Grant Hill has been one of the most conscientious players in the NBA. He seemed always to be upgrading his game and working on his physical conditioning. At his prime, he was among the top 10 players in the league, but was always a "team guy" first. Although he lacked a long-range jump shot, his drive to the hoop was explosive, and he always found the open man when the defense jammed him. He was an aggressive defender who never backed down. For his career, Grant has nice numbers across the board -- 21.5 points, 6 assists, and just under 8 rebounds a game.

	Grant Hill has played in only 18 games the last two seasons.

Hill got a lucrative deal when he came to Orlando (7 years, $93 million), but surgery on his broken left ankle didn't properly heal and he played in only four games last season. More surgery preceded optimistic reports out of training camp this season. Following early workouts, Hill said that his injured ankle felt strong and that he was able to play without pain. In a preseason game, I watched him drive to the rim with his old ferocity. I thought that he was all of the way back.

But apparently old bone spurs triggered increasing discomfort in his ankle that wouldn't diminish with rest and medication, and further surgery -- the third -- is necessary. No one feels worse about the situation than Grant. He must be devastated. This is a guy who loves to play, to help make his team a winner, and wants to give maximum payback for money received. I feel badly for him.

I also empathize with coach Doc Rivers and his players who thought, like many, that they had a good chance to be a title contender. Now they have to go again without Hill. Last season they rallied from 14-20 to make the playoffs with a 43-39 record.

It may be tougher this time -c not only without Hill, but with Tracy McGrady suffering from a recurring strained back. This is when every player must step up his game performance, his intensity, and his level of teamwork. Rivers took pride in his players' ability to do that last season. He must dredge it out of them again.

McGrady, the Magic's go-to guy, hopefully will be able to keep playing. Mike Miller has increased his production, and Rivers can count on the energetic Darrell Armstrong for all-out hustle. Maybe veterans Patrick Ewing and Horace Grant can dig down for some big games. Coach Doc needs something from everybody. It won't be easy, but it can get done.

Hill will have extended rest and therapy following Wednesday's surgery and should be able to resume workouts next summer. It will be a long, hard climb for Hill once again.

And, after all of that, it will be wait and see ... again.

Hall of Fame coach Dr. Jack Ramsay is an NBA analyst for ESPN.