After going 2 1/2 months without a head coach, the San Antonio Spurs finally hired one.
Orlando Magic assistant Bob Hill was named to the post Monday, ending the team's search for a successor to John Lucas, who resigned June 9."This is the best opportunity I have had in my career and my life," said Hill, who coached the New York Knicks in the 1986-87 season and the Indiana Pacers from 1990-93.
Hill's record as an NBA head coach is 133-154.
"He is one of the most highly regarded technicians in our league, and his expertise will be paramount to this team's success," said Gregg Popovich, the Spurs' executive vice president of basketball operations.
Hill said he'll focus on team speed and defense in order to help the Spurs win in the postseason, where they've struggled in recent years - including a first-round upset loss to the Utah Jazz last season.
"I like to play a quicker game. We're going to emphasize the defense from game one," Hill said. "I'm extremely excited. I understand the team fairly well. I understand the problems they've had in the past in the playoffs."
Hill praised the play of All-Star center David Robinson, who attended the news conference where Hill's hiring was announced.
Robinson said a running game suits him fine, but he smiled and expressed a hint of skepticism.
"Everybody runs before the season starts," Robinson laughed. "We've got some guys that can do it. We've just got to get it done."
Robinson said he met with Hill while he was in town for one of his interviews but said he didn't have much say in the decision to hire him.
"I'd never met him. I didn't know anything about him," Robinson said. "I was impressed. He's an intelligent basketball guy with a lot of experience. I've got a good feeling."
When asked how he'd deal with power forward Dennis Rodman's behavior, which led to ejections and suspensions last season, Hill said Popovich would handle any such problems.
"I'll be honest with you, I hated Dennis Rodman as an opposing coach," Hill said. "And I'm going to love being on the same team."
It had been widely reported that Hill was a front-runner for the job, which has been vacant since Lucas resigned in the wake of a management shakeup. Lucas later was named head coach and general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hill also was courted by the Minnesota Timberwolves.