If granted opportunity, Hill wants to keep going

He watched Jason Kidd, a fellow rookie of the year, win his first title last month, and is willing to keep striving for an opportunity to play in the Finals. Hill’s career has gone from one of promise, to misfortune, to longevity, and he is willing to wait out a potentially long lockout.

“You definitely want to win, especially when you see somebody you are kind of linked to and somebody you have known for many years get there,’’ Hill said last week. “I don’t have too many more years left, so we have to wait and see. But it would be nice to do what [Kidd] was able to do this past season.’’

Because of several ankle surgeries, Hill stands just 21st among active players in games played with 948. In fact, Kidd has played 319 more regular-season games than Hill, or the equivalent of four seasons. The Celtics’ Paul Pierce, who entered the NBA four years after Hill and lost 32 games of his rookie season to a lockout, has played in 16 more regular-season games than Hill.

So, it’s not surprising that Hill, a pending free agent, feels he has something left, and he’s flourished the last four seasons with the Suns, playing 313 of a possible 328 games, and averaging 13.2 points last season, his best in four years. He could be attractive to a team pushing for a title, a versatile, intelligent, and still skilled player who knows how to win.

Hill can’t wait to get started with a team, but there is the issue of the lockout. Hill was one of the few current players to be in his prime during the last lockout, having just completed his fourth All-Star season in four years. That time off during his formative years was difficult.

“I think you learn a lot looking back and having a chance to reflect,’’ said Hill, who averaged a career-best 25.8 points in 1999-2000, the first full season after the lockout. “I think every one of these [lockouts] is worth it. I think the game recovered. I think the game is in great shape now and irrespective of what happens or whether we get it done or we have a work stoppage, the game is in a good position.

“I think this time around guys are better prepared. It was kind of crazy last time, and this time it might get crazy again.’’