Stoudamire if his contract turns out to be mostly non-guaranteed.
By the excitement he's been showing about the signing, that gives me the feeling it's guaranteed.

[Buddy Holly]

Damn, I completely forgot about Bonner.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lol

[Spurs Brazil]

Training camp roster so far:

C Oberto/Thomas/Watkins
PF Duncan/Mahinmi/Bonner/Tolliver
SF Bowen/Udoka/Finley
SG Ginobili/Mason/Farmer/Green/Hairston
PG Parker/Vaughn/Hill/Stoudamire

The big question now is Stoudamire deal.

If it's guaranteed we have 14 players under contract and 5 guys will be fighting for one spot in training camp.

We have 4PGs but I think Pop may try to use Hill or Stoudamire at SG. I don't know if it'll work since bouth are very small

[urunobili]

i think this means Mason will not play PG at anytime as well...

[lurker23]

The more I think about the Spurs last two signings (Stoudamire and Hill), the more I think Jacque Vaughn will be out the door by the trade deadline, or even before the season starts.

We'll see what training camp brings, but if either of those two show that they can duplicate his defense and actually provide some offense in that backup PG role, then all Vaughn becomes is a veteran presence in the locker room, and we have enough of that without him. Don't get me wrong, I like Jacque more than most people on this board and think that his contribution to the Spurs is underrated, but given the Spurs offensive struggles recently, I think they'd choose offense over experience at that position.

Also, I think he's more likely to be traded (or packaged in a trade) than waived outright. The Spurs are generally too money-conscious of an organization to take a $1.2 mil+ hit like that.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

The big question now is Stoudamire deal.

If it's guaranteed we have 14 players under contract and 5 guys will be fighting for one spot in training camp.

We have 4PGs but I think Pop may try to use Hill or Stoudamire at SG. I don't know if it'll work since bouth are very small

Yep, there's a good dilemma there. If both Hill and Stoudamire make the team, we'll probably be the shortest team in the league.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

i think this means Mason will not play PG at anytime as well...

Unless Hill and Vaughn completely blow, but I doubt that.

I never thought they were gonna use Mason as PG much anyways.

[Bruno]

If Spurs sign Hairston, they will have 19 players under contract. among these 19 players, there isn't a single true scrub. The training cmap roster will be overcrowded which makes me thinks that Spurs have maybe some 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 trades in the works.

[lurker23]

Yep, there's a good dilemma there. If both Hill and Stoudamire make the team, we'll probably be the shortest team in the league.

It's certainly possible. We were already the 9th shortest team in the NBA last year.

http://www.nba.com/news/survey_height_2007.html

[ElNono]

So, now we wait 30 days before we trade him?

[timvp]

The more I think about the Spurs last two signings (Stoudamire and Hill), the more I think Jacque Vaughn will be out the door by the trade deadline, or even before the season starts.

We'll see what training camp brings, but if either of those two show that they can duplicate his defense and actually provide some offense in that backup PG role, then all Vaughn becomes is a veteran presence in the locker room, and we have enough of that without him. Don't get me wrong, I like Jacque more than most people on this board and think that his contribution to the Spurs is underrated, but given the Spurs offensive struggles recently, I think they'd choose offense over experience at that position.Agreed. Vaughn's a good teammate, good energy guy, very good leader and will one day make a fine head coach. That said, times have changed and the Spurs can't really afford to have a non-scorer at a guard position. The offense is questionable enough even without Vaughn on the court.

He may make the team but I'm starting to think more and more he'll be a training camp casualty. At the very least, I doubt his job is as safe as most Spurs fans believe it is.


Also, I think he's more likely to be traded (or packaged in a trade) than waived outright. The Spurs are generally too money-conscious of an organization to take a $1.2 mil+ hit like that.I think there's a chance he'd get waived outright. I'd say there's a better chance of that happening than him getting traded. His contract is pretty small, especially compared to some the Spurs have eaten in the past under Pop including Charles Smith I and Ron Mercer.

I'd rather the Spurs waive him than salary dump him in a deal that sent Vaughn and a pick for nothing.

