Who’s Better: Grant Hill or Trevor Ariza?
Grant Hill
We argue. You decide…
GRANT HILL (by Ben York)
At first glance, admittedly (even as a Suns fan), this discussion seems one-sided in favor of the younger, less-broken Trevor Ariza. Looking deeper, however, it becomes clear that Grant Hill currently functions as a more effective player at a more consistent rate than Ariza has.
Obviously, at this point in their careers, the logical choice is to pick Trevor Ariza for the future of a franchise. But if I had to choose which player I’d want on my team for the ’09-10 season alone, I’d rather have the services of Grant Hill. They really are very similar type of players; other than their comparable physical builds, they both play the swing position very well as a guard/forward for their respective teams, have an innate ability to drive the lane, and are solid jump shooters. In addition, they’re both underrated defenders along the perimeter and can get out on the break with ease.
To be fair, Ariza is still developing as a player and has several question marks hanging over his head regarding what he’s capable of. With Grant Hill, we pretty much know what we’ll get out of him night in and night out: 12-15 points, 5-7 rebounds, and 3-4 assists with little to no turnovers. Hill is also extremely adaptable to multiple styles of play; he’s still able to both run the break successfully and can function very well in a more methodical approach. More importantly, he can fill in a lot of gaps on a team in terms of scoring, energy, and his defense. Grant’s not going to get you a ton of points (neither is Ariza) but he’ll get you solid, invaluable production in limited minutes (20-25) every night, in any type of system he’s playing in.
From an athletic standpoint, Ariza has the edge (though it hasn’t always been that way). On the other hand, Grant Hill has found the proverbial fountain of youth in Phoenix under trainer Aaron Nelson and has surprised many people with the way he’s still able to play the game above the rim at 36. Because of this, the difference in sheer athleticism between the two isn’t as far apart as one would be inclined to think.
I certainly believe that Ariza has the potential (and opportunity) to be a great player in this league for a long time. However, I just can’t get past the fact that he averaged merely 8 points a game for the Lakers during the regular season in ‘08/09 and that his fat contract with the Rockets is solely based on his playoff production.
You really can’t go wrong with either player next season, and I’d expect both to have extremely similar numbers in the end. If I’m honest with myself, the only reasons I’d lean towards Ariza are based on pure hypothetical’s such as Hill’s injury plagued career, age catching up to him, or a decreased role in Phoenix’s offense.
Thus, knowing how genuinely good a person Hill is first hand, I’d tend to lean more towards Hill in this battle.
Trevor Ariza
TREVOR ARIZA (by Austin Burton)
Ask Allen Iverson, Gilbert Arenas or Elton Brand — in the NBA, you’re only as good as your last game. Or better yet, your lasting impression.
The last time I saw Grant Hill, he was a senior citizen by League standards, still able to crank out a 20-point game or produce flashes of his former self, still looking for a team on which he’d be the missing ingredient in a championship recipe. The last time I saw Trevor Ariza, he was a key ingredient in a championship recipe (11.3 ppg, 1.6 spg, 47% 3PA in the ’09 playoffs), a budding star surging to get out of his role player’s body.
All due respect to Hill, who was once a deity in the game, a player/personality on track to becoming a Jordan-level international megastar before injuries intervened. But at 36 years old, Hill’s re-signing with the pretend-contender Suns this summer told me something: He’s ready to retire. At a time when most players his age and with his reputation would be chasing a ring, Hill seems content to ride out these last couple years in Phoenix, where an in-progress “transition” effort means nobody is expecting the Suns to challenge for a title.
Ariza, meanwhile, is just getting started. During the Lakers’ 2009 postseason run, Ariza was L.A.’s most opportunistic and one of its most clutch players behind Kobe. Whether it was a dagger three or a crunch-time steal, Ariza consistently made big plays. And while his free agency maybe didn’t go as planned, this new opportunity with Houston allows Ariza to — at least for a year while Yao Ming is out and the Rockets figure out their next moves — show if he’s ready for a bigger role.
While we’re in a new golden era for point guards, the two-guard position is top-heavy, and centers are always in demand, the next “it” position will be the small forward. If teams want to contend with LeBron, Carmelo, Durant, Granger and Rudy Gay over the next decade, they’ll need a star at the three. The position calls for thoroughbreds, which the 24-year-old Ariza is, while Hill is like the old horse in Animal Farm; he can still get the job done here and there, but that glue factory ain’t far off on the horizon. Ariza is ready to run. One of the top perimeter defenders in the League already, his offensive game is developing and his three-point shot is becoming more consistent.
