Suns sign Hill in quest for first championship
(Reuters)Updated: 2007-07-12 08:46
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns' bid to capture their first NBA championship got a boost on Wednesday when they signed seven times All-Star Grant Hill.
 Grant Hill, left, talks with Phoenix Suns head coach Mike D'Antoni prior to the Suns introducing Hill as their newest memeber during a press conference Wednesday, July 11, 2007 in Phoenix. Hill agreed to a two-year deal worth about US$1.8 million for the first year, with a second-year player option for about US$2 million. [AP] |
Hill, 34, signed a two-year deal worth $1.8 million in the first year and about $2 million in the second, local media reported.
The 12-year NBA forward has a 20-point career average in six seasons with the Detroit Pistons and six with the Orlando Magic. He averaged 14.4 points for the Magic in 65 games last season.
Hill has had an injury-plagued career with five operations on his left ankle and one for a hernia during his time in Orlando but remains one of the most explosive players in the game.
The Suns were 61-21 last season but lost in the Western Conference semi-finals to eventual champions San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons re-signed twice All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups.
"I've said all along it was our first priority," Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars said on the team's Web site (www.detroitpistons.com).
"It was important to bring Chauncey back because he had been a stabilizing force for us at probably the most important position on a basketball team."
The 30-year-old was named second team All-NBA in 2006 and third team in 2007 when he averaged 17 points and 7.2 assists.
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