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As I type this post, it is unclear whether or not George Hill will take the floor in Game 6 for the Indiana Pacers. The concussion that kept Hill out of Game 5 has potentially much more important consequences than any associated with the outcome of the current Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Knicks. (UPDATE: He will play.)

Still, in the immediacy of the moment, it is hard to suppress the emotional urgency of the question, “Will Hill play?” In that context, it’s worth taking some time to explore what it is that George Hill brings to this squad.

Hill’s importance to this team comes on many different levels. The one most readily apparent to even casual observers is the lack of depth at his position. D.J. Augustin has played some big games in this series, but few would argue that he isn’t a significant step down from Hill at both ends.

Beyond that, Indiana is faced with a choice between using Lance Stephenson, out of position, and Ben Hansbrough. In the 9 minutes Lance played the point in Indina’s Game 5 loss, the Pacers managed only 74 points per 100 possessions while shooting under 30%. Ben Hansbrough is…well…Ben Hansbrough.

Jake0890 wrote:Until game 6, I was thoroughly unimpressed with Hill's production. He's really bogged down the offense with his poor shooting, lack of ball movement, turnovers, and most of all standing at the top of the key until there's 5 seconds left on the shot clock then dumping it off to Stephenson to take some ridiculous shot.

In game 6, he was confident and played extremely well. He needs to do that again in game 6.

Boneman2 wrote:

Jake0890 wrote:Until game 6, I was thoroughly unimpressed with Hill's production. He's really bogged down the offense with his poor shooting, lack of ball movement, turnovers, and most of all standing at the top of the key until there's 5 seconds left on the shot clock then dumping it off to Stephenson to take some ridiculous shot.

In game 6, he was confident and played extremely well. He needs to do that again in game 6.

This.

Even in game 6 he was better playing off the ball. George is not a pg. I can honestly say I'd rather have JJack for half the price running this offense, and I hated Jack running this offense.

Hill has one trick: He can score. If he isn't scoring he is about as valuable as Hansbrough, Ben.

Scoot McGroot wrote:

Boneman2 wrote:

Jake0890 wrote:Until game 6, I was thoroughly unimpressed with Hill's production. He's really bogged down the offense with his poor shooting, lack of ball movement, turnovers, and most of all standing at the top of the key until there's 5 seconds left on the shot clock then dumping it off to Stephenson to take some ridiculous shot.

In game 6, he was confident and played extremely well. He needs to do that again in game 6.

This.

Even in game 6 he was better playing off the ball. George is not a pg. I can honestly say I'd rather have JJack for half the price running this offense, and I hated Jack running this offense.

Hill has one trick: He can score. If he isn't scoring he is about as valuable as Hansbrough, Ben.

And defend. Ben can't do anything.

Also, Jack is going to get MLE+ money this offseason with raises. By year 2 & 3 of his next deal, he'll be making close to Hill.

Ultimately, I think Hill is still shaking off the concussion from Chandler.

Boneman2 wrote:

Scoot McGroot wrote:

Boneman2 wrote:
This.

Even in game 6 he was better playing off the ball. George is not a pg. I can honestly say I'd rather have JJack for half the price running this offense, and I hated Jack running this offense.

Hill has one trick: He can score. If he isn't scoring he is about as valuable as Hansbrough, Ben.

And defend. Ben can't do anything.

Also, Jack is going to get MLE+ money this offseason with raises. By year 2 & 3 of his next deal, he'll be making close to Hill.

Ultimately, I think Hill is still shaking off the concussion from Chandler.

Yeah maybe that's it. His decision making has seemed off since that hit.

I know I was stretching it with Ben, but Hill struggles with his on the ball defense. When he and DJ share the court it forces Hill into a mismatch. It seems to take all he's got to stay in front of Chalmers and Cole.

Offensively I'd be all for him to camp in the corner and let Paul and Lance bring it up to initiate the offense. From there the give and go entry to West in the high post is pretty effective , with cutters and Hibb closing in from the weak side.

We need to do whatever it takes to avoid horrible shot-clock management. There is no worse feeling than seeing the ball go from Hill to Lance in the corner with time running out. On the flipside if we do run the shot-clock down and we are forced to shoot, then I consider Hill a better option to receive the ball for that shot.

Scoot McGroot wrote:

Boneman2 wrote:

Scoot McGroot wrote:
And defend. Ben can't do anything.

Also, Jack is going to get MLE+ money this offseason with raises. By year 2 & 3 of his next deal, he'll be making close to Hill.

Ultimately, I think Hill is still shaking off the concussion from Chandler.

Yeah maybe that's it. His decision making has seemed off since that hit.

I know I was stretching it with Ben, but Hill struggles with his on the ball defense. When he and DJ share the court it forces Hill into a mismatch. It seems to take all he's got to stay in front of Chalmers and Cole.

Offensively I'd be all for him to camp in the corner and let Paul and Lance bring it up to initiate the offense. From there the give and go entry to West in the high post is pretty effective , with cutters and Hibb closing in from the weak side.

We need to do whatever it takes to avoid horrible shot-clock management. There is no worse feeling than seeing the ball go from Hill to Lance in the corner with time running out. On the flipside if we do run the shot-clock down and we are forced to shoot, then I consider Hill a better option to receive the ball for that shot.

How about from West to Mahinmi? Yeesh. Saw that twice last game, I think.