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| Grant Hill (basketball) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Grant Hill |
| Caption | Hill in 2009 |
| Birth date | 5 October 1972 |
| Birth place | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in |
| Weight | 225 lb |
| College | Duke University (1990–1994) |
| Draft | 1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall |
| Draft team | Detroit Pistons |
| Career start | 1994 |
| Career end | 2013 |
| Positions | Small forward / Shooting guard |
| Number | 33, 21 |
| Teams | Detroit Pistons (1994–2000); Orlando Magic (2000–2007); Phoenix Suns (2007–2012); Los Angeles Clippers (2012–2013) |
Grant Hill (basketball) is an American former professional basketball player, sports executive, and broadcaster. A six-time NBA All-Star and member of multiple collegiate and professional teams, Hill was a consensus All-American at Duke University and became one of the most versatile forwards of his generation. His career spanned the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers, and he later served in executive roles with the Phoenix Suns organization.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Hill was raised in a family with ties to athletics and medicine. His father, a physician who had attended Wichita State University, and his mother, who pursued higher education at Texas Southern University, influenced his early development. Hill attended South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia, then transferred to Potomac School and finally to DeMatha Catholic High School, where he played under coach Morgan Wootten. At DeMatha Hill competed against programs such as Oak Hill Academy and teammates from schools like St. John's, attracting attention from recruiters at Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Kentucky, University of Kansas, and Georgetown University.
Hill enrolled at Duke University and played under coach Mike Krzyzewski from 1990 to 1994. As a member of the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball program he linked with teammates including Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Thomas Hill, and Tariq Abdul-Wahad. Hill helped Duke win consecutive NCAA Tournament championships in 1991 and 1992 and reached further Final Four appearances alongside competitors such as Michigan and Indiana. He earned accolades including consensus All-American honors and was recognized by bodies such as the Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association.
Drafted third overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1994 NBA draft, Hill quickly became a cornerstone of a Pistons squad alongside players like Joe Dumars, Bison Dele, Terry Mills, and later Ben Wallace. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and earned multiple NBA All-Star Game selections. In 2000 Hill was traded to the Orlando Magic where he formed a duo with Tracy McGrady and teamed with executives from franchises like the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers in league transactions. Hill's tenure in Orlando was marred by injuries, notably an infected ankle injury and complications from surgery that involved specialists from institutions such as Cleveland Clinic and consultation with physicians who had worked with players like Yao Ming. Despite setbacks he returned to form and later signed with the Phoenix Suns, joining a roster featuring Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion and playing in offensive systems influenced by coach Mike D'Antoni. He finished his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, contributing veteran leadership on teams that included Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
Hill represented the United States men's national basketball team at events including the 1990 FIBA World Championship at youth levels and the 1996 Summer Olympics cycle considerations. He played in USA Basketball programs and competed against international teams such as Yugoslavia national basketball team and Argentina national basketball team in exhibition and tournament play. His international experience intersected with contemporaries from Spain national basketball team and Russia national basketball team rosters that shaped global competition through the 1990s and 2000s.
Known for versatility, Hill combined the size of forwards like Scottie Pippen and the ballhandling of guards such as Isiah Thomas. He could defend multiple positions against players like Reggie Miller, Allen Iverson, and Kobe Bryant, while facilitating offense similar to playmakers Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Hill's all-around game—scoring, rebounding, playmaking, perimeter shooting, and defense—earned comparisons to Grant Long and influenced later wing players including LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George. Off the court his comeback from injuries informed medical and rehabilitation approaches used by teams including the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.
Hill married television reporter Tamia and the couple maintained residences in cities such as Orlando, Florida, Phoenix, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California. Hill pursued interests in business and media, working as an executive and broadcaster with organizations including ABC and ESPN. He has served on boards and partnered with institutions like Duke University and philanthropic groups connected to Make-A-Wish Foundation and healthcare initiatives. Family connections include relationships with collegiate and professional athletes, physicians, and entertainers such as Showtime collaborators.
Hill's honors include multiple NBA All-Star Game selections, All-NBA Team nods, and collegiate awards such as NCAA Men's Basketball Championship titles and ACC recognition. He was inducted into halls and received lifetime achievement acknowledgments from institutions like Duke University alumni organizations and civic groups in Orlando and Detroit. His legacy is reflected in lists maintained by entities such as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame constituencies and basketball historians.
Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:African-American basketball players Category:American men's basketball players Category:Duke Blue Devils men's basketball players Category:Detroit Pistons players Category:Orlando Magic players Category:Phoenix Suns players Category:Los Angeles Clippers players