Grant Hill can still produce, but only if he plays within his limitations. With Trevor Ariza, we’re still discovering his limits.
Who do you think is better?
Follow Ben York on Twitter: @bjyork
Follow Austin Burton on Twitter: @AustinatDIMEmag
Follow DIME on Twitter: @DIMEMag
“Who’s better?” archives
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8/21 — Shaquille O’Neal vs. Pau Gasol
8/19 — Andre Iguodala vs. Rudy Gay
8/14 — Ray Allen vs. Michael Redd
8/12 — Steve Nash vs. Jason Kidd
3/3 — David West vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
2/26 — Kevin Durant vs. Danny Granger
2/19 — Paul Millsap vs. David Lee
2/17 — Caron Butler vs. Tayshaun Prince
12/24 — Marcus Camby vs. Andrew Bynum
12/19 — Deron Williams vs. Chauncey Billups
12/17 — Manu Ginobili vs. Tracy McGrady
12/12 — Amare Stoudemire vs. Al Jefferson
12/10 — Dirk Nowitzki vs. Chris Bosh
12/9 — Derrick Rose vs. O.J. Mayo
12/8 — Rasheed Wallace vs. Elton Brand
12/5 — Kevin Martin vs. Vince Carter
12/4 — Brandon Roy vs. Joe Johnson
12/3 — Dwight Howard vs. Yao Ming
12/2 — Paul Pierce vs. Carmelo Anthony
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August 27th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Ashlov says:
Right now, if I was a contending team having to pick between the two, I’d easily go with Grant Hill. You’d be getting more bang for your buck, an extremely seasoned veteran with a reputation for a great locker room presence, and a very skilled player, even at this point of his career.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
POPPI GEE says:
I will vote then go read the arguments and see if my mind is changed. Cause off top.
Grant Hill ALREADY! Only thing Trevor got on ya boy is a ring.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
dre says:
If im a contending team I’d take Ariza, let him lock up the opposing teams star perimeter player, run the break and only hit open threes on offense. He’s a great complimentary defensive player like he was on the Lakers this year.
But if I’m a weaker team that needs more of a presence on the court I’m taking Grant Hill over Ariza. He’s better on offense and can be a leader.
Basically, Ariza needs much better players around him to shine, Hill doesn’t
August 27th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
lakers says:
dont even talk about ariza for that matter ..lakers got artest…..and ariza can go down the drain for 1 year till sofite yao…recovers..have fun ariza…
August 27th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
POPPI GEE says:
Ok I still say Hill. I forgot this was talking about right now so even in that respect I say Hill cause he has shown what he can do in different situations (different teams, with different systems and teammates), but Trevor has had Kobe to draw the defense and then do his thing.
Really after this year would be when the debate would be at it’s best, because Trevor is going to have to get it done for himself more-so than ever.
Still right now on consistency alone. Hill.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
POPPI GEE says:
Props to Austin on the pic to go along with his argument though lol.
Dang Hill lol.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Amar says:
I’m voting for Tamia.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Right now? This season only, no long-term shit (if you are a contending team with a limited window – like San Antonio & Boston) Then I’d go for Grant Hill.
He’s the better scorer, passer, more versatile and more consistent. All Ariza has on Hill right now is a ring and a three-point shot (besides youth, of course).
August 27th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
BRUCE says:
Imagine the possibilities if Grant was never injured!
August 27th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
sh!tfaced says:
LOL. Didn’t notice that pic right away.
Damn. That pic is devastating to the Grant Hill argument.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Drink the Haterade says:
I say trevor, just look at the pic! Trevor has the speed to keep up with elite SF’s of the game and he does shoot the three well. Also, we are talking about right now, Trevor has a ring as a contributing starter on a championship ring, Grant Hill has ZERO RINGS! Trevor may not be the passer or scorer that Grant can be from time to time, but for right now, one player one game its gotta be Trevor, cause OLD MAN Hill might get injured and screw up my whole game plan.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
TJ says:
I vote for Hill.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
dial up says:
Grant hill all day. Even on trevors best day.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Ben York says:
@Austin – just saw that Ariza photo, bro. Coincidence, right?
