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After battling injuries during his first three seasons as a member of
the Orlando Magic, Grant Hill returned to the NBA spotlight during the
2004-05 season -- helping the Magic improve their win total by 15 games
and earning a starting spot in the 2005 All-Star Game. And though he was
sidelined for the first 19 games of this season after undergoing surgery
to repair a sports hernia, Grant has now returned to the Magic lineup,
hoping his missed production can lead the organization back to the
playoffs.Now that he's back on the court, the Magic will be looking for Grant to help lift its offensive attack -- drawing some of the defense away from Dwight Howard in the paint, while also freeing up Steve Francis for a few more open looks at the basket. The former Duke Blue Devil averaged 19.7 ppg, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 67 games last year - production that can quickly help the Magic elevate their status in the Eastern Conference and Southeast Division.
On Tuesday, Grant sat down and chatted live with fans around the world. See what Grant had to say about coming off injury, playing Shaq one-on-one and much more.
Vagner (Brasilia, Brasil): How did you feel in the game at NY? How many games will it take for you to be 100%?
Grant Hill: The game in New York, I was extremely excited and a little nervous, but mostly just really glad to be back on the court, and most importanly glad that we won the game. In terms of being 100-percent, I don't feel a whole lot of pain, but my timing still isn't totally right. That might take a few more games, for me to say that I'm 100-percent.
Matt (Melbourne): Hey Grant, long time Magic fan here. How do you think your role on the Magic this year has changed, and what do you think you have to do to adapt to it with this year's team?
Grant Hill: Good question. I'm still trying to figure out my role. What I mean by that, is that the team has played 20 games without me, and things were set...roles were set. And now, here I come in, and things have to be acclimated. One big change is the improved play of Dwight Howard, who was a rookie last year and this here, he has really improved. Also, last year we ran a bit more. So, with all those changes we are now in an adjustment period. How it all shakes out, I don't know for sure, but either way, whatever way I can help us win, that is the role I will take and do my best to fill.
Brandon (Philadelphia): After you deal with your injuries and time when you can't play the game of basketball what motivates you to keep on trying and to not give up and retire?
Grant Hill: Ultimately it's the love and desire to want to play. Being a professional athlete really is a privilege and one day, that privilege will be gone. I want to be able to retire at peace with my decision. I may have a unique perspective on that, my father having been a professional athlete and I watched him go through retirement and that adjustment. But I don't want to look 20 years down the road and regret not giving my career one last try......or maybe a fourth or fifth last try. Ha-ha (Laughing).
Anson(California): Hi, Grant Hill, I miss those FILA sneakers you had on during 90's. Do you still own any pair of those? and what brand of shoes are wearing now on the court? All the best!
Grant Hill: I still have a few of those old Grant Hill sneakers and I plan on showing them off to my kids when they get older. They need to know their Dad had a sneaker named after him. Currently, I'm wearing adidas and it's a really good shoe. I'm very happy with it.
David, Swampscott Ma: Hey Grant! If you could play one player in the NBA in a game of one-on-one, who would it be and why?
Grant Hill: Hmm. Shaq! I need to play Shaq in a game of one-on-one. Why? Because he's my neighbor so we need to establish bragging rights. And also it would be a good test of size and strength vs. quickness and skill. Shaq thinks he's quick, but we'll see. Win or lose, that game would be a lot of laughs and we'd have some fun.
JonJon (HongKong): Hi Grant, First of all, welcome back. What is the difference between your game now with the magic and the pistons?
Grant Hill: When I was with the Pistons I was younger and I got more touches and more responsibility to go out and do everything. Now, I'm a little older and not asked to do as much, and some teammates are asked to do more. Also back in Detroit, I didn't have six surgeries in six years, like I've had here in Orlando. That's not an excuse, just the fact that I had better health in Detroit.
John (Canada): Do your teammated have a nickname for you?
Grant Hill: No, actually they don't. They may call me G-Money, if you want to say that. But I like to think I'm too old for a nickname. They just call me "Grant" "G" or "G-Money".
Gabe (Orlando): Who is the funniest player in the locker room?
Grant Hill: Without a doubt, Keyon Dooling. He's the funniest guy on the team, and may be the funniest guy in the league. He's constantly on, constantly talking and joking. He's a great guy to be around, on and off the court.
Boqueesha (Compton): Grant, besides working out and therapy (and chatting with fans on here!), what do you do to pass time when you are down with an injury?
Grant Hill: I love to read, I'm an avid reader. In the NBA, you get lots of downtime, traveling on the road etc. I do some real estate and developing and investing too. Of course I have a four-year-old daughter too, so that is more than enough to keep me busy when I'm not on the court.
Justin (Atlanta): Whatsup Grant? You are a true inspiration and a great overall player. I was just wondering, seeing as you have thrown down some amazing dunks in your time, who is your favorite dunker, past or present?
Grant Hill: There are some great ones, but I have to go with Vince Carter. I saw him in his prime, I was there firsthand to witness the unbelievable dunk at the All-Star in Oakland and it was just amazing to see, to witness. All of us All-Stars were in awe of that shot. He's my neighbor too, just like Shaq, so I need to stay on his good side too. Both those guys have nice courts, so I have to keep on their good side.
Dominic (Cambridge): Hey Grant, as a fan I've always wanted to know what your favorite film is? Thanks
Grant Hill: Wow. Hmmm. I don't really have a favorite. Let's think, probably...I don't know a Eddie Murphy movive...48 Hours. I like that one. I saw that when I was a little kid and I thought I was real cool because I was watching an R-rated movie. I'll pick that one.
Josh T. ( Houston, TX ): What changes do you think the team needs to make to get back in the division race?
Grant Hill: I think No. 1, we need to get healthy. Kelvin Cato and Keyon are hurting. No. 2, I think we may not need any changes, we just need to start working together at full strength and then evaluate any changes we need to make. This is a year where we didn't have drastic off-season changes, I think we have time to right the ship here and get into the playoffs.
Nick (Paramus): Hey Grant, do you get involved in stuff like fantasy basketball (or know of any NBA player who does)?
Grant Hill: Sorry, I don't. I don't really know much about it. I know it's a way for fans to act like a GM, according to stats, but not much more than that. I just don't get it, I don't understand it. Maybe after I retire I will get into it.
Jacob(Dallas): What would you want to get for Christmas?
Grant Hill: I want a season of health and a career with no more surgeries!
Grant Hill: Thanks to all the fans, I'm sorry I couldn't answer everybody's questions. I appreciate all the support and Go Magic!