[timvp]

If Spurs sign Hairston, they will have 19 players under contract. among these 19 players, there isn't a single true scrub. The training cmap roster will be overcrowded which makes me thinks that Spurs have maybe some 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 trades in the works.

Eh, this is typical Pop in a semi rebuilding year. Look at as much talent as possible and make training camp an all out war for jobs. I think the Spurs will think openly about making many "surprising" cuts or salary dumps.

In 2006, Pop was adamant about how he believed the team was fine and would just need a few tweaks. This summer, we haven't heard anything like that. Letting go Horry and Barry are deceptively big moves for this team so I think anything is fair game now.

[Phenomanul]

Signing Hill means the Spurs will, mathematically speaking, no longer be considered over the Hill. Furthermore, it's not a forgone conclusion to say that dumping Vaughn will automatically push the Spurs towards the brink of a new dawn.

[Mr. Body]

Training camp roster so far:

C Oberto/Thomas/Watkins
PF Duncan/Mahinmi/Bonner/Tolliver
SF Bowen/Udoka/Finley
SG Ginobili/Mason/Farmer/Green/Hairston
PG Parker/Vaughn/Hill/Stoudamire

This has to be the weakest the bench has been in a decade. Hate to say it, truly hate to say it.

[The Truth #6]

It's been about 20 years since I felt so unsure about so many borderline players.

[DPG21920]

I think it will look like this:

12 man roster -
KT, Oberto
Duncan, Ian, Bonner
Bruce, Ime
Manu, Mason, Finley
Parker, Hill

IR -
Vaughn, Tolliver, (then this spot is up in the air for whomever can help the Toros.)

[angelbelow]

finally.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

This has to be the weakest the bench has been in a decade. Hate to say it, truly hate to say it.

Fuck it, we'll still win.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I think it will look like this:

12 man roster -
KT, Oberto
Duncan, Ian, Bonner
Bruce, Ime
Manu, Mason, Finley
Parker, Hill

IR -
Vaughn, Tolliver, (then this spot is up in the air for whomever can help the Toros.)

So you're assuming Stoudamire won't make the team?

[DPG21920]

So you're assuming Stoudamire won't make the team?

Until his contract status comes out, I am going to assume that it is unguaranteed. Which if that is the case, I think they will keep Vaughn. Either way, either Vaughn or Salim will be on the IR and if that is the case, then why not save money (by not having to buy someone out) and have a great locker room guy and player/coach?

[lurker23]

This has to be the weakest the bench has been in a decade. Hate to say it, truly hate to say it.

I think it may be the youngest/most inexperienced/most unpredictable bench we've had in quite a while, but I don't think any of us really know how these guys are going to do. Hill, Mason, Mahinmi, and even Bonner and Stoudamire are virtual unknowns when it comes to consistent playing time in this system.

That's the downside to a youth movement. Veterans are fairly predictable; young players are not, both in good and bad ways. I don't think there's any way of knowing at this point whether these guys will be upgrades or downgrades to known quantities like Vaughn, Barry, Finley, or Horry.

[DPG21920]

Maybe I am being a little presumptuous with Hill being on the active 12 man, but I just do not know what to think about the Hill situation.

[The Franchise]

Finally!!

[coachmac87]

Hill will most likely see minutes early in year while Vaughn stays on IR. I think Vaughn stays on IR for as long as the spurs need him. But i think the spurs try and see what they have with Hill and Stoudamire. And if either Hill or Stoudamire dont pan out Vaughn will switch spots with the unlucky one. I really hope POP justs allows Mason to play and start him right away!! Pop playing Finley early will hurt us.We know what he can do but we need to see how the rest adjust to the new system. I think most will be surprised about Stoudamire tho..He never got the right chance to show his stuff playing with Atlanta.

[bigdog]

Awesome. Now, we have a problem at the PG spot, unless they decide to use Stoudamire in a Luther head type role, which is undersized SG.

The Stoudamire signing looked good, but bad for Hill until this. Now, it's looking bad for Vaughn, unless the Spurs are thinking about trading Hill.

