Lewis vs. Hill
By Nick Adams | October 1, 2007
With the NBA season fast approaching, each team begins their training camp in hopes of an NBA Championship. The NBA off-season was anything but dull with most of the bigger free agent signings taking place in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic were particularly busy in the off-season, landing the most sought after free agent in Rashard Lewis. The team's greatest off-season addition was countered by perhaps one of the biggest losses in Grant Hill signing with the Phoenix Suns.
The last time Orlando took such a huge jump into the free agent market was in 2000. Hill left the Detroit Pistons and joined Tracy McGrady as a new era of Magic basketball was ushered in.
This time around, the Magic was able to land Lewis as another scoring option and compliment to Dwight Howard. Hill, wanting to play for a team he thought was closer to an NBA crown, decided Phoenix was his best option and headed west.
Did the Magic gain or lose from these two transactions? This question can only be answered after the completion of the 2007-2008 season. However, most believe the Magic gained more than they lost.
In 65 games with the Magic last season, Hill averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. In 60 games with the Sonics, Lewis averaged 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Despite playing in five fewer games, Lewis played in 340 more minutes than Hill.
The Magic ranked toward the bottom last season in three-point attempts. Grant Hill is not a prominent three-point shooter at the two position, which is predominately a shooters position. Lewis is a consistent three-point threat which will spread the floor allowing freedom for Dwight Howard down low and Jameer Nelson to drive the lane.
Coach Van Gundy is pleased at the prospect of Rashard's outside threat culminated with quality of shooters competing for the vacant two guard roll left by Grant Hill.
"We brought in Rashard Lewis who has been a very consistent three-point shooter," stated Van Gundy. "With Grant Hill leaving, you look at all the players who could possibly get minutes at that position, and almost all of them are good three-point shooters."
"I like to spread the floor out because it creates more space for some of our other talented players to work offensively," continued Van Gundy. "It is tough to be a good offensive team this day in age in the NBA if you don't have the threat of an outside shot, and the addition of Rashard helps us out tremendously in that aspect."
As Van Gundy alluded to, they are going to replace Hill by committee, which could include J.J. Redick, Keith Bogans, and Trevor Ariza all getting extra minutes to fill the void. These extra minutes could greatly benefit both Redick and Ariza, two young players looking to establish themselves in the league.
Perhaps the biggest criticism on Hill and Lewis is their past health issues. In his six seasons with the Magic, Hill played more than 30 games in a season only twice. In total, Hill played in only 47 percent of the total regular-season games with the Magic.In his nine seasons with Seatlle, Lewis has played in 85 percent of the total regular-season games.
Age, experience and leadership also factor in, but how much is still to be determined. Hill will turn 35 in October, while Lewis will take the floor on opening night at 28. But will Hill's experience and leadership outweigh Lewis' talent and potential?
You can't replace Grant Hill's leadership and basketball IQ. His tutelage was vital in helping a young Magic team reach the playoffs a year ago. However, the young team is a year older with a playoff series under their belt - not to mention the signing of Stan Van Gundy, his experienced coaching staff, and 10-year NBA veteran Adonal Foyle.
Lewis is no stranger to the league either. The nine-year NBA veteran has played in three playoff series advancing to the second round of the Western Conference in 2004-2005. In Hill's five playoff appearances, he has yet to advance past the first round.
When Grant Hill arrived in Orlando, he was a household name and one of the most recognizable figures in sports. He was the son of an NFL star, won a national title at Duke and developed into an All-Star in Detroit. Heck, everyone even knew Hill's carbonated drink of choice from the countless Sprite ads he appeared in over the years.
What does Rashard Lewis drink? Who knows? The last big thing to come out of Seattle was a movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. And in order to notice Rashard's ability, one would have to go "Sleepless" on the East Coast, staying up late in order to watch Sonic games that finish up well after the 11 o'clock news!
Time will see what impact Lewis has on Orlando, but it's certainly an exciting new era in Orlando.
