<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">CHICAGO -- Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill told the Sentinel before the Magic's 97-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls Tuesday that he will retire if surgery is his "last option" to correct his nagging sports hernia injury. A seven-time NBA All-Star, Hill likely will not play the rest of the season and faces a possible career-ending dilemma this summer: He said he has been advised by his doctor to have another sports hernia operation. Asked if he would retire, Hill told the Sentinel, "Yeah, if that's the last option. I can't have another surgery, so. . . . " Hill, 33, underwent surgery just before the season, his sixth operation since joining the Magic in a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons in 2000. He had five surgeries on his left ankle before finally mounting a stirring comeback last season, playing in 67 games and being voted into the NBA All-Star Game. "I've been told I need that by the doctor. . .another surgery," said Hill, who is clearly frustrated. "But I've also been told there are ways it can be rehabbed." Hill said he will rest and seek non-surgical rehabilitation this offseason, then "make a decision by September" and "see how I feel then." Dr. William Meyers of Philadelphia performed the surgery on his sports hernia Oct. 31. Magic Assistant General Manager Otis Smith said, "I love him. I care about him. I know everything he's gone through, it wears on you. I know I hate to imagine life without him." Smith says he hasn't really discussed the possibility of retirement with Hill and hopes he'll be back next season. Smith acknowledged that Hill has talked to ownership about his options.</div> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/loca...ports-headlines
