THE PLAYERS

Behind The Numbers Gilbert Arenas 0, Wizards Marcus Banks 3, Timberwolves Mike Bibby 10, Kings Andrew Bogut 6, Bucks Kobe Bryant 8, Lakers Jarron Collins 31, Jazz Tony Delk 00, Pistons Melvin Ely 2, Bobcats Pau Gasol 16, Grizzlies Manu Ginobli 20, Spurs Drew Gooden 90, Cavaliers Grant Hill 33, Magic Royal Ivey 36, Hawks Linton Johnson 43, Hornets Dikembe Mutombo 55, Rockets Eric Piatkowski 52, Bulls Paul Pierce 34, Celtics Shavlik Randolph 42, Sixers Earl Watson 25, Sonics

He may not have known it at the time, but a little Magic influenced the NBA career of Grant Hill well before he stepped foot in Orlando.

And by Magic, of course, that would be referring to NBA legend Magic Johnson.

“My favorite player was always Magic Johnson,” Hill said. “I found out that he wore 32 when he was in high school, so I wore 32. When I went to college[Duke], of course Christian Laettner had 32. But I also found out that Magic wore 33 when he was in college, so I ended up wearing 33.”

Although Hill and Johnson shared the same numbers throughout their young careers, Hill decided to stick with his collegiate number that is now hanging in the rafters at Cameron Indoor
Stadium and brought him to two consecutive
national championships at Duke University.

“When I got to the NBA, I had the opportunity to go to the number 32 like Magic,” Hill explained. “But I had done well with 33 and kind of felt like it had done well for me up until
that point, so I stuck with it. That is pretty much why I am wearing 33 now.”

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