2. Jordan Hill (Los Angeles Lakers)
Lakers center Jordan Hill is having his best season as a pro, averaging 12.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, while also shooting .760 from the free throw line – all career-highs.
Granted, he is making those numbers on a dreadful Lakers team, but he has been L.A.’s most consistent performer this season. He is currently sidelined with a hip flexor and will not return to action until after the All-Star break.
At 6’10,” Hill is slightly undersized at the center position, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in hustle. The Lakers rarely run plays for or through him, so he picks up most of his points on tips, dunks and offensive put-backs. The five-year veteran out of Arizona also has a deceptively accurate and effective jump shot from 15-feet and in.
Hill signed a two-year, $18-million dollar contract last summer, but the Lakers hold the team option for his second year, which means a team like the Heat can take a gamble on Hill for the stretch run and let him walk after the season if things don’t work out.
The Heat have a fairly strong front court with Chris Bosh, Chris Andersen and Hassan Whiteside. But all three players have missed significant time due to injuries this season, and Hill could step in should one of them go down again.
Hill could also be an attractive target for playoff-bound teams in both conferences who are looking to shore up their front lines and acquire the hardworking and under-appreciated Hill as an insurance policy in case a regular contributor is forced to miss time for any reason.
Next: Reggie Jackson (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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