<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">A free agent after the 1999-2000 season, Hill decided to leave for Orlando, forcing new team president and former teammate Joe Dumars to work out a sign-and-trade with the Magic. "The way I left probably wasn't handled the best on my part," Hill said. "You have to give Joe and his staff all the credit for the way they turned it into a positive." In exchange for Hill, the Pistons got Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins. Wallace blossomed into an All-Star and became Detroit's most popular athlete, while Atkins was a key part of last season's Rasheed Wallace trade. Dumars believes the fans will welcome Hill back with open arms. "Grant Hill was a special player here in Detroit and I'm sure our fans are going to give him a great reception," Dumars said. "I'm happy to see him back because he represents the very best in sports." </div> Link Should certainly be interesting to see Grant back at the palace after all these years. I hope the crowd give him a standing ovation.
Let's just hope that no beer is thrown on him being in Detroit and all. Really though Grant gave his all to Detroit and he had some amazing years there. He deserves a standing O.
i was always a bit spiteful of Hill after he left Detroit. i (now ashamedly) was glad that he was struggling in Orlando while we got Ben Wallace. someone once asked if i thought Hill's number should be retired in Detroit (if he retired early)...and i answered with an emphatic "hell no!". if he didn't want to be part of Detroit, why honor him here? well, time does heal wounds and now, i have changed my opinion of Hill. i'm still not in favor of having his number retired here, but i no longer feel spiteful towards him. in fact, i've gained respect for him over the years. how many "superstar/nice guys" in the NBA have turned out to be duds? (Kobe with his rape trials, Vince/T-mac with their questioned effort, Jason Kidd with his case of domestic violence, etc, etc). i always say that time is the thing that reveals us for who we really are. people can only put up false facades for so long. Hill's "nice guy image" seems to be geniune after all these years. it's sad that his on-the-court career won't be held as high some other guys in the NBA, who never made it a priority to strive for class. i hope Hill gets a nice applause. actually, i hope he gets a standing ovation. there are plenty of guys in the NBA who can score, but not nearly as many "nice-guys". i'm happy whenever i see Hill have a good game, and i hope he finishes his career on a good note. of course that all changes if we meet in the playoffs then i hope Tayshaun shuts him down
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Many debated whether Hill would be cheered or booed in his first game on the road against the Pistons since he departed following the 1999-2000 season.He was the first Magic starter introduced and was given a rousing, standing ovation, with just a small smattering of boos. "I was shocked," Hill said. After raising his hand, Hill said he motioned toward the public-address announcer to move on. "I was clapping as hard as anybody," Billups said. "It's great to see him back healthy and playing again. It's good for the whole league."</div> Link
