Bountiful sunshine, lush green golf courses, and a warm climate are enticing offerings to attract potential retirees to Arizona. In fact, Arizona is the second-fastest growing state in the country as post-professionals flock to bask in the state’s warmth and sunshine. In the summer of 2007, another veteran made the move to Phoenix, AZ. Despite his comparatively “old age” (34 years old at the time) and a career spent battling various injuries, Grant Hill had no plans of retirement in his future. Instead, the seven-time NBA All-Star set out to prove that he is still among the Association’s best.
Shaking off murmurs of perpetual injuries, Hill arrived in Phoenix last season in the best shape since his early career in Detroit. Starting in 68 of his 70 games played, the 6’8” healthy Hill played his most games since the 1999-2000 season with the Pistons. The former Blue Devil’s productivity and commitment were even more impressive, leading then head coach Mike D’Antoni to label him “a dream.” Shooting over 50% from the field for the entire year, Hill averaged over 13 points per game. His touch was equally as good from the charity stripe, as he posted the highest free throw percentage of his 13-year career (86.7%). In a high-octane offense that averaged 110 points a game, the versatile forward took care of the ball with his lowest turnover average (1.37) of his career. Hill was essential in helping the Suns to a 55-27 record and reaching the NBA playoffs.
The Virginia native admits, “The perception when Grant Hill signed with the Suns was, ‘Can he keep up?’” Through a season and a half, it appears that the real question is how well the others can keep up with the third pick of the 1994 NBA Draft.
This season, No. 33 continues to prove that last year was no fluke. The Suns are 10-4 when Hill logs 36 or more minutes, a winning percentage about 17% higher than when he plays less. When scoring in double digits, Hill has helped the Suns to a 21-10 mark. Averaging 10.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 2.1 APG on the season, Grant’s leadership, consistency and dedication have helped Phoenix adjust to three different head coaches in the past two years. Yet, the most telling statistic of all may be that Hill has yet to sit out a game.
In a seemingly ironic twist, Hill has now been labeled Phoenix’s “Iron Man.” That’s right. The 36-year-old Grant Hill, who has battled injuries and illnesses his entire career, is the only player on his team’s 17-man roster to play in every game this season. Describing this achievement, Hill says, “I’m proud. I had a period when I didn’t know whether I would ever play again, and I had to get through those years where you begin to doubt yourself. To get back has taken a lot of hard work. I’ve put my time in.”
All of his time spent working hard to return to form is now paying dividends for the both Hill and the Suns. An essential cog in the Sun’s offense and defense, Hill continues to run the court with the fervor of the 18 year-old in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The three-time Blue Devil All-American laughs off comments from opponents such as “I had your shoes when I was in seventh grade,” or, “I didn’t know you had gray hair!” Whether they are insults or genuine shows of respect, Hill treats it all the same way. “I know what I’m thinking when I hear that stuff: I’m going to beat them downcourt every time.”
And every game so far this season, Hill has shown his ability to out-pace the younger talent in the league and beat them down the court on a fast break. Each night he defends athletic guards and forwards, sometimes 10-15 years younger, and consistently shuts them down. After 13 successful years in the league, seven All-Star appearances, and four All-NBA selections, the Duke legend continues to play with the passion and determination of a rookie. And whenever Hill finally does decide to shut it down, the $128 million in salary he has earned over the course of his career will give him some nice retirement options in the Grand Canyon State.