Who knows. Hey, let's get rid of Bonner next. That would be great.

[Indazone]

Hill is gonna be like any other Rookie. He's going to sit on the bench, play in garbage minutes and cheer his teammates on.

[PURO SAN ANTO 210!]

Bout Time!!!!!

[Tully365]

Good for Hill. I'm sure there were many days attending the little known IUPUI that he wondered if he would ever make it to the NBA. He put up unbelievable numbers in college, worked hard on his game, and now he has a chance to be the rookie back up point guard on a championship caliber team. Plus, he's a millionaire. Not bad at all. A nice American success story.

[Spurtacus]

Good for him. Hope he earns those $$$.

[remingtonbo2001]

The more I think about the Spurs last two signings (Stoudamire and Hill), the more I think Jacque Vaughn will be out the door by the trade deadline, or even before the season starts.

No, not dump truck.

[SenorSpur]

I was just getting used to the drafting of Hill, until Pop went on his offseason backcourt signing flurry.

Call me a killjoy, but I really wish Nicolas Batum would've been available to the Spurs @ #26. With all the flurry of low-end, backcourt player signings they've made this offseason, the drafting of a young swingman, of Batum's ilk, would've not only filled a void, but would've also balanced out the roster a bit better.

[AFBlue]

The fact that they signed Stoudamire means that they will make Hill earn any PT he gets this season. Let's face it...if they were truly sold on giving Hill minutes they would've just let him compete with Jacque Vaughn.

This training camp is HUGE for Hill and I hope he steps up.

[Flux451]

Hill will be fun to watch guarenteed. If he fits in nicely, it will be interesting seeing him team up with manu.

Doesn't anyone else also think that the spurs system seems to be going towards an interchangeable 1, 2 guard when tony is on bench?

[wisnub]

Bruno and timvp. The writer only states what the high of the scale is (120%). He doesn't say what he signed for.

Like I have been saying, the Spurs were probably holding off on signing him because they had gotten a willingness from Hill for the Spurs to play with the $335K of flex (80-120% of swing)

Its always about the money. Is it me or Spurs just try to discount everybody on the roster except big 3? I'm studying accounting and kindda surprise why there is no case study about Spurs :gpower

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

This is worst Spurs roster in long time. We will not see championship this year.

[xellos88330]

34 more days until we get to see if he gets to be starting backup for Tony or not. I cant wait and it is driving me crazy!!!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

This is worst Spurs roster in long time. We will not see championship this year.

Yeah, they'd be much better off if they had signed a bunch of soft Eurotrash.

[T Park]

This is worst Spurs roster in long time. We will not see championship this year.

We?

you got a mouse in your pocket there fake euro?

[homer]

The big question now is Stoudamire deal.

If it's guaranteed we have 14 players under contract and 5 guys will be fighting for one spot in training camp.

We have 4PGs but I think Pop may try to use Hill or Stoudamire at SG. I don't know if it'll work since bouth are very small

I agree. I think pop and FO have come to the realization that Hill is a much better sg than pg and will be used as such. Saying that, I think they will still try to groom him as a backup pg but use him as a sg, hence the signing of Stoudamire. I just hope this Stoudamire is better than the last one.:bang

[Solid D]

This is worst Spurs roster in long time. We will not see championship this year.

You can't tell, by looking at paper. You have to see them on wood, first.

Not much has changed in the top 10. The unknown is how much better or worse the Spurs will be with Mason instead of Barry, if Finley will be supplanted by Mason or some combination of Mason/Udoka/Hill, and if Horry can be replaced by Mahinmi or some combination of Mahinmi/Tolliver/Bonner...and of course the Ginobili in the playoffs.

Top players, ranked by minutes/game PLAYOFFS
2007-08..............2008-09
1. Duncan...............Duncan
2. Parker.................Parker
3. Ginobili................Ginobili
4. Bowen................Bowen
5. Finley.................Finley
6. Oberto................Oberto
7. Thomas..............Thomas
8. Udoka.................Udoka
9. Barry..................Mason
10. Horry................Mahinmi/Bonner/Tolliver

[timvp]

Call me a killjoy, but I really wish Nicolas Batum would've been available to the Spurs @ #26.With the way he played in summer league, Batum wouldn't have earned any time with the Spurs.


