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George Hill on how hard he's working this offseason: 'It's been hell'

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports / reuters

Eager to fill the gaping void on the perimeter left by Paul George and Lance Stephenson, Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill has been working hard to improve this offseason.

“It’s been hell,” Hill told VigilantSports.com. “I’ve been kicked out of the gym a couple of times because I’ve been in there too much.

"Just staying in the gym, getting my body right to put on a little pounds, just getting my shot back right, working on ball handling, pick-and-rolls and things like that. Just trying to become a better player."

George is coming off a disappointing 2013-14 campaign with the Pacers, averaging just 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. His numbers were certainly suppressed by George and Stephenson's ball dominance - as evidenced by his 14.8 usage rate - but Hill's struggles played a factor as well. Head coach Frank Vogel often elected to play backup C.J. Watson over Hill last season.

The offseason has been a nightmare for the Pacers. Stephenson fled to Charlotte and George broke his leg. The two ranked first and second in minutes played for Indiana last season, and if the Pacers are going to again finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference, Hill will need to take a huge leap forward.

“I think he wants to be a strong point for this team,” Vogel said of Hill. “… I just think he wants to bring everything he possibly can to the table.”

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