Measuring Out in Cubits: The George Hill Tribute/Thank You Thread (updated)
by silverandblack_davis on Jun 24, 2011 8:13 AM CDT
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I'm sad that George is leaving. One of the best guys we've had for the past few years, not only basketball-wise but in terms of the San Antonio community and having a great relationship with Spurs fans.
Taking One Last Measurement of Cubits
It took me all of about 30 minutes before the emotional strain of the news on George Hill's trade washed over me like floodwater rushing to clog the streets. George has "only" spent three seasons with the Spurs organization and yet I cannot help but feel as if I'm in one of those sentimental movie portraits where a kid's about to leave on a jet plane, but still manages to share an emotional farewell moment with his parents. However cheesy as it sounds, the feeling might be justified though.
Despite the short stint we've had with Hill, he always had that "little engine that could" stereotype in him the moment his name was called by David Stern, signaling one of the most confounding draft picks of the Duncan-Popovich-Buford era. Without even looking at the running thread back then, I remember people going nuts about the entire thing, and I mean that in a not-so-very-good way.
As much as the Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker brilliant scoop ups were more a combination of deft scouting, incredible foresight and a little bit of luck a few years back, the increasing sophistication of scouting methods these days almost eliminate the advantages the Spurs used to have. That's why when you pick a player who was in nobody's mock draft in the first round (too undersized, played in a weak conference), much less memorize or know the school where he came from, it's almost a certainty that your team's front office is reaching for the stars. In average sports fan speak, you can interpret that as going for the impossible and setting yourself up for disappointment, but if you're a Spurs fan, it's called outsmarting the competition, yet again.
And thus, the backdrop for Hill's magnificent rise from obscure draft pick to future face of the franchise was laid out. The beginnings were just too storybook to believe. The doubters were ready to throw the kid deep -- even threatening to fling him under the concrete where the bus was parked -- and it didn't help that he had the most horrible of summer league debuts (20% field goal shooting, anyone?). He managed to quell the loud noises a bit by contributing immediately, even if in small, timely flashes of skillfulness, in a Spurs season plagued with injuries and quickly spiraling down to nowhere land. Then came Popovich and his "these playoffs are not for George" comment that threatened to have Spurs fans picket outside the AT&T Center. Apparently, in the eyes of people who actually call the shots, Hill can never do right.
Fortunately for him, he went through the entire gamut of a regular season slowly earning the respect of fans with each passing game. Hey, that dude CAN shoot from distance. Wow, he can even create his own shot! That was a pretty finish around the rim. No way he jumped that high and dunked the ball so hard! You know what, it's time to buy a George Hill jersey! These and other compliments trickled in and eventually snowballed not only into a massive, shaking-my-head disappointment in Pop's stubbornness, but also equally important, a newfound fondness for the kid who never complained and never sought to demand a bigger role despite the situation calling for it at that time.
As much as we fans would want to take credit for Pop eventually giving in and playing Hill in the playoffs, it was also as much as George's doing -- sure, those playoffs may not have been for him, but then again, getting drafted into the NBA and being able to contribute was also supposedly not for him. Whether things were suited for him or not, it didn't matter. Hill always found a way to make himself a needed piece of the puzzle.
After having a career sophomore year (ranking high in Most Improved Player voting) and an average but still good junior year where he was a vital piece of a 61-win squad, George continued to follow the script on a success story that Spurs lifers would have been able to recount again and again. Well, until the first round exit happened, and then the 2011 draft. It wasn't something out of left field as we've been fed with trade rumors the days leading up to the draft, but still. I guess you can never really prepare for these things, right?
And so goes Spurs fans' love affair with George Hill. Some casual, detached observers may never understand this, but there is legitimate reason to be extremely saddened by the development. For all the great and not-so-great things he's brought to the San Antonio Spurs community, I will always think he represented one thing best and that is family.
The Spurs organization, as business-minded and win-driven as they are, have often cultivated such a close-knit culture, and this was none more evident than in seeing how Hill interacts with teammates and fans. The willing and sincere participation in community programs. Giving away free tickets. Retweeting even the simplest and most mundane RT requests of fans on Twitter (ex. Can I get an RT? It will REALLY make my day). Playfully trying to convince the great Tim Duncan to enter social networking. Connecting effortlessly with a hard-to-please coach. The antics with running buddy DeJuan Blair. Standing up for the team in the face of a sneering, frustrated Kobe Bryant. Always ready to put the blame on himself for losses rather than on teammates. Even down to the simplest act of greeting the day with optimism (in Cubits speak, "Let's get it!").