This has to be the weakest the bench has been in a decade. Hate to say it, truly hate to say it.Take out Ginobili and who did the Spurs have on the bench last year? Barry was gimpy for much of the year and put never fully liked him. Horry did next to nothing. If any of the young players step up, the bench will be an improvement.


I agree. I think pop and FO have come to the realization that Hill is a much better sg than pg and will be used as such.His biggest weakness appears to be scoring. I highly doubt he will have much success at SG on the NBA level. It'll be PG or bust.

[T Park]

The scoring will come.

Hes got nice form on the shot, he seems to have a bit of a good cocky attitude.

A month or two with Chip and I think G Hill will be fine.

[Kori Ellis]

The scoring will come.

Hes got nice form on the shot, he seems to have a bit of a good cocky attitude.

A month or two with Chip and I think G Hill will be fine.

His shooting from outside will get better but his main problem in summer league was that he couldn't finish AT ALL near the rim.

[Manufan909]

I can't wait to see Mason, Ian, Hill, Bonner, Tolliver, Salim get serious PT come the 18th when I come back into town to see the Indiana game.

[T Park]

His shooting from outside will get better but his main problem in summer league was that he couldn't finish AT ALL near the rim.

Tony parker couldn't make a layup to save his life in 02 either.

If he busts his butt like Parker on it, he will be fine. Like I said, he seems like a gym rat, so I don't see any problem with him so far.

Again also, I'd like to see him in a few preseason games.

[T Park]

I can't wait to see Mason, Ian, Hill, Bonner, Tolliver, Salim get serious PT come the 18th when I come back into town to see the Indiana game.


Yeah, what the hell, the team has some youth, its got some unknowns, and if the unknowns work out, this team gets pretty darn good.

I'm very intrigued to see how Mason does. Can't say I was the biggest fan of his signing, but, we shall see. Usually guys Pop goes after hard end up pretty decent.

[Kori Ellis]

Tony parker couldn't make a layup to save his life in 02 either.

If he busts his butt like Parker on it, he will be fine. Like I said, he seems like a gym rat, so I don't see any problem with him so far.

Again also, I'd like to see him in a few preseason games.

I'm not saying he won't improve. I'm just saying that Chip helping his outside shooting doesn't correct what seemed to be his main problem.

[Manufan909]

Yep, everything I heard about seems gravy. I'm pissed about The Franchise having Barry in his sig, that's a low blow. God I wish Finley was traded instead.

[T Park]

I'm not saying he won't improve. I'm just saying that Chip helping his outside shooting doesn't correct what seemed to be his main problem.


Haha ok.

Im agreeing and like I said, if he works on his game like Parker, including layups in traffic, then he will be fine.

His defense though is gonna be so welcomed when parker goes to the bench. Thats one thing that stands out to me that was a sore thumb the last couple years, was the dropoff in defense at the PG spot when parker sat down. Second offense run, third offense itsself.

[T Park]

Yep, everything I heard about seems gravy. I'm pissed about The Franchise having Barry in his sig, that's a low blow. God I wish Finley was traded instead.

How do you trade free agents?

[Kori Ellis]

I honestly don't care much about what Hill does. The Spurs have survived with a series of not so great players at backup point for years. They can do it again.

The Spurs just need Roger Mason/Finley to be able to hold down the fort til Manu gets back. Then they should be fine.

Oh and if Mahinmi can eventually earn some quality minutes that will be a plus.

[Manufan909]

How do you trade free agents?


You know what I meant, don't be a jackass.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

congrats Spurs fans :toast I knew a lot of you wanted to get the rookie signed and now it's done.

[Mister Sinister]

You know what I meant, don't be a jackass.
Oops, too late.

[Manufan909]

It's ok for you, your sig rocks.

