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“He came from a tremendous family” - Jalen Rose claimed Grant Hill had ‘everything he had ever wanted’
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- “He came from a tremendous family” - Jalen Rose claimed Grant Hill had ‘everything he had ever wanted’
Most NBA players have such cut-throat competition with their peers from an early age that they develop rivalries and dislikes even before entering the big league. For Jalen Rose, that feeling of dislike was directed toward Grant Hill . Interestingly, it had little to do with Hill's undeniable talent on the court; instead, Rose admitted that what stirred envy in him was how Hill seemed to live the perfect life on and off the court, from right parental love and guidance, to elite coaching, and the right opportunities to become the next big thing in basketball.
Rose explained why he envied Hill
During his four years at Duke University, Hill's trajectory towards stardom appeared seamless. In his first two years, he helped the team win national championships. Then, in his junior and senior years, he averaged 17.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game – showcasing the strength of a traditional big and the versatility and game acumen of a point guard – to get all the limelight, fitting for a generational player in the making.
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Moreover, Hill also had guidance from his parents, who ensured that he entered the NBA stage at the perfect time. As a result, when he entered the league as the third pick in the 1994 draft by the Detroit Pistons , the narrative surrounding him was astonishing. Despite most players representing that franchise being deemed 'Bad Boys,' Hill was largely seen as the smiling face assassin who wasn't intimidated by anyone.
Rose , who was elected as the 13th overall pick in the same draft class, could witness how Hill was likable, marketable and almost instantly labeled as the next big face in the NBA. This very 'picture-perfect' scenario surrounding Hill was what that Rose envied the most.
"He probably didn't care or think about it like that, but I did because ultimately it seemed like he had everything that I wanted. He came from a tremendous family; his mom was roommates with Hillary; he had a famous, athletic dad that he knew and loved and was in his life ," Rose said. "He went to the University of Duke, where, especially during the early '90s it became a good versus evil playing against the 'evil University of Michigan, Thugs vs. the polished Dukies.'" (Starts 3:45)
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Hill had even gotten the perfect start to his NBA career
Statistically and reputationally, the early years of their careers reflected the difference. Rose did manage to carve out his own moments of success, winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award and even contesting with the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals in 2000; however, Hill's resume in his first six campaigns stood in another realm.
'G-Money' had already collected five All-NBA team selections and five All-Star appearances, and he was widely regarded as one of the most complete players of his generation. Though injuries would later alter his career trajectory, at that point, Hill was already being spoken of as someone destined for all-time greatness.
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Thus, it doesn't seem surprising that many in the league, like Rose, might have developed a similar dislike for Hill.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
