A free agent in the summer of 2017, George Hill inked a three-year, $57MM deal with the Kings, the largest contract of his NBA career. However, Hill and the Kings have been a mismatch so far, resulting in a frustrating season for the veteran point guard, as Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee details.
“Very frustrating,” Hill said. “I’ve never been through anything like this, not ever. It’s not what I expected, a little more difficult than I anticipated. I think as a team we all get along. We like being around each other, like doing things together. But we’re still trying to learn each other, and it’s a different style of play. I’ve just got to figure things out.”
Brought in as a veteran mentor for Sacramento’s rookie point guards De’Aaron Fox and Frank Mason, Hill has struggled with his role and has seen his production drop off precipitously. After averaging a career-high 16.9 PPG in Utah last season, Hill is scoring just 10.1 PPG this season, along with a modest 2.7 APG.
With Hill set to earn $20MM this season and $19MM next year, his contract won’t be an easy one to move before next month’s trade deadline. Still, the 31-year-old – aware that his stint in Sacramento isn’t playing out like he or the team had hoped – sounds prepared to move on if the Kings go in that direction.
“One thing I’ve learned is that you have to keep your bags packed,” Hill said. “You never know. If it happens, it happens. But I’ve made great relationships in this locker room and with this club. If I leave, I’ll look them in the face, shake their hand and thank them for the opportunity.”