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Utah Jazz: Taurean Prince Era Comes to an End

By Ryan Aston

Oct 31, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) controls the ball against Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) in the first half of their game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) controls the ball against Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) in the first half of their game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The pre-draft trade to bring veteran point guard George Hill from the Indiana Pacers to the Utah Jazz has become official.

An incredible chapter in Utah Jazz history has finally come to an end, ushering in a new age for the franchise. One in which the team’s point guard position may have transitioned from a position of weakness to one of strength with Dante Exum, Shelvin Mack, Raul Neto and a player to be named later (in this piece).

After 14 glorious days, the Taurean Prince era of Jazz basketball is no longer.

In other words, the George Hill trade is now officially on the books, pending the results of player physicals, according to an announcement from the Jazz.

Since draft night, Prince’s name has been sticking out like a sore thumb on the team’s official roster. The Baylor forward was selected with Utah’s No. 12 pick, which was traded by Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey before the 2016 NBA Draft in the three-way deal that netted Hill from the Indiana Pacers.

Indy received point man Jeff Teague from the Atlanta Hawks–who now own Prince’s draft rights–to complete the deal, which was finally made official on Thursday.

Hill, an ultra-long, 6-foot-3 combo guard, played in 74 games (34.1 MPG) for the Pacers during the 2015-16 season, averaging 12 points, four rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per contest, while shooting nearly 41 percent from three-point range.

The 30-year-old was quick to share his excitement in joining the young Jazz on his Instagram once the trade became official, writing, “So Excited To Be A Jazz With A Great Group Of Young Guys And An Amazing Coach And Front Office” in the image caption–

Next: Examining the Newest Jazzmen; Hill, Johnson and Diaw

Hill will likely play a large role for the Jazz as the team’s point guard of the future, Exum, comes back from a torn ACL and continues to develop as a player.

Purple & Blues’ Jared Woodcox called Hill “the epitome of a selfless pro who is willing to do whatever it takes to get his team a victory.” Meanwhile, Christian Dudley of Blu3WorldOrder.com and ESPN Louisville told P&B that “Jazz fans should expect a lot from Hill.”

So while fans are undoubtedly taking to the streets in droves to mourn the loss of Taurean Prince, they can find solace in the fact that George Hill is now officially a Jazzman.

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