Hill Gets Fresh Start With Grizzlies

Brian Hill is ready to put Orlando behind him after becoming coach of the Vancouver Grizzlies on Thursday.

Hill, replacing General Manager Stu Jackson who assumed the job after firing Brian Winters on Jan. 24, will direct a team that begins its third year in the NBA after winning 15 and 14 games its first two seasons.

Hill was replaced as the Magic’s coach in February after a player revolt.

“This is a new team, a new situation and I’m going to be coaching 12 different players,” said Hill, 49, who led Orlando to the NBA finals in 1995 and the Eastern Conference finals in 1996. “Like any situation in life, you learn from it and move on. What happened in Orlando really has nothing to do with my situation here in Vancouver.”

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The Boston Celtics abandoned their attempt to trade Dino Radja to the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning he and his $5.3-million salary will be Boston’s responsibility.