Much less former Illini were on notice for the second day of the NBA 2K24 Summer League compared to day one. Featuring four-year Illinois veteran Malcolm Hill on the Orlando Magic and the more recently tenured Alan Griffin sporting Milwaukee Bucks green, hope delegated towards those who once called State Farm Center home.
Orlando versus Detroit was the first of the two, being held in UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center while also occupying ESPN’s 4:30 p.m. CT primetime slot. However, due to the youth of Orlando, several highly drafted prospects received the starting spot over Hill, namely No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Anthony Black.
It did not take long for Hill to get his moment though, as he checked into the game at the 3:35 mark of the first quarter with Orlando leading 16-12. Despite some solid off-ball movement that only comes with the experience of being a five-year professional, Hill was unable to get a shot up before entering the second quarter.
That changed quickly after play resumed, as just 46 seconds in, Hill launched a three-point attempt that pushed the Magic’s lead to 26-20. On Orlando’s very next offensive possession, Hill demanded the ball once more and missed a step-back three. However, Hill followed the shot, got his own rebound and put up a midrange floater that ended up being his final points of the night.
Hill was subbed out shortly after and although returning to the floor on a couple more occasions for a total of 12 minutes on the night, he ultimately ended with a very efficient five points on 2/3 shooting. A nice additive, Hill also had a very solid night on the glass, being tied for Orlando’s second-highest rebounder (five) despite receiving 14 fewer minutes than the leader.
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Ultimately, it was Detroit who came out on top with a final score of 89-78. Hill’s plus-minus of -1 was third highest on the team. As the former Illini with the biggest guarantee to get minutes no matter what, Hill and the Orlando Magic will be back in action on Monday at 7:30 p.m. CDT looking for a win over the Indiana Pacers on NBA TV.
Switching arenas, Griffin and the Milwaukee Bucks were located in the attached Cox Pavilion, under a bit less national scrutiny with NBA TV as the broadcasting network. Unfortunately for Illinois fans, the reminiscing and cheering for Illini of the past was over when Hill checked out for the last time.
Despite Milwaukee being on the second night of a back-to-back and Griffin having the advantage of fresh legs after sitting the entire first game, the same remained true on day two. While starting point guard Nico Mannion felt the fatigue and may have shot himself out of the lineup for game three (2/14), the imminent return of rostered Bucks guards Lindell Wigginton and AJ Green may negate the possible minutes opened up by Mannion’s poor play.
Summer League is far from over, with at least two games remaining for Griffin to find some minutes, and fortunately, the Bucks appear to be in desperate need of shooting after going just 11 of 48 through two games (22.9%). This is a trait that Griffin excelled at in his final year at Illinois, shooting 41.6% on over four attempts per game from deep, and even at Syracuse the following year, where he shot a respectable 35.4%. More recently, Griffin has struggled behind the arc during his time in the G League, but that is through just 11 appearances rather than the 56 games of excellency displayed during his best collegiate seasons.
If the Bucks continue to struggle shooting the ball, they very well may turn to Griffin for assistance. His next opportunity to do so will be Tuesday at 5 p.m. CDT, when Milwaukee faces the Brooklyn Nets on ESPNU.
@blountco21