[Mister Sinister]

It's ok for you, your sig rocks.
Yes. Yes, it does.

[timtonymanu]

its about time! i hope george hill does well.

[Obstructed_View]

His shooting from outside will get better but his main problem in summer league was that he couldn't finish AT ALL near the rim.

He had no confidence in his shot from anywhere on the floor and the defenders all knew he couldn't hit anything from outside. I'm still of the opinion that he was told to work on other things, and he'll be allowed to play his game in camp. Pop's never been one to tell people not to shoot. I'll believe he can't finish at the rim if he still has problems when his jumper comes back.

[DPG21920]

He reminded me of Devin Harris in the SL. He was really quick and could get to the rim, but never really had control of his body so it became harder to finish. The important thing is, he got to the rim.

[AusSpursFan]

Love it! All you doubters can go and put your heads back in the sand, now lets see what this kid is made of

[JudynTX]

I love me some George Hill.

[SenorSpur]

Props to the FO for the infusion on some young, energetic players onto this roster.

[I. Hustle]

gives them flexiablitly



flexiablitly is always a plus

[benefactor]

Its about time indeed...but as others have said he was probably seen as tradeable as the FO seemed to keep putting the feelers out on different players. I am glad we kept him though.

I think he can be just a good of a defender as Vaughn immediately, so one has to assume that Vaughn is history. I can't wait until the preseason so we can see how he is coming along. I should get to see him in person on Oct 25th...and hopefully by then he will have just enough offensively to start seeing some backup minutes when the season starts. If he can couple his atheticism with some finishing ability around the rim he can really help us during our times of lethargy.

I'm rooting for ya George...welcome aboard.

[Bruno]

espn trade machine is saying that Hill has signed for 120% of the rookie scale. It makes some hypothesis about why he has sign that late less likely.

[SenorSpur]

Its about time indeed...but as others have said he was probably seen as tradeable as the FO seemed to keep putting the feelers out on different players. I am glad we kept him though.

I think he can be just a good of a defender as Vaughn immediately, so one has to assume that Vaughn is history. I can't wait until the preseason so we can see how he is coming along. I should get to see him in person on Oct 25th...and hopefully by then he will have just enough offensively to start seeing some backup minutes when the season starts. If he can couple his atheticism with some finishing ability around the rim he can really help us during our times of lethargy.

I'm rooting for ya George...welcome aboard.

Is Vaughn's final year guaranteed?

Regardless, I still can't see Pop letting him go and going with such a young backcourt. It's just not his way.

[Spurs Brazil]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/george_hill_signed_080924.html

Spurs Sign George Hill


SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have signed guard George Hill. Per club policy terms of the agreement were not announced.
The native of Indianapolis, Indiana was drafted by San Antonio with the 26th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

The 6-2 Hill played this summer with the Spurs entries in the Vegas Summer League and the Rocky Mountain Revue. He appeared in three games – all starts – in the Vegas Summer League and averaged 8.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 31.8 minutes. Hill posted 17 points and 8 rebounds on 7/14 against Memphis. In four games at the Rocky Mountain Revue, he averaged a team-high 12.8 points with 3.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.00 steals in 30.8 minutes. Hill scored 21 points and added 4 rebounds and 3 assists against Utah on 7/18.

Hill spent the past four years at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Last season he was named the Summit League Player of the Year, earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named an Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press. Hill led the Summit League and ranked 16th nationally in scoring with 21.5 points per game while shooting .545 from the field (195-245) and .450 (49-109) from three-point range. He posted nine double-doubles and averaged 6.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.78 steals in 32 games. Hill scored in double figures in all 32 games, finishing with 20 or more points 16 times, and topped the 30-point mark in seven contests. He appeared in just five games as a junior before missing the rest of the season with a broken foot. As a sophomore Hill earned First Team All-Conference honors, averaging a team-high 18.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He was named to the league All-Newcomer Team as a freshman. For his career Hill appeared in 95 games for the Jaguars, averaging 17.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.63 steals.

[T Park]

You know what I meant, don't be a jackass.

