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Hill owes Magic not to scratch this 7-year itch; Hill owes Magic not to scratch this 7-ye
Topic Started: Jul 3 2007, 12:33 AM (342 Views)
ec23456
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Hill owes Magic not to scratch this 7-year itch

David Whitley
SPORTS COMMENTARY
July 2, 2007

They say that breaking up is hard to do.

With Grant Hill, will that be true?

We're about to find out. The NBA's flirtation season began Sunday, and a few teams are making eyes at him.

After being stuck in an unfulfilling relationship the past seven years, you can't blame a guy for dating around. But when it comes time to pick a partner, Hill should remember one thing:

$455,882.35.

That's how much Hill got per game since moving to Orlando. Granted, we're talking pre-tax dollars. And there's a lot more to the story than arithmetic, as every Magic fan and orthopedic surgeon within 1,000 miles can attest.

The number simply illustrates how much Orlando has given Hill. Doesn't he owe them something in return?

"I would love to have Grant back," Stan Van Gundy said. "But Grant has the major part of that decision."

What's to decide?

First, Hill must decide if he even wants to play. If he doesn't, all we can do is wish him well and wonder what might have been if not for all those pins in his ankle.

If Hill decides he wants to keep playing, Phoenix and Detroit have the hots for him. From a fans' standpoint, watching the courting can be tough.

You've been in a relationship. Now your gal (pardon me for writing this from a man's perspective) is getting wined and dined. At the very least, you'd like the waiter to spill a bowl of soup on Joe Dumars' head.

What could Phoenix be whispering in Hill's ear?

"Does the name 'Steve Nash' mean anything to you? We're thiiiiis close to a title, and wouldn't you look lovely with a ring on your finger?"

What could Detroit be leaving on Hill's voicemail?

"Grant, we shared the best years of your professional life. We still love you, and we think we can still make a go of it. And you wouldn't have to change Rasheed's diapers."

Other Casanovas could try to buy Hill's affection. After making $93 million the past seven years, Hill won't simply go for the money. If he does, his new jersey should read Anna Nicole Hill.

He's more likely to sign for the veteran's minimum, which means it would come down to simple attraction. Phoenix would be the dashing hunk. Detroit would be the guy with a comb-over who pulls up in a Corvette.

If Hill left for the Suns, Magic fans should feel a bit jilted. If he left for the Pistons, they should feel completely dumped.

This would not be the typical NBA breakup. Orlando and Hill stuck together through sickness and health. Unfortunately, there were only 204 healthy games.

Hill underwent more reconstructive surgery than Cher. Lesser men would have limped away after two or three operations. The fifth one almost killed Hill after he developed a staph infection and his fever rose to 104.5.

When he wasn't rehabbing or playing, he was speaking to kids or visiting nursing homes. Hill did all he could to earn his paycheck in Orlando.

He doesn't owe anyone money or an apology. But Hill wasn't the only one who suffered. You could say Doc Rivers, John Gabriel, Tracy McGrady, The Fat Guy, vendors, fans and every grand plan the Magic had this century all were victims of the Great Ankle Curse.

Hill always has done the right thing. He certainly can't change the past. He can help the Magic with their immediate future.

Considering all they've been through, he owes them that.

David Whitley can be reached at dwhitley@orlandosentinel.com.

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ec23456
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Ok I want to know if Grant were to stay if that really effects Rashard because of Darko probley being gone??
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gomagic33
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Mr. Anderson
Grant Hill will be signing for the veteran's minimum. I don't think it will affect either way. It will just depend on Grant's decision. I say he's heading of to the Suns or Spurs.

I don't agree with the article. Although I would love if he stays, I would also be happy if he gets his wish to play of a contender.
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ec23456
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I'd rather have Chauncy Billups & have a so so SG the Magic could get from most any team.But on 2nd thought that is one of the most important possions but I'd really rather have a PG I can trust & guide ORL To a SE,Eastern Conf. Championship & NBA Championship.
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