Jordan Hill may be earining himself a big contract

Jordan Hill was a lottery pick back in 2009 for the Knicks, and he has bounced around between 3 teams since then. He feuded with Mike D’Antoni in New York, didn’t see the floor in Houston, and was a throw-in for the Derrick Fisher trade. Now, he’s finally making a strong impact.

Hill got some playing time under Mike Brown in the playoffs, and he showed that he could be a hustle guy off the bench. He signed a 3 year deal worth 9 million dollars, and it will expire at the end of this season. With Dwight Howard gone, Kobe Bryant hurt, and a team filled with one year deals, Hill is getting his opportunity, and he’s making it count. Hill has started the last 4 games, and has put up 18.75 points and 12.25 rebounds in those starts. He can fit as a small ball center, or as a guy who cleans up the weak side as a power forward. He has played nice defense, and it looks like he may be earning himself a contract.

Hill is averaging 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists overall this season, which are all career highs. He is still a great rebounder, grabbing 22% of all rebounds when he’s on the floor. He also is averaging 3 offensive rebounds for the Lakers, which means extra possessions for a team that can score with the best of them. Whether he will earn that contract in Los Angeles is yet to be seen, but signing Hill for 9 or 10 million dollars per year could be smart for them. They could team them up with LaMarcus Aldridge, or Kevin Love if they decide to sign there.

Hill and the Lakers are better than most expected, and he is shining with starter’s minutes. Hill could be a rich man this coming July.