As young as he is, George Hill, in Beatles-speak, was always that someone in the team who "wanna hold your hand". That's who he is for this fan, and even when he's an entire conference apart, he, as RC Buford put it, will always be a Spur.
See you on the other side of the fence, Mr. Ooeey Pooey.
Please continue to pool our collective appreciation and love for Cubits, and we'll tweet this thread to him.
Feel free to post any favorite photos, memories, soundbites or other well-wishes for our man from IUPUI.
In the meantime, here's his initial message for Spurs fans:
@George_Hill3 Very emotional moment right now!!! But just want to Thank Everyone for all the Support. SA has been great to me and will never forget it!!
NOTE: This is NOT the place to analyze the trade involving George Hill, we'll have a separate thread for that. Thanks.
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Comments
Thank you for working hard as a Spur. I hope you’ll do well in Indy. Best of luck, George!
(",)
by day_late_friend on Jun 23, 2011 9:13 PM CDT reply actions
Indiana George! We’ll always remember your hard work as a Spur, especially when you helped us torch the Mavs in the ‘09-’10 playoffs.
"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 23, 2011 9:16 PM CDT reply actions
I’ll like Indy a bit more from this day on.
by LatinD on Jun 23, 2011 9:17 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Bye George – we will miss your play and your class
Now we have to be a Pacers fan as well
"Everybody thought he was going to be gone forever, including me, and the foie gras and truffle treatment worked really well." Pop on Tony's Injury 3/4/11
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
I hate hate HATE to see him go. Classy, tough and skilled. He will be missed for sure. Having said that, it’s probably the right move for both the Spurs and George. Hopefully he will get a much more important role with the Pacers and will become one of the best guards in the league. Godspeed Georgeous! I’m sure we’ll al follow your career with great enthusiasm.
"Deep down we all know that swagger comes hand in hand with insecurity. We strut not to convince competitors of our dominance; we strut to convince ourselves."
Matthew Powell
I’ll miss you hill!!!!
Stay Based!!!
by LILBTHEBASEDGOD on Jun 23, 2011 10:00 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
i don’t like that he’s going, but we’d maybe seen the most he was going to be. in that case, maybe its for the best.
bon voyage jessica. we’re gonna miss you. good luck in indiana.
comments may be 1 minute behind reality
FREE TIAGO!
by sleep research facility on Jun 23, 2011 10:01 PM CDT reply actions
I’ll miss your defense and I don’t care who you are attitude.
No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try.
by Spurs Yoda on Jun 23, 2011 10:05 PM CDT reply actions 16 recs
love it
gospursgo. hook 'em. metal rules. ganja rules.
by metalandganja on Jun 23, 2011 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions
This was my facebook profile picture for the whole season. George, we will all miss you!!!!!!!!
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
by Joseph Parkes on Jun 23, 2011 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I have this picture blown up and autographed by Hill. Love it!
No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try.
Dude, that’s awesome.
"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 24, 2011 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions
This is my favorite Hill moment.
"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."
-Timothy Varner 48MoH
by Jordan Leithart on Jun 24, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I have a pic of the moment right after that when Tim came up behind Kobe and is smiling down at Hill on my desktop.
George, that pic stays there cause you’ll always be a Spur to me. Love how you took to the Spur’s way of doing things, maybe because it was already your way.
Love how you made Kobe work, and love how much he hated you treating him like any other player.
Hate this part of the “business”, like when Bowen left, feels like a member of the family is gone. Going to hate it when we play the Pacers, cause you’re going to make us pay!! And it’s only fair.
I’ve thought about getting a life, but I’m afraid it would get in the way of my Spur addiction.
Oh no you didn’t
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
by doubleteapot on Jun 25, 2011 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I has a sad.
"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't"
by ddog28 on Jun 23, 2011 10:16 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Very sorry to see him leave. I really liked his hard working attitude and take on anyone defense. Think the nba is lucky he isn’t a big guy. He was traded for a pretty hefty amount which says the pacers value him as much as us spurs fans.
If you read this George all of us fans thanks you and will miss you! I promise i’ll cheer you when you play here even if it isnt as a spur.
best of luck
every spurs fan worth his nuts (or her ladyballs) should be thanking you for all you have done. sad to see you go. we all know you’ll do well and you have my everlasting respect
by more than a club on Jun 23, 2011 11:06 PM CDT reply actions
Thanks
George you will do fine out there in Indiana and thanks for your hard work and professionalism.
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Jun 23, 2011 11:12 PM CDT reply actions
Thanks for everything George! You will be missed, no matter what I said the last two days. Your professionalism, charitable work, and work ethic are impossible to replace. I hope you get the chance to completely fulfill your potential back in your hometown!
