Solomon Hill Needs More Time Before Starting

Oct 10, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill (44) has the ball and is guarded by Orlando Magic guard Ben Gordon (7) in the second quarter of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers by the score of 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers experimented with Solomon Hill starting at the small forward spot against the Philadelphia 76ers in the season opener, and it simply didn’t work out very well. He looked very nervous on the court, and didn’t make good decisions when the basketball was in his hands. It also appeared that he couldn’t keep a hold of the basketball when he was dribbling, and played a sloppy all-around game when the ball was in his hands.

Hill still hasn’t learned how to shoot the ball, and didn’t play amazing defense either. He has a place in the rotation, but it certainly isn’t in the starting lineup at this point in his career.

There is no question that he has the potential to play above average defense once he gets more experience, but he’ll need to work hard and make those improvements in a lesser role. He’ll be taking a seat whenever Rodney Stuckey returns to the starting lineup, as C.J. Miles will then slide up to the small forward position.

At just 23 years old, Hill has plenty of time to improve before being forced into the starting lineup. He didn’t play all that much last season, so this is his first real action as far as playing a key role for a team that needs players to step up. Indiana likes his potential, but they have overrated him a bit as far as the present is concerned.

That being said, he will be asked to come in off of the bench and play a more limited role. He’s not going to be much help on the offensive end of the court, but he is more than capable of defending backup small forwards. At this point in time he just isn’t quick enough or experience enough to defend opposing starters.

While he didn’t look good in his first start, it’s too early to call him a bust. He wasn’t the best pick with Tim Hardaway Jr. on the board still, but he has the potential to become a solid role player. Frank Vogels loves the potential that he has, but it’s too early to begin forcing him minutes.