Shortly after newcomer Ed Davis was introduced in a press conference at the Lakers practice facility on Wednesday, the team made the re-signing of Jordan Hill official.
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GM Mitch Kupchak talked about re-signing Hill and what the veteran forward/center brings to the Lakers roster, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Kupchak on JHill: “Jordan’s frontcourt versatility is a benefit to our roster & his on-court work ethic is something we value on our team."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 23, 2014
Last season, Hill didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye with head coach Mike D’Antoni. Even though Hill averaged 20.8 minutes per game, the veteran big man never knew if he was going to play, come off the bench, or sit out on a nightly basis.
With a new head coach set to come in, all signs point to Hill becoming the starting center to start the 2014-15 NBA season. As Kupchak suggests, Hill’s versatility has made him that much more valuable to the Lakers and as a result the 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal worth $18 million.
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In 72 games with the Lakers last season, Hill averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 54.9 percent from the floor.
Along with bringing back Hill for two more seasons, the Lakers also re-signed Nick Young, Xavier Henry, Ryan Kelly and Wesley Johnson. Kobe Bryant re-signed with the team back in November of last year on a lucrative two-year deal. Steve Nash and Robert Sacre will also return for at least one more year.
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Lakers Nation Extra: Jordan Hill DOING…What He Does (FUNNY)