"Grant Hill, Basketballer - a man barely alive... Gentlemen, we can rebuild him... We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world's first bionic man. Grant will be that man. Better than he was before. Stronger. Faster."

With those words, Dr. Hillenstein boldly stated his intentions to save the career of former NBA all-star Grant Hill.

Hill injured his ankle in the 2000 playoffs, after his best pro season. He has tried this comeback thing before. Three times, in fact. The first one lasted four games. The second one 14 games. The third one was the most promising--Hill lasted until January 16, 2003, before the ankle needed surgery again.

He had screws put in and taken out. He had a steel plate inserted. He had original bones removed and genetically engineered bonelike material inserted. He had his ankle broken so it could be reset. He had skin from his triceps grafted onto his foot.

When it seemed that nothing could be done to save Hill's career, drastic steps were taken.

The hefty $6,000,000 million it cost to rebuild Hill means he is now equipped with nuclear-powered limbs and a bionic eye. He can run and swim at 60mph, leap fences, bend metal, smash down walls and see vast distances. And of course, he is now cut out for far more important work.

For he is the new leader of a promising young Orlando Magic squad, a broken team now standing back among the playoff contenders. His mission is a noble one, to return the Magic to the NBA Finals and win the franchise its first title.