August 27th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
LB says:
Ariza is a better longball threat and a slightly better defender due to his youth and athleticism. But Hill has the edge in smarts, which allows him to hang with the young’uns. Hill is also a more complete offensive threat, because has proven that he can still weave through and finish in traffic, even though his hops have been greatly diminished. Right now, Ariza can only score off of catch and shoot situations, in transition and off of hustle plays. As a Laker fan, I deeply appreciated Ariza’s energy, hustle and clutch play, but I gotta go with Old Man Hill on this one. Matter of fact, I was hoping the Lakers would sign him, so that he could play an upgraded Ron Harper role.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
cru_thik305 says:
lol i remember that dunk, christmas 3 yrs ago right?
gotta go with hill RIGHT now, because he creates his own shot more than ariza does. then again ariza has a good 3 pt shot while hill is more midrange. you guys should consider putting a poll with all of these comparisons.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Mack Brownee says:
ariza will find it a lot harder playing against kobe than playing w/ kobe
August 27th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
K Dizzle says:
Gotta take G Hill on this one. Like the argument says, with Hill, you pretty much know what you’re gonna get. With Ariza, he blew up durin the playoffs, but he got a pass cuz Kobe and Pau were who the other teams were tryin to shut down. Now, he’s in the limelight with Scola and Brooks so he could be in some trouble. Grant has the added advantage that the Suns grabbed Earl Clark to help with his minutes, he plays with a point who knows where he likes the rock and if Amare comes back healthy, that’s even more of a bonus. Ariza could surprise, but Hill gonna be more solid
August 27th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
the cynic says:
right now, Ariza
career, Hill
August 27th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
e says:
GRANT HILL
August 27th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
F*** ALL LAKER HATERS says:
i would say ariza because of defense and a better shooter cuz on ur team u need a guy that can defend and shoot the ball oh yeah and dunk pretty good. grant hill would probably be better in his prime but i still wish the lakers would have signed ariza even tho artest is a good addition. i bet you ariza will still rockin the kobe 4′s this season
August 27th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
"Tha Boddy" Doin Work says:
Lovin the Animal Farm ref
August 27th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
ponky_alolor says:
i’m going for ariza, although only due to the defensive effort.
tayshaun prince vs. ariza could have been a better debate, both are defensive wings who are complimentary players on their teams.
August 28th, 2009 at 2:28 am
ORSON says:
is this a joke???
August 28th, 2009 at 2:54 am
asmaticasiatic says:
That is an embarassing pic…had to chuckle, happens to everyone right? I would go Ariza, basing on age and his ability to create havoc on defense, fill the lanes on the fast break, and ability to hit open threes…
August 28th, 2009 at 8:07 am
rangerjohn says:
@ #24 i completely agree
August 28th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Jayo says:
Gotta vote for Hill. People tend to over-rate a player due to them showing up big in the playoffs. Ariza playing SLIGHTLY above average in the playoffs should’t erase the fact that he was a BELOW average player during the regular season. Ask Jerome James about that.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Dr.Googles says:
I think this is just a stunt to populate the post forum.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
MSkittle says:
Ariza is better. Much better long range shooter, younger, and more durable.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
MissChick says:
consistent jumpshot for Ariza? He takes set shot 3-pointers and when he takes a jumpshot, it’s shaky at best
August 28th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
BiG ShoT BoB says:
This ones easy in hoops experiece wins everytime most of the time. If you take Hill and put him on that lakers team they still win the chip and may even have won more games.
August 28th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
doc says:
Yall are just starting to disrespect people with this shit.I dont give a fuck what you say AB Grant Hill is on another level than Ariza,who is about to fall into the background like Joe Jackson after Mike cut him off.Whats the over/under on Kobe points the first time they meet?60?G-Hill had definite hall of fame talent he just got hurt.The person to debate against him is Penny.
August 28th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Seven Duece says:
G. Hill all day man. I’ve yet to see Ariza actually consistently create anything for himself or anyone else for even a full quarter. Can you imagine Grant against him in his prime though? lawd…
August 30th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
nano says:
Thanks once again for the great article on Grant Hill, Ben. Right on the money. Keep up the great articles!
August 31st, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Crys says:
Grant Hill, all day. Whether he’s 36 or 26, he’s still got something left. He was the most consistent player for the Suns last season and he played in all 82 games.
September 25th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Kevin K says:
Dime, you serious?? If Grant Hill wasn’t injured, he would be considered one of the best players that ever played. Even at 36, he put up #s . Ariza? he plays behind Kobe, LO, and Gasol. this debate is like who’s better between the Washington Wizard MJ to Jerry Stackhouse. An insult.
October 31st, 2009 at 1:53 am
Jarod Mustof says:
Grant Hill is the Man!!