NBA notebook: Brian Hill returning to lead Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brian Hill, the most successful coach in Orlando Magic history, has been named the franchise's new coach and is expected to meet the media at a news conference today.

Workers at the team's headquarters scurried to set up a stage and seating area at midcourt of the practice facility last night.

Magic president Bob Vander Weide was coy about exactly who the Magic would hire, but he confirmed that the new coach had been offered a contract. He said that the deal will likely be finalized today.

"If it's Brian, that's a really good hire for us," said Vander Weide, chuckling as he left the team's headquarters last night.

Chris Jent, the Magic's interim coach over the final 18 games of this past season, was informed by the organization yesterday that it had chosen Hill to be its next coach. Jent was eliminated from contention for the job last Thursday, leaving Hill, Flip Saunders and Eric Musselman as the finalists for the Magic position.

John Weisbrod officially resigned his duties as the team's chief operating officer and general manager yesterday. Weisbrod was a part of the coaching search along with director of player personnel Dave Twardzik and director of player development Otis Smith. On his way out, Weisbrod said he gave his recommendation as to whom the next coach should be and it was in concert with the final decision.

"I think my favorite will end up being the next coach of the organization," Weisbrod said.

Hill was the Magic's coach from 1993 to 97, leading it to the 1995 NBA Finals and the 1996 Eastern Conference finals. He won at least 50 games in each of his first three seasons with the Magic, but he was fired following a player revolt in February of 1997. His record was 191-111 in three-plus seasons with the Magic.

Hill was coach of the Vancouver Grizzlies for two-plus seasons after his stint in Orlando. He was fired 18 games into the 1999 season and was 31-123 with the Grizzlies. He has since worked as an assistant with the Hornets and New Jersey Nets.

Suns' Johnson out for Game 2

The three-day layoff between games will give the injured Suns' starter needed time to get ready for a possible return for Game 3 on Saturday in San Antonio.

"That's the whole thing. That's why we're not rushing him," coach Mike D'Antoni said after the Suns practiced yesterday. "We've got to get him under the gun and see how he plays, because we can't just throw him out there and say 'Oh my gosh, it's a disaster.' "

Johnson has been sidelined since he fractured his left eye socket and sustained a mild concussion on May 11. He underwent surgery the following day to have a metal plate inserted to keep the bones in place.

Note

• The Dallas Mavericks' Michael Finley expects to have surgery because of a bone chip in his right ankle that bothered him most of the season.

Finley said his recovery from surgery won't last longer than six weeks, and he expects to be healthy for training camp.