Thursday, May 27, 2004
Draft lottery magical for Orlando once again
The Associated Press
SECAUCUS, N.J. - The Orlando Magic won the NBA Draft Lottery on Wednesday night, giving hope to Tracy McGrady and company after a league-low 21 wins last season.
Magic senior vice president Pat Williams pumped his fist seconds after NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik opened the 14th and final envelope revealing the Magic's logo.
"We needed a lift," Williams said. "We needed hope and that's what this pick does for us."
The unfortunate thing for the Magic is that this is a draft without a proven superstar.
When the Cleveland Cavaliers won last year, there was no doubt that they would take high school phenom LeBron James who went on to become the Rookie of The Year.
This year the choice is not as obvious.
Connecticut center Emeka Okafor and Atlanta high school star Dwight Howard have been mentioned as possible top picks, but each has drawbacks.
This is the third time in the past 12 years that Williams has been on the stage and gotten the No. 1 pick. Orlando got the No. 1 in 1992 and '93.
"It's not like 12 years ago sitting here knowing Shaq was coming," Williams said, referring to Shaquille O'Neal.
The Los Angeles Clippers made the biggest move in the lottery jumping from the fifth pick to No. 2. Chicago slipped from No. 2 to No. 3.
The expansion Charlotte Bobcats were assured of the fourth pick.
Washington, which had the third best chance of getting the No. 1 pick, slipped to No. 5.
REDS
Win streak stops at seven
No glare, no grudge, Jr., McKeon say
Jones welcomes chance at save
MORE BASEBALL
Guillen apologizes to Angels teammates
AL: Indians' losing skid reaches seven games
NL: Piazza's error helps Phils rally
BENGALS
Team had 4th-highest payroll in NFL in 2003
OUTDOORS
Happy trails, and more trails
Be brave! Don't let those critters get the best of you on the trail
PREP SPORTS
Mason slips past Lakota West
Preps schedule, results
Taylor girls' 3,200 relay sets record at regionals
TENNIS
U.S. men bid French adieu
No.3 seed Coria up to qualifier's challenge
NBA
Draft lottery magical for Orlando once again
Pistons take control of series with Pacers
MOBILE SKATEPARK
Brother pair gets the big air
OLYMPICS
The Magnificent Seven tumbles again
U.S. doping stance is drawing support
OTHER SPORTS
Sports briefs
Sports today on TV, radio