Seems like Grant Hill doesn’t want to hang up his orthopedic shoes just quite yet, after all. Working as an analyst at the NBA Finals seemed to cement Grant’s desire to return to the NBA next season, rather than fuel his desire to leave and begin his broadcasting career.

“I love it here at the finals. It makes me want to play in the finals. Being in this situation is what you should play for,” he said. “It’s a real motivating factor right now. It’s the goal of every player to reach this point. That’s what I want.”

It wasn’t too long ago that Grant wanted to play “just to play”—now he wants to play to be in the finals? Well, that does make sense. I mean, when was the last time he was actually able to “play” for extended periods of time? The last seven years in Orlando have basically been a paid rehab to the once Next MJ.

Since he’ll be a free agent and is likely to look at teams offering him a shot to contribute as a role player and win a championship, Grant as asked about possibly playing for Phoenix (who could use some more experience) or the Spurs (which is the NBA’s version of Florida). Grant’s answer? “In my head, nothing really has changed. I’m just going to do what any free agent does, listen to what’s out there, and I don’t know what that will be at this point. What was said might have come out wrong. I could be back [in Orlando]. It is going to be my ‘home.’”

We already know Grant thinks Van Gundy is the right coach (even though he was obviously their second choice). Is that enough? He wants to win a championship, and Orlando obviously won’t compete for that while he can still play. Does Orlando even want him back? For nearly a decade he’s been taking money the Magic could have used to sign key FAs or as incentive to draw in a big name.

Yes, he stayed healthy for most of last year, but if I’m the Magic I let Grant go sign with another team. It pains me to say it, but he’s just not worth more risks financially at this point.