Background: Hill’s first stint as the Magic’s coach was from 1993-97, when he posted a 191-104 record. He was fired in the middle of the 1996-97 season, mostly because of player discontent. He was replaced on an interim basis by Richie Adubato. Orlando brought Hill back as head coach May 24, 2005. The Magic went 36-46 last season but came on strong at the end, going 16-6, including victories over San Antonio and Detroit.
What’s up: Hill was named the Eastern Conference coach of the month for November. Orlando opened 12-4, including wins in nine of its past 10 games entering the weekend.
What’s next: Led by star forward-center Dwight Howard, the franchise is becoming an NBA power. The Magic should make its first playoff appearance since 2003 in a weak Eastern Conference. Orlando showed it was for real by winning at Utah last week. This could be the swan song season for seven-time NBA all-star forward Grant Hill.
Spears’ take: Hill and the Magic will make the playoffs. They might even win a round. But the team is too young to knock off Detroit, New Jersey and even struggling Miami in a seven-game series. As good as the Magic is, just wait until next summer when it has the money to spend in a deep free-agent pool that includes Chauncey Billups, Vince Carter, Gerald Wallace, Andres Nocioni, Rashard Lewis and Mike Bibby.
