Hill's Decision Makes Little Basketball Sense

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

July 2000

Grant Hill has decided to leave the Detroit Pistons and sign with the Orlando Magic. Though Hill has every right to do what he believes is best for him, heading to Orlando makes very little basketball sense. Unfortunately, Grant will probably never divulge the real reason(s) he decided to leave Detroit.

First things first, if Tim Duncan had decided to sign with Orlando instead of staying with the San Antonio Spurs, Hill's decision to go to the Magic would have made all the sense in the world. Hill and Duncan could have become a natural rival to the Shaq and Kobe. In fact, even though I'm a die hard Pistons' fan, I (along with NBC executives, I'm sure) would have offered to help Grant pack his bags for the move to Disney World. Since Grant and Tim share the same lawyer, you would assume Grant had some type of inside information about which team Tim was leaning to sign. But strangely enough, Grant announced his decision to join the Magic before Tim had made up his mind where he would play this coming season. Therefore, a lot of people thought Tim would soon announce he would be joining the Magic, too. But, when Tim said he was staying in the Alamo City, red flags were raised around the NBA.

Hill and, his soon to be teammate, Tracy McGrady joining Orlando don't make the Magic instant contenders in the Eastern Conference. Hill and Jerry Stackhouse teamed up and led the Pistons to a 42 - 40 record last season; and, I doubt that Orlando will be that much better this season with the "two Scotties" as McGrady describes he and Hill.

So, Grant, why leave Detroit? It isn't about the money. You could have earned more money ($47M) over the length of a 7 year contract than the 6 year deal you agreed to from Orlando. You could still leave Detroit and collect the money if you agreed to a sign and trade deal. If you agreed to a sign and trade, you'd get your money; your wish to play for a new team; and the Pistons would receive some compensation in return.

Was William Davidson's(Pistons' owner) snub of your wife, Tamia, the final straw for you to leave Detroit?

Did Mr. Davidson's shutting the proverbial door on Pistons' legend Isiah Thomas convince you you had no future with the organization?

Did Tamia and / or your parents convince you to leave Detroit?

Or flatly, had you grown tired of the mediocrity within the Pistons' organization?

Grant, what was the reason you left? Whatever the reason you should at least meet Joe Dumars (new Pistons' Vice President of Basketball Operations), your friend and teammate, face to face and let him know.

The team named George Irvine (which you wanted) coach as well as promoted Dumars to VP. Detroit even drafted a point guard (Michigan State's Mateen Cleaves) with their first round pick to lighten your burden on offense. Obviously, those moves weren't enough to convince you to at least sign a 1 year contract and give the Pistons and Dumars a chance to turn things around.

Good luck in Orlando, Grant. I don't bear any bitterness toward you for making your decision. I just don't understand your move from one non championship team to another.