Despite the trade to go back to my hometown, I feel I have made my mark here in San Antonio and I will always call San Antonio my second home. Getting the call from ‘Pop’ and hearing David Stern on TV state that I had in fact been traded really hit home, both literally and emotionally. It put me on an emotional roller coaster that I’m sure everyone saw in my eyes. I’m not much of a crier, but I cried that day. Knowing that I would have to leave all the good friends I’ve made and all my teammates whom I consider all my family, really made me feel thankful that I had the chance to be a part of such a great city, team, and franchise.
Even though I had been traded, I felt that it was only right on my behalf to attend and participate in all of the camps I promised to all my kids and loyal fans. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. Seeing the smiles on their faces, and the joy in their eyes as they saw me walk through the door, my presence alone put them on the same emotional roller coaster I was on. And it brought tears to my eyes. My responsibility as an NBA basketball player is to play my hardest and teach my kids as I was taught. My fans are my everything, and it was my responsibility and my devotion to them that influenced me to be there for them, just like they have always been there for me. I’ve created a lot of memories in San Antonio and those memories will be with me in my new days as an Indiana Pacer. The trade was a sort of bitter, sweet kind of feeling. Leaving my new home and family and going back to my roots. Sad to leave, happy to be back. But as I always say, never forget where you’re from and how you’ve grown up and who made you who you are today. Be yourself and let others see who you are.
My new days as an Indiana Pacer will allow me to create and recreate a new chapter in my life, as redundant as that sounds. I look forward to bringing what I’ve learn in San Antonio and their great franchise to my new team, that has always been quite a childhood favorite. I’m not going to change who I am or what I’ve become, I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing and learning and growing. Because as I’ve learned,“Happiness is found with success, in the eyes of challenges, through the fight in you”. I will exemplify my “guts, grind, and glory” for the Pacer Nation and put it all on the floor. I will never, ever forget my Spurs fans, and I will embrace my Pacer fans. Hello Indiana! See you later San Antonio!
Thank you and God bless!George Hill