Time to build a new dynasty from the ashes of the old one.
Thanks and best wishes, Georgeous!
When Tim Duncan isn’t on the court, the Spurs lose a bit of their intellect. When Ginobili goes missing, the Spurs lose their heart. - Tim V. 48MoH
by p2cat on Jun 23, 2011 11:41 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Will miss you Georgie. You were a wonderful Spur, but now you get to likely start if you continue to get better with the team focusing around you a little more more. You’ll have a good PG in Collison and the team is up and coming. I’m sad and happy for you at the same time.
They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11
Thank you for all your hard work George. Best of luck on your new gig in Pacerland. Hope they give you a big extension that you deserve. We will miss you not only for your perimeter D and corner 3s but your humble and team first player attitude. Best wishes to your continued success in the NBA
by i luv this site on Jun 24, 2011 12:12 AM CDT reply actions
Thank you George. I’m sure that you are going to become a star in Indiana!!
Indiana is now officially my second team.
Good Luck
"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili
Miss ya already, George.
I’m glad he’s getting the chance to start (presumably). I justwish he was starting for us.
by StarsHallelujah on Jun 24, 2011 12:54 AM CDT reply actions
What? You mean to tell me nobody re-posted this Halloween classic? I believe at the time it was called ‘Cubits Ninja Bot’
"Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it." olf
by lazNirv on Jun 24, 2011 1:50 AM CDT reply actions 6 recs
I believe the night I met that crazy man was when he bought the Hill jersey. He may be certifiable, but he knew before the rest of us what George would become.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
Indeed. That was the night. Indeed. Certifiable.
http://www.spursplanet.com/spurs/an-emotional-night-goodbye-george/
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jun 25, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
George will be a special asset to his hometown of Indianapolis – San Antonio has said goodbye to a very special young man. I am trying to do a photo story from three years of pics, but am having all kinds of problems in getting it to post. I’ll try again later.
"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5
Things I’ll miss: Sean Elliot saying “Ooeepooee.” My favorite player nickname, Cubits. T
The prospect of George poking his finger in Kobe Bryant’s irked face at some point next season.
You’re a stand up guy, George. We love you, and are happy for you going home to play. Best of luck, Cubits.
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
Cubits, Georgeous, Ninja Bot, Ooey Pooey, Sir Hotbod – your numerous nicknames here at PtR show how well loved you are by Spurs fans, George. I’ll miss watching you play in the Black & Silver, but wish you the best of luck in your home state.
I do not want people to be agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them. - Jane Austen
by CapHill on Jun 24, 2011 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
This reminds me of when Malik Rose and Bruce Bowen were traded and to some extent when Antonio Daniels was let go. It’s hard to be a fan sometimes in todays current sports climate. You end up having some emotional connection to players, especially ones that are good guys, and then they either leave or get traded. It’s part of sports and it will be pretty much forever more. Thanks for the memories Jorge! Best of luck to you and yours.
That said, I’m glad Buford and Co. can make the hard decisions. Trading Rose and Bowen helped the team, I hope this does too.
I’ll definitely miss Hill. I’m glad he got to go back home though and I’m also glad I bought a jersey before he left.
"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."
-Timothy Varner 48MoH
by Jordan Leithart on Jun 24, 2011 11:58 AM CDT reply actions
Thanks for this thread Big Broham. I spazzed out last night because GHill got traded Bro’s.
Hopefully Leonard will bring some solid defense y hustle to the 3 spot y Anderson will step up.
Can’t wait to watch Hill in Indiana, Indy might now be my second favorite team, it would be nice to see them improve next season maybe get 48-50 wins win some solid FA signings. Maybe he’ll come back to us next year though ????
Suns Fans check their closets for Manu Ginobili Bro.
i dunno about next year, but if he keeps developing in a few years he could make his way back. The Spurs are absolutely a team that likes to bring people back when they can, especially when they’re as beloved as George Hill.
He’s got a long career ahead, and someday he’ll be looking for a championship and god willing we’ll still be contending and looking for vets
by RamblingSpur on Jun 24, 2011 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Pacers are my East team and second favorite team overall now. Good luck Gerogie.
Tiago Splitter > Matt Bonner
looking on the positive side..
Hill will be able to unleash his full potential..
the kid will be playing in his home town
he will be mentored by larry bird
he will kick the lights our of rose and wade on the east..
he will then kick the lights out of parker when the team meets..
the world will know that he is better player than parker, wade and rose..
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