After a quick search to begin free agency, the Milwaukee Bucks have found their new backup point guard for next season.
First reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Bucks will be signing George Hill once he clears waivers after being released by the Philadelphia 76ers. Adding a backup floor general was high up on Milwaukee’s to-do list following their title-winning season, and they will soon be able to check that one off the list once this signing becomes official.
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Hill has bounced around the league during his 13 years in the association, playing for eight teams thus far. Yet, despite that lack of stability, the one constant is that he has always been a solid contributor wherever he goes.
The Bucks will be banking on the thought that Hill can keep that idea consistent and give them quality minutes off the bench next season. With that being said, here are three reasons why Hill should carve out a role rather quickly in Milwaukee.
George Hill’s affordability made him an ideal target for the Milwaukee Bucks
Needing to add a backup point guard this offseason, the Bucks found themselves in a predicament due to their lack of spending money. Although the market was set to be loaded with talent at the position, they would not be able to afford many of the more high-profile backups that were set to be available.
Indeed, several high-end sixth men received hefty checks this offseason, headlined by former league MVP, who Derrick Rose inked a three-year deal worth $43 million, T.J. McConnell signed for four years and $35.2 million, and Cameron Payne signed the dotted line on a three-year extension worth $19 million. All three of those were far beyond what Milwaukee could have hypothetically offered, putting them in a bind to fill the position as potential targets started dropping like flies.
Just when it seemed like most of the guards had been taken off the market, the surprising news that George Hill would be signing after clearing waivers came in. Even better, it seems likely that it would be on a one-year deal that will likely come as the veteran’s minimum. Although the Bucks are yet to spend any of their $5.9 million Taxpayer MLE on any free agents, utilizing yet another minimum deal on Hill was a great move. All in all, the Bucks filled a position of need on a deal that is in all likelihood very team-friendly.
George Hill’s familiarity made him an ideal target for the Milwaukee Bucks
Of course, Hill has familiarity with the Bucks as he spent a season and a half playing with the franchise between 2018-20.
The guard knows what it is like to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Donte DiVincenzo, among others. In fact, he even played with the newly signed Rodney Hood as the pair spent time together on the Cleveland Cavaliers several seasons ago. Having that previous familiarity with these individuals should immediately help with the team chemistry. While this roster is quite different from when Hill left last time, and it will not be as simple as merely plugging him in, it should help.
He also knows what it is like to play under head coach Mike Budenholzer. Understanding what Bud likes to do both offensively and defensively, aside from a few possible tweaks, Hill’s previous time spent playing under the two-time Coach of the Year should help him get back up to speed with how they like to operate rather quickly. He will immediately reclaim his spot as the team’s backup floor general, practically like he never left.
The biggest difference this time around for Hill will be the guard playing ahead of him in the rotation, that being Jrue Holiday. Hill will not see many minutes on the floor alongside Holiday, instead likely taking his place when the starter needs a breather. Given Hill’s previous ties with several members of this roster, he should help keep the ship running smoothly.
George Hill’s productivity made him an ideal target for the Milwaukee Bucks
While his affordability and familiarity will be great for the Bucks, Hill’s productivity will hopefully be what stands out the most.
Over the past two seasons, Hill has averaged 9.2 points while shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from 3-point territory. While he might average the most eye-popping numbers in the scoring column, Hill’s efficiency is insanely good. That is clearly depicted by his numbers, and the Bucks will benefit mightily with the spark he will provide off the bench offensively. His 3-point shooting will be the biggest example of this as the guard led the league in percentage from behind the arc during his last outing with the team by shooting 46 percent.
To put it bluntly, Hill will be a better option to run Milwaukee’s second unit over D.J. Augustin or Jeff Teague, who both played the position for them last season. The guard can score, make plays, and even play better defense than those two, giving the Bucks a much-needed upgrade at the position after it was constantly a glaring issue last year. Seeing them add that improvement on a minimum deal makes it only sweeter. When Holiday needs to sit, the Bucks now have a reliable option that can immediately spell the former All-Star.
All in all, the George Hill signing should quickly pay dividends for the Bucks. This will be far more than just a sentimental reunion as the Bucks will be looking to defend their title next season, and Hill will be a key part of any success that they see. A one-two punch of Holiday and Hill at the point guard position sounds like it has major upside, and only time will tell how the pairing pans out this coming season.
For now, welcome back to Milwaukee, George.