Milwaukee Bucks: 4 players stepping up in the face of injury

BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 1 - George Hill #3, Pat Connaughton #24, and Bonzie Colson #50 of the Milwaukee Bucks arrive at the arena before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 1, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 1 - George Hill #3, Pat Connaughton #24, and Bonzie Colson #50 of the Milwaukee Bucks arrive at the arena before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 1, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 26: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 26: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

George Hill

Picked up via trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers near the beginning of December, veteran point guard George Hill instantly helped to solidify the Bucks’ stout defensive bench unit.

But since returning from his groin injury midway through March, we’ve seen Hill take on a more aggressive approach on the offensive end, especially in light of Brogdon’s injury. The result of Hill fleshing out his dribble drive game and proficiency operating out of pick and rolls has made him a much more productive, efficient offensive player for extended stretches since donning a Bucks uniform.

The 32-year-old is averaging 8.6 points on 50 percent shooting from the field (on 6.7 field goal attempts per game) in the nine appearances he’s made since returning from injury back on March 15. Hill has even set new scoring highs, including matching his season-high of 22 points in the Bucks’ win over the Nets earlier in the week.

The all around value that Hill brings to the Bucks in his role off the bench has certainly stabilized the team in light of this injury-riddled stretch. Case in point, Hill holds the third-highest net rating at +14.8 points of Bucks players who have seen regular minutes since he returned back from his adductor injury.

It’s certainly taken some time to see the variety of his capabilities on both ends of the floor, but Hill’s encouraging run of form should be a source of comfort for all Bucks fans at this point in the year.