There have been flashes of greatness throughout his career. Known as a player who plays with a lot of energy and effort, Hill's career averages of 13.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes shows that he has the ability to step up to the plate if given the minutes.
Throughout his career, Hill has never been given a fair chance at playing decent minutes as a starter. His injury woes during the first few years of his career didn't help his case.
With the New York Knicks, Hill played behind David Lee and Al Harrington, who were deemed better fits in Mike D'Antoni's system. D'Antoni was really pushing to implement his run-and-gun system on the Knicks at this time, and Lee and Harrington were both big men who could stretch the floor.
With the Houston Rockets, Hill had to play behind Luis Scola and Carl Landry, who were more productive and experienced than Hill at the time.
However, the fact that Hill averaged roughly 16 minutes per game during his two years in Houston, while Chuck Hayes averaged well over 20 minutes in each of those two seasons is something to take notice of. Not to discount the toughness that Hayes brought as an undersized center, but Houston could have made use of Hill's energy as a larger option at the five.
Ironically, the man who mitigated his progression in New York ultimately gave him his break this season. D'Antoni turned to Hill for energy and rebounding out of desperation, and this ultimately resulted in Hill breaking out.
In four starts this season, Hill has exceeded those per 36 minute numbers while only playing 30.7 minutes per game. Hill has averaged 18.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
