Jordan Nwora and George Hill make Indiana Pacers debut: 'It was great having them on the court'
The Indiana Pacers had new pieces suit up for the first time on Monday. George Hill and Jordan Nwora, the team's two trade deadline additions, made their Pacers debut against the Utah Jazz.
It was the first time Nwora had suited up for any team other than the franchise that drafted him, the Milwaukee Bucks. As for Hill, it was just the sixth time he played for more than nine minutes in a game since December 17, 2022. Both of them were looking to show what they could do.
"It was great. I feel like they come from a great place," Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin said of having his two new teammates available for the first time.
Nwora showed how he can help Indiana instantly. Less than three minutes after checking in, the young forward already had five points after drilling a three and a tidy layup. His ability to find space to get off his shot is impressive.
Before the first quarter even ended, Nwora had seven points, one steal, and one rebound. It was a terrific first impression for the 24-year old.
"I felt like it was decent. Obviously, first game out there, you know, learning. Learning in terms of just being in position, being in the right spot," Nwora said of his debut. He was trying to let the game come to him since he is still figuring out the ins and outs of the Pacers play style. The rapid pace, for example, was new to him.
"I can score the ball, I just need to be locked in on defense," Nwora added. The 2020 second round pick has not been known for his defense since being drafted, but the hope is that he can grow more on that end of the floor in a more development-based environment in Indiana.
In the end, the University of Louisville product played in all four quarters and received 17:24 of playing time in his Pacers debut. He was firmly a part of the rotation and finished with seven points, three rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
"Nwora is a guy who can shoot the ball and score. I thought he did some good things defensively," head coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's got a great opportunity here to show what he can do, and we're looking forward to working with him."
Mathurin shared nearly identical thoughts. "He came in the game and had great minutes on offense and defense," the rookie said of Nwora.
Hill, meanwhile, played a much smaller role. He got in for two short stints in both halves, which totalled 9:36 of playing time. The veteran guard was clearly a part of the rotation and defended well, but Carlisle said that he isn't sure how much Hill will play going forward.
Indiana played well in Hill's minutes, and the 15-year vet finished with one steal as his lone stat. The former Pacer received a significant ovation from the crowd after entering the game in both the first and third quarters.
"It's good to be back. I haven't played in a while, so good to finally get back on the court and get your feet wet and things like that. Gotta continue to work on things and my conditioning so [I can] be better for the guys," Hill said. He is hoping to help the Pacers as an off-court leader as well as a defensive presence. "There's going to be times where I play and there's going to be times where I don't."
The 37-year old plays a low-mistake style of basketball, so he will generally be a helpful player when he does actually get minutes. That was evident on Monday as he defended multiple positions for the blue and gold.
"Having George Hill back as a vet, it's a great thing... It was great having them on the court," Mathurin said.
"I wanted to get him into the action tonight. I thought he did a solid job," Carlisle added. Hill, an Indiana native, has shared that he is hoping to retire with the Pacers one day.
Indiana ultimately fell to Utah 123-117, but Nwora and Hill both showed what they can do for the team as the season progresses. Expect to see Nwora play a similar role going forward, but Hill may not get as many opportunities. Both players will help the team down the stretch of the season.
- Indiana Pacers pivot to asset acquisition mode after aggressive trade deadline plans don't materialize. CLICK HERE.
- Why a contract extension made sense for the Indiana Pacers and Myles Turner. CLICK HERE.
- Full trade: Indiana Pacers acquire Jordan Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka, three second-round picks, and cash for draft rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet. CLICK HERE.
- Source: Indiana Pacers to waive forward Terry Taylor. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
