| Orlando Magic Lottery Preview Authored by Howard Mass - May 21, 2005 - 5:17 am
Lottery Preview
In just a few short days, the NBA will hold it's annual Draft Lottery. Last year, Magic fans were overjoyed just to know that the Magic had landed a top-3 spot. Then, we all had to go through that seemingly long commercial break in agony hoping the Magic's logo would not appear out of the envelopes for the 3rd and 2nd overall picks. When the commercial break ended, we saw the Bulls logo come up and then when that Clippers logo popped out at #2, I like many of you went completely nuts.
Getting the #1 pick was a thrill but the odds of that happening again this year are a longshot.
You see, last year the Magic had 250 lottery combinations out of 1,001 to win one of those top-3 selections.
However, this year they have a mere 8 combinations out of those 1.001.
That means getting a top-3 pick probably will not happen.
It can still happen though. Back in 1999, the then Charlotte Hornets had only 5 combinations and they snagged the 3rd overall pick which netted Baron Davis.
So, while the Magic probably will not get one of those top selections, it will be a fun couple of moments until that 11th pick card is pulled up. If it isn't there that will be great but if it is, we can all be thankful a team at 12, 13, or 14 did not jump our beloved Magic and knock them down a spot.
Magic's second round selection effected by lottery
The Magic's first-round pick is not the only thing that will be determined by the lottery.
Many of you have asked me about the confusion on the NBA's Draft Order page via our message board and E-Mail.
Basically, the Magic have the right to swap second-round picks with the Toronto Raptors from the Robert Archibald trade (1/2/2004) and the Los Angeles Clippers from the Bo Outlaw three-way deal that also involved Phoenix (11/17/2001).
The option to swap second-round picks with the Clippers is pointless as there pick is lower.
However, Toronto's will be higher so the Magic will swap picks with them.
Here's the catch though. Many of you have seen the page where their 2nd is 37 or 38, well there is a somewhat confusing reason for this.
Since Toronto and the New York Knicks finished with identical records, they had to flip a coin to determine who would have more lottery combinations. Toronto won and thus have an extra combination and most importantly the higher first-round pick while New York gets the higher provided neither get a top-3 spot.
However, let's say New York wins a top-3 pick and gets the higher first, then Toronto would receive the higher 2nd and thus the Magic would swap for the 37th pick instead of the 38.
So, basically if New York finishes higher, the Magic get 37 instead of 38.
Pretty long, lame and confusing huh?
Well, at least it gives us draft junkies like myself another thing to cheer for this Tuesday. Did I mention the Magic also have the 44th pick from Cleveland...........
Quick thought on the coaching search
The wait and strain of the Magic's coaching search has many of anxious for a final answer. Everyday it is a new twist with all of us attached to the local sportscasts and refreshing the local papers just trying to find any news that leaks out of John Weisbrod's office.
Things have been frustrating for us all but I think things will be coming to an end soon.
This is just a hunch but look for something to happen next week and do not be surprised by anything even Flip Saunders deciding to come here.
Portland has been after him for years and if he really was going there, what is taking so long?
My hunch: Flip does not want to rebuild and is looking elsewhere for the right situation. I would not be surprised if he came here to Orlando or Cleveland for maybe $6.5 to 7 million a year rather than the reported $8 million he is being offered.
I also would not mind my first choice in Eric Mussleman.
Hopefully, all works out but again, I really think a decision is close.
Hang in there Magicfans.
Next Article
Immediately after the lottery, I will have a recap and an interview with DraftCity.com's Jonathan Waters about the upcoming draft. If anyone has a question they would like me to ask Jonathan, please let me know. If not, I have a great set of them handy.
Contact
If anyone has any questions or comments about this article, please feel free to E-Mail me howard.mass@realgm.com |
