INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Indiana Pacers small forward Solomon Hill has really made the organization happy so far this off-season. Not only has he been working hard to improve his skills, he voluntarily decided to participate with the team in the Orlando Summer League. This is not only great for Solomon Hill to see how his newly acquired skills translate to game situations, it is great for the Pacers organization to see that as well.
Solomon Hill appeared in all 82 of the Pacers' games last season, and he also started 79 of those games. Hill led the Pacers in minutes this past season too; it is strange to see a player that played so much participate in the Orlando Summer League. That is what seperates Solomon Hill from other young players, that he utilizes every chance that he gets to get better. It is especially strange considering that Solomon Hill is entering his 3rd-season.
Dan Burke shares the same opinion with Solomon Hill regarding the value of playing with the Pacers in the Summer League. Burke also stated that it was completely Solomon Hill's decision to play in the Summer League this year. It is nice to see a player motivated to get better, especially considering that the Pacers' future relies on Hill's development. The wonderful part about participating in the Summer League for Hill is that the Pacers' coaching staff and management will be able to witness his progress in a game setting, Hill understands that. He is hoping that he will be able to prove his worth to earn a large role on the team for next season.
Here is what Dan Burke told the Pacers' official website regarding the value of Solomon Hill playing in Orlando:
"It was totally up to Solo. I think Solo's been working hard the last two months," Burke said. "And I think coming into Summer League, not only do you get a good run in, but (you can) see where you're at on your development."
Dan Burke talked more specifically about what he saw in Solomon Hill's skills that looked improved, courtesy of the Pacers' official website:
"Mainly in his shooting. Like pin-down shooting, he's elevating off the ground, he's coming off those screens hard and low. So someone's been with him just telling him to repeat that, repeat that. He's a little more decisive (with) his 3-point shot. It's square, it's the same release every time. So those are positive signs that he's getting a lot of repetition in the gym."
Solomon Hill told the Pacers' official website why it is so valuable to participate in the Summer League, he mainly pointed to simply getting valuable time with the organization:
"Anytime I can be around the organization when we have scheduled workouts like this, it's a thing I want to get back to," Hill said. "I'm still young. You've got to think, last year was like my rookie year. My first year (I was) basically in a suit most of the year. So I'm basically going into my second year playing."
Solomon Hill not only wants to play in the Summer League, but according to the Pacers' website, he wants to help Myles Turner:
"Myles is 19 years old, so he's not going to get everything right away," Hill said. "My job is to make it easy for him."
Dan Burke stated that just because Solomon Hill led the team in minutes last season, doesn't mean that he will automatically get minutes this season:
"It'd be a great mistake by him if he came in thinking, 'Well I was a starter. I've arrived in this league. I think he's got to prove, 'I need to be in there the last five minutes of close games. Trust my defense, trust my offense. Bring a nasty disposition,' Burke said. "I think Solo's got a good approach so far and the right demeanor that he could fill some of that nastiness that we need."
Solomon Hill is displaying a rare leadership ability for being only a third year player. With the team's proclaimed 'heart-and-soul' and 'biggest locker room leader' leaving the team (David West), Solomon Hill could really look to fill the void of the Pacers' leader. On a team with players like Paul George and George Hill, Solomon Hill might not be the best player, but he certainly can help lead the team.
The Pacers will need Solomon Hill's player development more than ever. With David West leaving in free agency to chase a championship and with little free agency options for fitting power forwards, it appears that Paul George will have to play a lot more power forward than originally thought to be. With that being said, Solomon Hill will be leaned on next season for production at small forward. In fact, Paul George might have to start at power forward if Indiana can't acquire one in free agency.
Paul George is more than capable of playing and thriving at the modern power forward position in a fast-paced offense, that's not the concern, the concern would be how the the rest of the lineup would look. That is why Solomon Hill's development is so crucial, because he could very well be the Pacers' best all around option at small foward. But if Hill isn't a good option at small forward, the Pacers will have to hope that C.J. Miles can man that role.
C.J. Miles would be capable of playing small forward against smaller teams, but he is best defensively at shooting guard. The size of small forwards would be a challenge for Miles, especially against small forwards like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony. That is why Solomon Hill has to be the answer at small forward, Indiana can't afford to bring in anybody else.
Solomon Hill may not be playing against players of elite caliber in Orlando, but he will be able to at least show what he has been working on both offensively and defensively. It is important to note that he is only scheduled to play the first and third games of the Pacers' Summer League schedule, but he is open to playing in the other games if the coaches want him to. So there will be at least two oppurtunities to see Hill's progress.
Solomon Hill really hasn't had an oppurtunity with the Pacers organization where he is the best player on a team. It will be a good test for Hill, it will give the fans and the organization a chance to see how he reacts to being a key member of a team. Based off of comments from the organization, it appears that Solomon Hill is now ready for that oppurtunity. Now it is just up to Hill to show his coaches, fans, and teammates that he is truly ready for a larger role with the team.
Check back in at VAVEL USA to see an analysis article on what Solomon Hill needs to improve on during this off-season.