Hill

It was four seasons ago that Orlando made the much-ballyhooed signing of the five-time All-Star, only to find out his injured left ankle was much more seriously hurt than anyone had imagined.

He has played only 43 games with Orlando -- none last season -- but he has been practicing at full speed and has played in scrimmages as well. Following a cleansing of the Magic roster, wouldn't it be something if the 2004-05 season marked a new beginning for Hill as well?

Even if he never regains the explosiveness he displayed in Detroit, his teammates would certainly benefit from the all-around skills that have produced 21.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.8 asissts and 1.5 steals per game in his splendid career. And if he does resemble the Grant Hill of old? Maybe, just maybe, the Heat get some competition for the title of Florida's best team.

Francis

Casualties of the worst post-expansion season in Orlando Magic history included not only McGrady, but GM John Gabriel, head coach Doc Rivers and just about every player associated with the 21-61 team. Of the 12 active players on last year's opening day roster, only Andrew DeClercq figures to be back.

Something wasn't right in Orlando. Whether it was because of McGrady or in spite of him, new General Manager John Weisbrod went to great lengths to flip the script for 2004-05.

With one deal, the Magic shipped McGrady, and three others to Houston for three starters on a Rockets team that won 45 games. Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley give the Magic one of the top backcourts in the East. Kelvin Cato is a capable big man in a conference with few standout centers.

The McGrady mayhem overshadowed a Draft day that produced Dwight Howard, the top overall pick, and Jameer Nelson, the co-National College Player of the Year. In one week, the Magic turned their roster over, acquiring five players who figure to be integral parts of their future.

The news gets even better if Grant Hill can return to the lineup. The site of Hill, even at less than 100 percent, would be a welcome site for Magic fans. A healthy Pat Garrity, who missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury, would also pay dividends.

Hedo Turkoglu, coveted by several teams, was the team's big free agent prize. Tony Battie, acquired from Cleveland, is a solid defensive center who can be a valuable mentor to Howard.

Is worst-to-first inconceivable? Probably so, but with such a drastic talent upgrade, a playoff berth isn't out of the question.