First Thoughts: Pacers select Solomon Hill
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Correspondent
PLAYER: Solomon Hill
SCHOOL: Arizona
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-7
WEIGHT: 220 pounds
What happened: The Pacers stayed put and drafted a seasoned college player who projects as a small forward in the NBA. Hill, who averaged 13.4 points per game as a senior for the Wildcats, scored 13 points and had 10 rebounds in the NCAA tournament against Harvard. He can score from the outside, whether it’s by using his size, strength and athleticism or knocking down the 3-point jumper as well (.390 percent last season, .389 as a junior).
How he fits: Hill may challenge for minutes at the backup small forward position. But more likely, he will be the Pacers’ 11th man off the bench, an extra body to give depth and provide versaility should the team decide to go to a small lineup to match up with a skilled opponent like the Heat. Hill is not a skilled enough rebounder to play power forward on a consistent basis. The Pacers don’t have many players who can knock down 3-point shots at a high rate — but Hill might bring that dimension.
Possible impact: Hill will be in the mix for a spot in the Pacers’ rotation. His ballhandling is reportedly suspect, so he’s going to have to work on pick-and-rolls and passing in order to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Most drafniks viewed Hill as a second-round talent.
