2000-01 In Review: Eddie Gill made four stops during his first season out of Weber State University, playing both in the United States and Italy. His first stop was the IBL, where Gill started at point guard for the Las Vegas Silver Bandits. He struggled, shooting just over 40% from the field and turning the ball over a frightening 3.8 times per night. After completing the season, Gill briefly stopped in the ABA 2000 with the Kansas City Knights before getting the call to the NBA. He spent the end of the season with the New Jersey Nets, playing capably as the backup to Stephon Marbury and netting (pun intended) 4.9 points and 3 assists in 19 minutes per game. Upon the conclusion of the NBA season, Gill briefly went overseas, playing one playoff game for Bologna in Italy. Not too bad at all for a guy who began the season by getting cut by the Orlando Magic after spending training camp with the club.
Shooting/Scoring: Gill's offense is primarily based on the perimeter. While with Las Vegas, a full 43% of his shots were beyond the IBL's three point line. However, the IBL uses the international three point line -- 20 feet, 6 inches -- and it's questionable whether Gill has NBA three point range. Over a full season, he'd probably make between 30%-35% of his triple attempts. Gill is not as effective driving the lane, only adequate at best in this regard. He's also only a decent free throw shooter. Grade: C-
Floor Game: Gill is a work in progress at point guard, much like fellow Sonic Shammond Williams. He is a willing passer, and does a good job of getting the ball to his teammates in the right place to assists. However, his decision making at times leaves something to be desired, leading to the high turnover totals which simply most come down. At his peak, Gill projects to be a top third distributor amongst backup NBA ones. Grade: C+
Rebounding: Gill is a below average rebounder, pulling down 4.2 boards per night while playing with Las Vegas. By virtue of the amount of time he spends on the perimeter on offense, he is an extremely poor offensive rebounder, and about average defensively. Grade: C-
Defense: Defensively, Gill has good quickness, and is able to stay with most guards. However, at 6-0, Gill faces a height disadvantage. As a backup, this isn't a huge detriment, but would be if he were ever forced into a starting situation. Gill has active hands, and gets a solid number of steals. Grade: C+
Overall: Gill has the skills to eventually be a solid backup point guard in the NBA; it's just a matter of finding the right situation for him. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to have done that this season, signing with the Seattle Supersonics. In addition to employing all-everything Gary Payton, the Sonics resigned restricted free agent Shammond Williams and drafted Earl Watson to play the point. Gill's chance to make the team is beating out Watson, but the Sonics seem unlikely to part with a player they drafted with such a high second-round draft pick, and Watson seemingly would fit the Sonics' template for a backup point better than would Gill. Assuming Gill does not make the club, it would not be in any way surprising to see him back in the league by the end of the season. Grade: C-