BY THE NUMBERS:
7 – Lakers in the past 20 years to post a game of 18 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks, as Hill did at Sacramento on April 2.
10.1 – Rebounds per game in April, thanks in part to Hill’s increased minutes with Pau Gasol (vertigo) and Chris Kaman (calf) sidelined for the final eight games.
15 – Double–doubles, the most Hill’s had in any season during his five–year career thanks to a career-high in minutes (20.8).
SEASON SUMMARY:
Jordan Hill showed flashes of real success in 2013-14, but struggled to maintain the kind of consistency the Lakers needed in such an injury-plagued campaign. He appeared in 72 games, more than all but Wesley Johnson (79) and Jodie Meeks (77), starting 32 times towards averages of 9.7 points and 7.4 boards on 54.9 percent shooting in 20.8 minutes. He had an impressive stretch in November lasting six games, but appeared to tire as a result, quickly seeing his playing time and production decrease. His play was inconsistent across the next three months, but picked up in late March and April due in part to injuries to both Pau Gasol and Chris Kaman. Hill averaged 16.6 points and 10.1 boards in April, amassing double-doubles in five of the final eight games. Rightly known as a battler on the glass, Hill was often out of position on both sides of the court, too often setting up in rebounding position. His per 36 numbers are impressive – 16.7 points, 12.8 boards, 1.5 blocks – but he wasn’t able to sustain such extended playing time. Yet Hill is certainly productive enough to be a contributor to an NBA team, and will have options as a free agent.
IN HIS WORDS:
“I think I could be a good power forward, but I know I can play any position. You put me out there and I’ll get something done. Playing 25-27 minutes a game don’t sound so bad. I really showed I can produce when given those types of minutes.”
