Grant Hill Has Ankle Surgery

ByABC News
January 3, 2001, 3:15 PM

B A L T I M O R E, Jan. 3 -- Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill underwentbone-graft surgery on his left ankle today, with the team anddoctors predicting a full recovery.

It will take about five months for the five-time All-Star’sankle to heal but there is no immediate timetable for Hill’s returnto action, said Dr. Joe Billings, the Magic team physician.

Billings assisted in the 90-minute operation at Union MemorialHospital. Doctors replaced screws and hardware inserted last Aprilafter Hill broke the inside bone on his left ankle during the NBAplayoffs, while still with Detroit.

A bone graft from Hill’s pelvis also was applied to the ankle.

“Grant had a nonunion of a fracture as a result of a lack ofblood supply to that area,” said Dr. Mark Myerson, who performedthe surgery. “The prognosis is for a full recovery.”

Magic General Manager John Gabriel accompanied Hill toBaltimore.

“We are pleased with the outcome of Grant’s surgery thismorning and anticipate a full recovery and his return to All-Starform next season,” Gabriel said.

Orlando’s Title Hopes Dampened

The 6-foot-8 Hill was acquired by Orlando in August in asign-and-trade deal with the Pistons for Chucky Atkins and BenWallace. Hill’s seven-year, $92.88 million contract makes him oneof the highest-paid players in the NBA.

Hill and free agent Tracy McGrady were supposed to help theMagic compete for the NBA title this season.

But Hill appeared in only four games this season, averaging 13.8points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.25 steals in 33.3 minutes.He was placed on the injured list Dec. 27.

The Magic are 14-17, in fourth place in the Atlantic Division,following a 120-110 loss to New Jersey Tuesday night.

Hill was the third player chosen in the 1994 NBA draft, selectedby Detroit from Duke, where he was an All-American. For his career,he has averaged 21.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists.

Hill started five straight NBA All-Star Games and led the fanvoting in 1995 and 1996. In 1997, he won the IBM Award, whichmeasures a player’s overall contributions to his team. He sharedthe NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1995 with Jason Kidd.