Milwaukee Bucks: 3 initial takeaways from opening media day

3 initial takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks media day: No. 3 – The friendship between Donte DiVincenzo and George Hill

A couple of the bigger storylines heading into the season are the injury status of Donte DiVincenzo, which we received an update on recently, and the return of Geroge Hill, how he’ll fit into the lineup, and what kind of lineup combinations he can unlock.

However, one of the lighter moments came when Hill and DiVincenzo were near the end of their availability and they were asked about being on the same team together once again. Although DiVincenzo initially joked that he was upset when he found out Hill was returning, he let his true feelings be known.

"It’s been great having him back, honestly. For me, I’ve talked about it in countless interviews today, he’s one of the main people in my rookie year who helped me get through a lot. On and off the court, just finding my way in this league and to have him back, it just makes it easier because when I’m going through tough things. I always have someone I can call and say ‘hey, what did you do when you were in this position or what do I do here.’ And then if you take that aspect out it, playing basketball with him is just fun."

As you would expect, Hill felt the same way about his younger teammate.

"I love this kid. Even when I wasn’t here, us just talking to each other once a week or twice a week on the phone just having fun. Not even really about basketball, we would call each other just to see how each other is doing, what’s our mental space. We’ve created that bond and this was one of the first guys I called, before anyone else on this team, that I was coming back."

Hill went on to say that he’s excited to be back, but it’s really nice to see that he has maintained so many relationships with his then-former-now-current teammates even after he was traded last offseason. Many fans are excited to have Hill back but it seems like his teammates and coaches are just as excited to have the 35-year-old back in the fold.

It’s easy to get caught up in the Xs and Os, the numbers, or the wins and losses but forget that these guys are people and they develop real friendships with each other. It’s good to see Hill back for a multitude of on-court reasons, but his presence in the locker room with guys he knows very well already is going to be very important as well.

Hill is definitely going to be a key part of Budenholzer’s rotation this season, especially after the struggles the Bucks went through in the playoffs with their backup point guard role.