Magic make money appear for Howard, Nelson

In a move to keep the team’s young core in Orlando for a few years, Howard and Nelson will don Magic uniform’s through the 2007-08 season.

Howard, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, is averaging 15.6 points and 12.3 rebounds in 70 games this season. Howard also was one of 23 players recently named to the 2005-06 USA Men’s Senior National Team program.

Meanwhile, the Magic will have a steady point guard on their roster for some time in Nelson. The speedy guard is posting 14.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 50 games this season.

Nelson’s stock lifted when the team dealt disgruntled guard Steve Francis to the New York Knicks more than a month ago.

On a sour note, Magic oft-injured forward Grant Hill is contemplating retirement if he needs more surgery to repair a sports hernia.

The injury, which has hampered professional athletes such as Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, has limited Hill to just 21 games this season. He hasn’t played since a March 10 win against Cleveland.

Hill, who has underwent several ankle surgeries in the past, missed the first 19 games of the 2005-06 season. He is averaging 15.1 points, 3.8 boards and 2.3 assists this season.

The Magic have won three straight games and will visit the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night at the United Center. Orlando is 7-29 as the visitor this season.