Brian Hill, who guided the Orlando Magic from infancy to the NBA Finals, was introduced Thursday as the new head coach of the Vancouver Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies were a league-worst 14-68 last season and have won just 29 games in their first two seasons. Their first coach, Brian Winters, was fired Jan. 24 and replaced by vice president Stu Jackson.
“I’m excited to be here and to be part of the opportunity that is synonymous with this franchise,” Hill said. “Stu and I share the same vision for this team And I want Vancouver fans to know that I am committed to winning.
“We will continue to build the Vancouver Grizzlies in our efforts to bring an NBA championship to this city.”
Hill, 49, led the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals but was fired in February after a five-game losing streak dropped the team to 24-25.
Hill was 191-104 in three-plus seasons with the Magic. After reaching the NBA Finals in 1995, Orlando won 60 games the next season but was swept out of the Eastern Conference finals by the Bulls.
Celtics give up: The Celtics on Thursday abandoned their attempt to trade Dino Radja to the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning he and his $5.3 million salary will remain Boston’s responsibility.
Radja was dealt to the 76ers for Michael Cage and Clarence Weatherspoon a week ago, but he balked at reporting, then failed a physical administered by Philadelphia doctors. The 76ers then attempted to nullify the trade.
A hearing was scheduled for Friday before the Celtics gave up on the deal.
The Celtics’ decision apparently clears the way for the reported deal made Wednesday between the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia.
Under terms of that trade, the Nets would send swingman Jimmy Jackson, center Eric Montross and the seventh (forward Tim Thomas) and 21st picks (guard Anthony Parker) in the draft to the Sixers for the second pick (Keith Van Horn), forward Don MacLean, swingman Lucious Harris and Cage.
