Grant Hill

The most heralded prospect of his era — brilliant early career curtailed by ankle injuries, yet lasting 18 NBA seasons.

Grant Henry Hill was born in Dallas, Texas in 1972, the son of former NFL running back Calvin Hill. Duke University developed him before Detroit Pistons selected him third overall in the 1994 NBA Draft. He co-won the Rookie of the Year award with Jason Kidd in 1995. His first six seasons at Detroit were extraordinary — he averaged 21.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game across that period and was named to the All-NBA First Team twice. He was on a trajectory towards the very highest level of the sport when a series of devastating ankle injuries beginning in 2000 transformed his career. Multiple surgeries, infections and complications cost him the better part of five years. He eventually rebuilt his game as a less explosive but still effective wing player, lasting until 2013. He was selected to seven All-Star games. He won Olympic gold with the USA in 1996. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. He later became co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. His early peak was of such quality that his career represents one of basketball's most poignant injury stories — a talent that was headed somewhere special.

Athletic, versatile forward with excellent court vision, scoring ability, and leadership skills

Hall of Fame player who overcame serious injuries to have a successful later career

• All-Star 7x
• All-NBA First Team 2x
• Co-Rookie of the Year
• Olympic Gold Medal