Orlando wins NBA lottery to get top pick
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-05-27 09:40

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.

Orlando Magic senior vice president Pat Williams uses ping pong balls as props, the two in his left hand representing number one selections in 1992 and 1993 and the one in his right hand representing the 2004 draft, during a news conference in Orlando, Florida. [AP]

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 prominently as possible top picks, but each has drawbacks.

Okafor has battled a back problem and Howard is like any youngster — one never knows.

This is the third time in the last 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 Magic drafted Chris Webber No. 1 the following year but traded him for Penny Hardaway. O'Neal and Hardaway led Orlando to the NBA Finals.

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.

The lottery did not change picks six through No. 14. Atlanta will have the sixth choice and will be followed by Phoenix, Toronto, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Golden State, Seattle, Portland and Utah.

A record 94 players have applied for early entry into this year's draft, 21 more than last year.

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