Grant Hill may not return to the basketball court this season for the Orlando Magic, but he could become an NBA studio analyst with ESPN.

Hill, who has missed most of the past three seasons because of ongoing problems with his left ankle, auditioned with ESPN last week at its studios in Bristol, Conn.

According to his agent, though, Hill remains fully committed to rehabilitating his ankle and trying to return to the Magic.

"If this works out -- and it's only in the early, exploratory stages -- it would be with the understanding that his playing career was still the priority," said agent Lon Babby on Wednesday. "This is, in no way, a sign that he isn't coming back. It has nothing to do with that."

ESPN spokesman Dave Nagle confirmed that the possibility of adding Hill was under discussion. Hill did not return a phone message to discuss the possibility.

Hill has four years remaining on the seven-year, $92 million contract he signed with the Magic as a free agent. He has undergone four surgeries to his left ankle, three since joining the franchise prior to the 2000-01 season. He said earlier this month that he hopes to resume playing at some point this season.

Hill would consider a one-day-a-week studio-analyst job in the meantime, but only if it didn't interfere with his comeback plans.

ESPN has not officially contacted the Magic in regard to signing Hill to a contract. The Magic would have to approve of any deal he struck with ESPN, but General Manager John Gabriel said Thursday he didn't know enough about the plan to comment.