He's old enough to compare NBA scars, but still young enough to talk the language of the stars. Doc Rivers is known around the league as a players' coach.

They like it that Doc, a former all-star guard, understands how they feel and how they think. Inevitably, there comes a time when Rivers must define the line between player and coach, not blur it.

To that end, Rivers finished the Magic's preseason batting .500. He made a tough but wise call to take Patrick Ewing out of the lineup Thursday. And he botched an easy decision by leaving Grant Hill in it that night.

Of course, if Doc had all the answers by his third season coaching the Magic, he'd be spouting Zen philosophy.

He was faced with a slam-dunk decision -- removing a limping Hill for the night on Thursday -- and blew it.