No I still don't understand how you trade Free Agents.

[benefactor]

Is Vaughn's final year guaranteed?

Regardless, I still can't see Pop letting him go and going with such a young backcourt. It's just not his way.
It was a player option that he picked up. We would either have to waive him or trade him. Its hard for me to gauge what Pop is going to do. He seems pretty gung ho with this youth movement. There is also possibility of Mason/Manu splitting time at the point. I think we will know a lot more after the preseason.

[Manufan909]

Oh, so you really didn't get, and didn't just be an ass for nothing. My post that started this should be fiiled under "wishful thinking". I basically wanted Barry to SOMEHOW stay and Finley to SOMEHOW leave. My bad for wording it wrong.

[xellos88330]

George Hill has tons of potential when I was watching him in the Summer League. He pretty much got to the rim at will. He has a very fast first step and some hops. His defense was outstanding and did a number on I think it was Mayo. He was probably nervous or something. He seemed like he wanted to please the orginization too much, and it took him out of his game. Now that he has a contract, there isn't that pressure of being accepted. I think he will do great.

[Manu-of-steel]

everyones excited about this signing. i hope hill would turn out to be a guy who will contribute to our cause. go spurs go!

[bigfan]

Anything is better than nothing I guess.

[jayc23]

Anything is better than nothing I guess.

GTH outa here, hes better defensively than 95% of the draft class... and the legitimate opportunities to pull of free agents...so I'll take Hill outa the bunch of back up, short combo guards, NBA fans piss me off... James gist is the worlds hero because he can jump outa the gym but defense is always an under estimated after thought in every equation .. which is stupid as hell when you get payed millions to play.

[T Park]

GTH outa here, hes better defensively than 95% of the draft class... and the legitimate opportunities to pull of free agents...so I'll take Hill outa the bunch of back up, short combo guards, NBA fans piss me off... James gist is the worlds hero because he can jump outa the gym but defense is always an under estimated after thought in every equation .. which is stupid as hell when you get payed millions to play.

Nah, you'll come to understand REAL spurs fans appreciate defensive effort and tenacity along with his youth, drive and other intangibles.

Tell George too hook it up with a numba 3 :smokin

[Joe Schmoogins]

GTH outa here, hes better defensively than 95% of the draft class... and the legitimate opportunities to pull of free agents...so I'll take Hill outa the bunch of back up, short combo guards, NBA fans piss me off... James gist is the worlds hero because he can jump outa the gym but defense is always an under estimated after thought in every equation .. which is stupid as hell when you get payed millions to play.

I've got high hopes for Hill, as well. I think he has all the tools, and fully expect him to have a long successsful NBA career. I'm excited he's a Spur. Keep posting because I for one enjoy your G HILL insight.

[ulosturedge]

Just alot of tough love around here. I think he's got the tools. He just needs to find his niche and get that killer instinct.

[jackseven]

Nah, you'll come to understand REAL spurs fans appreciate defensive effort and tenacity along with his youth, drive and other intangibles.

Tell George too hook it up with a numba 3 :smokin

REALly... Lest we forget our throw under the busage.

[Buddy Holly]

I love Hill's height and build. I love his long arms on defense and how he can control the ball as he showed in summer league, I'm not too worried about his shooting the only thing that I worry about and it has been pointed out in this thread is how he couldn't finish at the rim. If he can fix that then he will be a great back up to Tony.

[tav1]

GTH outa here, hes better defensively than 95% of the draft class... and the legitimate opportunities to pull of free agents...so I'll take Hill outa the bunch of back up, short combo guards, NBA fans piss me off... James gist is the worlds hero because he can jump outa the gym but defense is always an under estimated after thought in every equation .. which is stupid as hell when you get payed millions to play.

No questions about his D from me. He's a good defender with a high ceiling. I'm still concerned about his offense, but optimistic. We'll see.

Most on this board recognize that GH3 can body up. Don't let the strays pester you.

[T Park]

REALly... Lest we forget our throw under the busage.

Play good defense, give great effort, thats all I care about honestly.