The Philadelphia 76ers made a big move at the trade deadline when they acquired veteran guard George Hill from the Oklahoma City Thunder in an effort to bolster their bench. As a proven guy who has 127 career playoff games under his belt, he understands what needs to be done in order to win games.
However, Hill has yet to suit up for the Sixers as he is still recovering from a thumb procedure he underwent in January to repair an issue that was bothering him. Coach Doc Rivers mentioned he is still a ways away from returning, but Hill offered a bit more clarity on his injury and where he is at right now in the rehab process.
“I’m doing pretty good,” said Hill on Thursday. “I got the cast off a week and a half ago. Just doing the rehab with our PT staff and things like that. The rare thing is it’s a mallet on the thumb rather than normally a finger, so it’s an uncommon area that you normally get the mallet on.”
Hill, who averaged 11.8 points and shot 38.6% from deep in 14 games with the Thunder, is not being rushed back. The Sixers are still in a good spot despite not having Hill on the floor yet. Therefore, he can continue to focus on his rehab and get things right before making his debut.
“I’ve been blessed to come here and not be rushed to get back,” he added. “I think the team is doing a great job right there with a cushion to make sure it’s right and get back into rhythm. I think we’ve showed a lot of progress the last four or five days I’ve been here with some of the movement and things like that. I’m looking forward to getting back out there as soon as I can.”
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In terms of a timetable, there is not one yet. However, the veteran out of IUPUI promised he will return before the playoffs begin.
“Not yet,” he explained. “They just said they want to take it one day at a time. No one knows the timetable yet, but I will be back this season for sure. I will be back before playoffs for sure.”
In the meantime, the Sixers head to the bayou to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday as the four-game road trip continues.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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