(2010-15). He’s currently an assistant
coach for the G League’s Stockton Kings
(formerly the Reno Bighorns).
On a Wednesday morning in late May,
Hines is working with Thomas Bryant, a
second-year center from the Wizards.
Bryant’s working on a series of dribble
combos at the top of the key, followed by
a floater in the paint. The latter part of
the drill consists of more combos,
pick-and-roll situations and relocating to
the corner for a three-pointer.
“I like that shit,” Hines says, acknowl-
edging Bryant’s ability to extend his
range.
Bryant moves outside the block and is
instructed to finish off the point guard’s
penetration as Hines plays help defense.
After a handful of possessions, the two
begin to jaw in a friendly manner back
and forth—Bryant when he finishes
through contact, and Hines when he
occasionally gets a steal—as the teacher
and student are doused in sweat.SLAMONLINE.COM 51RYAN YOUNG
“I thought it was a good fit because of
the way he trains and pushes people,”
says Bryant, who has known Hines since
high school, after his workout. “He keeps
it really real with you and teaches you
everything you need to know and want to
put into your game.”
Hines is hands-on during his sessions.
In an individual or a group setting, he
takes pride in being meticulous and
making sure everything—from the dribble
to the footwork to the finish—is on point.
“I think it’s my passion for the game,”
Hines says on what sets him apart. “I’m
not giving guys a basketball to do a
million ballhandling drills.”
Another player who spends his sum-
mers at UCLA is Pascal Siakam. Hines
has been front row for Siakam’s develop-
ment since he was contemplating leaving
New Mexico State for the Draft in 2016.
“The stuff he’s doing right now, he’s
had it,” Hines says of Siakam, the
2018-19 Most Improved Player. “Wejust had to sharpen it up.”
In Game 1 of the 2019 Finals, Siakam
scored a game-high 32 points to give the
Raptors a 1-0 lead over the Warriors.
“It’s awesome, man,” says Hines of
the progression. “One thing about Pascal
is that he’s always had a winning,
contagious basketball spirit. He just
always made winning basketball plays,
had a good basketball IQ, played hard
as hell and gave a fuck about winning
and losing.”
Siakam joins Monta Ellis as Hines’
second MIP. With a résumé and track
record that speaks for itself, Hines will
continue to devote his time to those who
want to take their game to the next level.
“Give me three of your summers—
early in the morning, weights, then come
back in and play and shoot at the end,”
he says.
“If we do that for four months,
I guarantee you your confidence will
be sky high.” S