Orlando Magic 2004 Draft Preview

Orlando needs the No. 1 pick to be a successful selection. Rumors of a trade with Houston, which will send superstar Tracy McGrady and other Magic players to the Rockets for Steve Francis and others seems to be imminent.

Without the talented McGrady in the fold, Orlando has a chance to satisfy its fan base with the best player that the draft has to offer. The Magic also have to be running out of hope for the return of a healthy Grant Hill.

The Magic, who lost 19 straight after winning their season opener against the New York Knicks, finished last season with a brutal 21-61 record. Orlando fired head coach Doc Rivers in the midst of the losing streak and replaced him with assistant and current general Johnny Davis.

A new era in basketball is going to start in Orlando. How the Magic re-shape their roster without McGrady will be an interesting thing to see. After all, McGrady did average 28 points last season, and was basically a one-man show for Orlando.

Connecticut’s Emeka Okafor should be the pick for Orlando. He will be able to step right in and give the Magic an inside presence who can block shots and score around the basket. Okafor should help make McGrady a happy player.

However, do not rule out the Magic selecting high school sensation Dwight Howard. There are concerns about Okafor’s back which could make Orlando shy away from picking the Connecticut product. It is a toss up as to who will be the No. 1 pick.

Key Player(s): Drew Gooden (forward), Juwan Howard (forward), Tracy McGrady (forward/guard), DeShawn Stevenson (forward).

Team Needs: toughness down low, a shot blocker and a point guard.

Draft picks: 1st round (1st overall), 2nd round (30th overall), 2nd round (36th overall), 2nd round (42nd overall).