With the NBA season fast approaching, each team begins their training camp in hopes of an NBA Championship. The NBA off-season was anything but dull with most of the bigger free agent signings taking place in the Eastern Conference.The Magic were particularly busy in the off-season, landing the most sought after free agent in Rashard Lewis. The team's greatest off-season addition was countered by perhaps one of the biggest losses in Grant Hill signing with the Phoenix Suns.
The last time Orlando took such a huge jump into the free agent market was in 2000. Hill left the Detroit Pistons and joined Tracy McGrady as a new era of Magic basketball was ushered in.
This time around, the Magic was able to land Lewis as another scoring option and compliment to Dwight Howard. Hill, wanting to play for a team he thought was closer to an NBA crown, decided Phoenix was his best option and headed west.
Did the Magic gain or lose from these two transactions? This question can only be answered after the completion of the 2007-2008 season. However, most believe the Magic gained more than they lost.
In 65 games with the Magic last season, Hill averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. In 60 games with the Sonics, Lewis averaged 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Despite playing in five fewer games, Lewis played in 340 more minutes than Hill.
The Magic ranked toward the bottom last season in three-point attempts. Grant Hill is not a prominent three-point shooter at the two position, which is predominately a shooters position. Lewis is a consistent three-point threat which will spread the floor allowing freedom for Dwight Howard down low and Jameer Nelson to drive the lane.
Coach Van Gundy is pleased at the prospect of Rashard's outside threat culminated with quality of shooters competing for the vacant two guard roll left by Grant Hill.
"We brought in Rashard Lewis who has been a very consistent three-point shooter," stated Van Gundy. "With Grant Hill leaving, you look at all the players who could possibly get minutes at that position, and almost all of them are good three-point shooters."
"I like to spread the floor out because it creates more space for some of our other talented players to work offensively," continued Van Gundy. "It is tough to be a good offensive team this day in age in the NBA if you don't have the threat of an outside shot, and the addition of Rashard helps us out tremendously in that aspect."
As Van Gundy alluded to, they are going to replace Hill by committee, which could include J.J. Redick, Keith Bogans, and Trevor Ariza all getting extra minutes to fill the void. These extra minutes could greatly benefit both Redick and Ariza, two young players looking to establish themselves in the league.
Perhaps the biggest criticism on Hill and Lewis is their past health issues. In his six seasons with the Magic, Hill played more than 30 games in a season only twice. In total, Hill played in only 47 percent of the total regular-season games with the Magic.In his nine seasons with Seatlle, Lewis has played in 85 percent of the total regular-season games.
Age, experience and leadership also factor in, but how much is still to be determined. Hill will turn 35 in October, while Lewis will take the floor on opening night at 28. But will Hill's experience and leadership outweigh Lewis' talent and potential?You can't replace Grant Hill's leadership and basketball IQ. His tutelage was vital in helping a young Magic team reach the playoffs a year ago. However, the young team is a year older with a playoff series under their belt - not to mention the signing of Stan Van Gundy, his experienced coaching staff, and 10-year NBA veteran Adonal Foyle.
Lewis is no stranger to the league either. The nine-year NBA veteran has played in three playoff series advancing to the second round of the Western Conference in 2004-2005. In Hill's five playoff appearances, he has yet to advance past the first round.
When Grant Hill arrived in Orlando, he was a household name and one of the most recognizable figures in sports. He was the son of an NFL star, won a national title at Duke and developed into an All-Star in Detroit. Heck, everyone even knew Hill's carbonated drink of choice from the countless Sprite ads he appeared in over the years.
What does Rashard Lewis drink? Who knows? The last big thing to come out of Seattle was a movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. And in order to notice Rashard's ability, one would have to go "Sleepless" on the East Coast, staying up late in order to watch Sonic games that finish up well after the 11 o'clock news!
Time will see what impact Lewis has on Orlando, but it's certainly an exciting new era in Orlando.
