Jordan Hill spent just over three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers (2012-15). In his first full season, 2012-13, they won 45 games but then over the final two, they won 48 games combined.
Hill has moved on to a brighter situation, out of the Western Conference and with the Pacers, who have been a figure in the East since 2011.
Jordan did not come over in the trade for Roy Hibbert — the Pacers received a future second-round pick — but he decided playing for the Pacers would be best for him, especially on a one-year deal. (The salary cap balloons next summer.)
For one, there is a big opportunity on the frontcourt with Hibbert, David West, and Luis Scola out of the mix. Two, it reunites him with former University of Arizona Wildcats teammate Chase Budinger (2006-09).
Hibbert has tried to shut off outside noise the last few years and in turn, has come off far less popular and appealing. It’s a mental game, it seems, and one he hasn’t been able to shake. A change of pace and new scenery will do Hibbert well, but if he thought Pacers fans and Indy media were harsh, just wait for the L.A. scene — and Kobe.
“He’s tough, he’s demanding, which I understand,” said Hill. “He got championships with the Lakers. He’s very tough. Everybody that goes there, they really can’t have problems dealing with him because it’s what’s gotten him here. Working hard and doing all of that stuff to get better.
“It was really tough for us, especially training camp.”
On Tuesday, with Jordan Hill in town to sign his contract and talk with the media, I had to ask him what kind of situation Hibbert is walking into with Kobe, a five-time NBA Champion, the leader of the locker room (and payroll — $25 million!).
Jordan Hill said he and Kobe built a friendship during his years in L.A.
(Hill took a deep breathe and then laughed.)
“Kobe’s going to talk to you like he want to talk to you,” Hill continued. “He’s going to say what he wants to say, he’s going to do what he wants to do. Being Kobe, what can you say to him? What can you do? He’s Kobe Bryant. That’s what goes through everyone’s mind. He’s yelling, he’s cursing, he’s going crazy but all you are going to do is just listen to him.
“If (Roy) goes out there and gives it his all, him and Kobe will be OK. They’re both All-Stars so they should be OK.”
But Jordan, do you ever get used to it?
“Oh yeah, I got used to it. Me and Kobe got pretty close. I’m not saying like best-friend close, but we’ll chat and we’ll text and we’ll communicate outside of the court.
“When he’s on the floor, all you hear is Kobe’s mouth. When he’s on the floor, all you hear is Kobe’s mouth, like during practice and games. It get loud. It get loud. A lot of people can’t handle that, I guess. For me, I took it as … he wins. He wants to win. He’s one of the greatest, too. He just wants to win so he’s going to whatever he wants to do and whatever it takes to win.”
While it’s not easy to have anyone berate you, it’s understood Kobe does it with one goal in mind: Getting everyone on the same page and on the same mission — to win a title.
“He’s still in the game and still wants to win,” Hill added. “He’s so aggressive, he’s so dedicated to the game.”
Hill played in 178 games with the Lakers, including 57 starts this past season. He averaged 12 points and nearly eight rebounds per game.
“I’m going to miss everybody,” he said. “Even though we didn’t have a great season, everybody still stayed on board and still had fun and still respected each other and made it as best as possible.”