Thursday, June 26 Magic forward's foot mending, father says -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press DALLAS -- Although the Orlando Magic have taken steps indicating Grant Hill might miss next season, his father said Thursday that the former All-Star could be back this fall -- and better than he's been in years. "I expect him to not only be capable of playing, but capable of playing at the level that he's played before,'' said Calvin Hill, a former All-Pro in football. Grant Hill is recovering from surgery on his left ankle in March -- the fourth operation he's had to correct a stress fracture since he signed a $93 million, seven-year contract with Orlando in August 2000. He initially hurt the foot earlier that year while playing for Detroit. Foot injuries have limited him to 47 games with the Magic. He played 29 this past season before going on the injured list in January. Calvin Hill said he's optimistic because doctors believe they've finally addressed the root of the problem. This time, his heel was reshaped to realign his left leg. A steel plate was inserted for reinforcement, and three screws from previous procedures and some bone were removed. "This is the first operation where they gave him a reason why his foot kept stressing,'' said Calvin Hill, who on Thursday gave the keynote address at the annual convention of the Associated Press Sports Editors. "He saw several doctors who came up with the same opinion that what he had was a structural problem and that the fracture itself was a symptom of the structural problem.'' Orlando recently contacted the NBA seeking a medical exemption on Hill that could provide up to $4.8 million relief under the salary cap. The request stirred speculation that the 30-year-old forward's season -- or even career -- could be in jeopardy. "Since about two weeks ago, everybody's been coming up to me and saying, `I'm sorry Grant's career is over.' I don't react to it except to say he's doing fine. He just had a checkup last week and he's right on time,'' Hill said. Calvin Hill said he hasn't talked to the Magic about the request. He wouldn't say what his son thinks of it. "He's just focusing on getting well,'' Hill said, smiling. "When will he be ready? I don't know. But there's nothing to indicate that he won't be able to play again.'' The Magic have until Oct. 1 to apply for the medical exception, but would want the money sooner to try luring free agents. The signing period begins July 1. i understand he hasta hav faith in his kid, but next season is highly unlikely
i agree. i doubt that he will play. if he wants the team to win, he will sit out this season and give us the injury exception, then the next year play and be healthy(after he rests and rehabs for a year)
