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Detroit Pistons: Should Grant Hill’s number be retired?

By Brenden Welper

HOUSTON - 1997: Joe Dumars #4 and Grant Hill #33 of the Detroit Pistons laugh circa 1997 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON - 1997: Joe Dumars #4 and Grant Hill #33 of the Detroit Pistons laugh circa 1997 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Grant Hill will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday. The small forward spent six seasons with the Detroit Pistons, quickly becoming one of the game’s elite players. Should his No. 33 be retired?

The Detroit Pistons have raised 11 uniform numbers into the rafters. Ten of those banners represent a player, while the No. 2 was retired for the late Chuck Daly.

But with Pistons’ legend Grant Hill set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this week, one question continues to cross my mind.

Should Hill have his No. 33 retired?

A jersey retirement is ultimate honor an organization can bestow upon a player. Hill played just six seasons in Detroit. But during his tenure, he was one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

From 1995-2000, Hill racked up plenty of accolades:1994-95 Co-Rookie of the Year, five All-Star appearances, and five All-NBA Team selections.

He averaged 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in his Pistons’ career, while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor. He was a fierce threat off the dribble, and in his prime, Hill was arguably the most difficult player to defend.

His explosive speed, ball-handling ability, and sheer instinct were rare qualities to see from a 6-foot-8-inch player.

He handled the ball like a point guard, crossing up opponents, baiting them with jab steps, and exploiting one-on-one opportunities.

According to Basketball Reference, Hill owns the seventh-highest number of win shares in team history with 60.0. Win shares are an estimated number of wins contributed by a player.

His 9,393 points scored as a Piston are the ninth-most in franchise history. Hill’s career scoring average of 21.6 is fourth all-time, behind only Bob Lanier (22.7), Dave Bing (22.6), and Jerry Stackhouse (22.1).

He also ranks among the club’s top 10 in total field goals (No. 10), assists (No. 5), and steals (No. 7).

With all due respect to Tayshaun Prince and Mark Aguirre, Grant Hill is the best small forward in Detroit Pistons’ history. The numbers, as well as the eye test, prove that.

For all of his greatness, Hill never delivered a championship to Motown. One could argue that he simply didn’t have enough time or talent at his disposal. There’s certainly some truth that.

And it probably didn’t help that the Chicago Bulls were in the process of their second three-peat during Hill’s rapid ascent to stardom.

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But that shouldn’t deter his No. 33 from being raised to its rightful place. After all, Bing and Lanier never came close to a title either. Yet their numbers were rightfully retired due to their individual excellence in a Pistons’ uniform.

There’s no doubt in my mind anymore. Grant Hill deserves the same honor.

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