Still infuriated, the Orlando Magic are exploring ways to appeal the NBA's decision to deny the club an injury exception on behalf of Grant Hill.

The league's response: Good luck.

"There's not really a process," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Wednesday from the league's offices in New York. The Magic can reapply in 90 days for the exception. But that process only can occur if Hill is reinjured.

Orlando's request was turned down after a league-appointed doctor reviewed Hill's case. He ruled there was a chance Hill could play this season, trumping the opinions of the club's doctors.

Even Dr. James Nunley, who performed the fourth and most extensive surgery on Hill's left ankle in mid-March, said on Hill's Web site after the surgery that Hill could play again, but he couldn't possibly predict when he would return.

An NBA source said that even some league officials were shocked by the doctor's decision, considering Hill's traumatic medical history the past three years and the Magic's plan to have him sit out next season.