NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Jordan Hill Rediscovers Mojo In Los Angeles Lakers’ Victory

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By @JosephMCrevier

Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew D. Bernstein-Getty Images

Jordan Hill was universally expected to emerge as a featured piece in Byron Scott‘s rotation coming off a career year last season. Hill earned himself a $9 million salary last summer and has remained the permanent starting center in Scott’s constantly fluctuating rotation.

Hill hit the ground running to begin the 2014-15 season, recording a double-double in 10 of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ first 20 games. However, since December, Hill’s game has drastically declined coinciding with the date he became eligible for trade.

Energy defined Hill’s rise to stardom in Los Angeles, as he fell out of favor early on in his career. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Hill struggled to establish himself on either side of the court. He was extremely unpolished in the post but had a knack for crashing the boards. Only he would not receive the opportunity to showcase this ability until he was traded to the Lakers in 2012.

Hill appeared in a mere seven regular season games for Los Angeles in 2012, but one game in particular began his lengthy tenure in purple and gold. It was a late-April game against a likely playoff opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then-head coach Mike Brown became fed up with Andrew Bynum‘s lack of effort, so he finally gave Hill the nod for some energy. Let’s just say he delivered. He concluded the game with 14 points and 15 rebounds, playing a vital role into the Lakers’ 20-point comeback.

Following up a solid finish to the regular season, Hill performed well enough to secure himself his a new contract after the season. The next year, Hill injured his hip, forcing him to miss the majority of the season. Back healthy in 2013, he elevated his game to a totally new level. In 20.8 minutes, he averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game serving as the catalyst to an electric second unit. Head coach Mike D’Antoni refused to acknowledge Hill’s contributions as the two had issues dating back to their days with the New York Knicks.

Returning in 2014, Hill assumed more responsibility with the salary raise, causing him to shy away from what truly transformed him into a valuable asset: rebounding and energy. Far too often, Hill drifts into mid-range awaiting a pass from his teammates. Thus, he is rarely in the proper position to grab the offensive rebound, where the majority of his points are converted.

Effort has also been an issue for the big-man. He tends to lose interest as the game progresses, an issue Scott has publicly addressed on numerous occasions.

On Thursday night, though, the Jordan Hill fans grew to love returned as he recorded 26 points, primarily in the paint, while securing 12 rebounds against the Chicago Bulls. More importantly, he made several outstanding plays down the stretch, forcing the game into second overtime with a tough jump shot. Considering the Lakers’ insistence on moving Hill prior to the Mar. 1 trade deadline, this specific game will undoubtedly cause his stock to skyrocket.

Joseph Crevier covers the New York Knicks for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, @JosephMCrevier, and Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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