Grant Hill nearly returned for 2nd stint with Pistons

Grant Hill starred for the Detroit Pistons during the mid-to-late '90s and nearly returned for a second stint before signing with the Phoenix Suns.

"I almost came back in 2007," the Hall of Fame forward told Eric Woodyard of The Undefeated. "And Joe (Dumars) and I had talked. I talked to Flip (Saunders) and Chauncey (Billups) and Lindsey (Hunter) and they were gonna bring me back, and it came between Phoenix and Detroit, and Detroit wanted to pay me and everything.

"I took less money to go to Phoenix and I think I really entertained it and really thought about it, but ultimately, I didn't want to come back to a shell of myself."

Hill earned five All-Star selections, five All-NBA nods, and Co-Rookie of the Year honors over six seasons with the Pistons. He averaged 21.6 points, 7.9 boards, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 435 appearances for the club. The Duke product remains Detroit's all-time leader in triple-doubles and ranks fifth in assists.

Hill left the Pistons for the Orlando Magic in 2000 via sign-and-trade, but injuries limited the former third overall pick to just 200 games in six seasons with Orlando. However, he remained productive when available for the Magic, averaging 16.4 points on 50% shooting and earning another All-Star nod.

Hill went on to be a reliable starter for the Suns from 2007-12 as he entered the twilight of his career.

"I wanted to stand on those Detroit years and I didn't want to come back and not be the same player, and it was almost like I needed that for me," Hill said. "I needed to be able to hold onto those Detroit years, particularly after going through some real dark moments."