From the Orlando Sentinel ... also some interesting stuff about the Magic seriously looking at taking Miller at number 5. Boy would that screw up my mock draft .... http://orlandosentinel.com/automagic/sports/2000-06-27/SPTmagic27062700.html Magic set to wine & dine stars By Tim Povtak of The Sentinel Staff Published in The Orlando Sentinel on June 27, 2000 Tim Duncan and Grant Hill -- the NBA`s two highest-profile free agents this summer -- are making plans to visit the Orlando Magic this weekend, the first time that teams can begin talking with free agents about new contracts. Although clubs can start recruiting and negotiating with free agents on July 1, they are not permitted officially to reach agreements or to sign players until Aug. 1. Both the agents for Duncan and Hill and Magic officials said Monday they had no knowledge of those plans -- they are not permitted to talk -- but sources close to the players expect both stars to be in town to tour the Magic facilities. The Magic have begun the most crucial summer in franchise history, hoping to rebuild their team and shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference. It will start with the NBA draft Wednesday, then continue through the free-agent signing period. The Magic have the Nos. 5, 10 and 13 picks in the draft -- the first team in NBA history to have three lottery selections -- and an estimated $18 million of salary cap room to sign free agents. The Magic on Monday continued their attempt to trade up in the draft order. But if they are unsuccessful, they are expected to take either Texas center Chris Mihm or Florida forward Mike Miller with the No. 5 selection. If the Magic opt for Mihm, the Atlanta Hawks are expected to take Miller No. 6. The first four picks are expected to be Cincinnati forward Kenyon Martin (New Jersey), LSU forward Stromile Swift (Vancouver), Iowa State forward Marcus Fizer (Los Angeles Clippers) and East St. Louis High School forward Darius Miles (Chicago). If the Clippers would opt for Miles at No. 3, the Bulls likely would take Mihm at No. 4, leaving Fizer for the Magic at No. 5. That scenario would thrill the Magic, giving them a much-needed low-post scoring threat. With their second and third picks, the Magic are hoping to get shooting guard Courtney Alexander (Fresno State) at No. 10 and UCLA forward Jerome Moiso at No. 13. They still are considering the option of giving Denver that No. 13 pick, satisfying a previous trade obligation that will require them to give the Nuggets a future No. 1 pick. Overshadowing the draft, though, will be the visits of Duncan and Hill, who are seriously considering leaving their current teams to play together in Orlando. The Magic and the Bulls are the only two teams in the NBA who will have the salary-cap room to sign two star free agents to maximum allowable contracts, paying each $9 million in the first year of new deal. Both also have said they will make their decisions quickly this summer, giving their current teams (San Antonio and Detroit) time to move forward. The Magic also will press for a quick decision, leaving them the option to pursue other free agents if that becomes necessary. Waiting behind Duncan and Hill on the free-agent pecking order are Tracy McGrady (Toronto), Jalen Rose (Indiana), Eddie Jones (Charlotte), Maurice Taylor (Los Angeles Clippers), Rashard Lewis (Seattle) and Austin Croshere (Indiana). According to one published report, Hill already has told friends that he won`t be returning to Detroit. He has talked a few times about his desire to play alongside Duncan, but if he did it in San Antonio, he would have to play for a fraction of the money he could get in Orlando. The Magic still are looking at a myriad of options for the draft and free agency. If they are in position to take Mihm at No. 5, the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to offer a deal that includes guard Brevin Knight in hopes of swapping picks. The Cavs are scheduled to pick No. 8, and they are desperate for a center, which is what the Bulls at No. 7 are likely to take. The Magic have talked with the Pacers, too, who would like to move up in the first round. The Magic also have spoken to several teams, offering their 13th pick if the clubs also would take Magic forward Derek Strong, who has two years remaining on his contract. Strong fell out of favor with the Magic, who would like to clear even more salary-cap space. Although the Pacers are well over the salary cap, they could take Strong without sending back a player because they have a trade-exception salary slot that expires Wednesday. The trade the Magic would love to make is the one with New Jersey that would give them the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Magic have been offering two of their picks, plus an assortment of players, to make it happen. According to one report Monday in New York, the Nets were "99 percent sure" they would keep their pick and take Martin, but that the Magic were the only team still in contention to make a deal for the pick. The Magic are using this summer of great expectations to relaunch their image. Today they will unveil a new team logo on their website (orlandomagic.com). Posted Jun 26 2000 11:30PM ------------------
I think it will be great if Hill & Duncan join up with Doc. I like all 3 guys and with some more tweaking, they can challenge the Lakers. That way Jackass won't be herald as the all time greatest coach.
Let's just say...Duncan isn't the same player without a Robinson playing alongside of him. let's just say...Duncan is not leaving SA. ------------------ It's a cool site, this clutchcity.net
