Time for Draft Disinformation : Basketball: Is Orlando disenchanted with Webber? Will the Magic trade No. 1?
As happens each year on the day before the NBA draft, panic and confusion reigned Tuesday.
Orlando, choosing first, was reportedly so upset with Chris Webber’s workout that the Magic was trying to trade the pick to Golden State for future No. 1 choices. Both teams are so far over the salary cap that trading players is almost impossible.
Of course, the workout was a month ago and some who actually saw it say it wasn’t so bad.
“I didn’t have a bad workout,” said Webber, a less detached observer, in a conference call Tuesday from Auburn Hills, Mich., site of the draft. “That’s a lie, or a rumor or something.”
It’s that season, when 27 general managers try to fool one another and everyone else, but here’s how the top of the first round looks:
1. Orlando--Webber. But some officials are lobbying for Jamal Mashburn.
2. Philadelphia--Shawn Bradley, unless Webber’s there.
3. Golden State--Mashburn. Don Nelson loves Anfernee Hardaway, too, but if Bradley were somehow still available, Nelson’s prayers would be answered.
4. Dallas--Hardaway, or whoever drops out of the top three.
5. Minnesota--J.R. Rider.
6. Washington--Calbert Cheaney.
7. Sacramento--Bobby Hurley.
8. Milwaukee--Rodney Rogers, although Mike Dunleavy might flop picks with the Lakers, reportedly for Elden Campbell. If it happens, the Lakers will probably take Vin Baker here.
9. Denver--Baker, if he’s there. Rogers if Baker isn’t.
10. Detroit--Acie Earl.
11. Detroit--Allan Houston or Lindsey Hunter.
12. Lakers--Jerry West came right out and said he would take George Lynch here if the draft goes as expected. Such candor is rare, but the Lakers love North Carolina players. Lynch is in the A.C. Green mold, and Green is an unrestricted free agent.
13. Clippers--If Houston drops, they will grab him. He is a deadeye shooter, exactly what they are looking for. If not, figure Arizona’s Chris Mills.
NBA Notes
Chris Webber, asked where he would like to go: “I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Lakers. I’d get (No.) 32 1/2 and take Magic’s place.” Webber refused to work out for any team after doing so for Orlando. . . . Shawn Bradley didn’t work out for anyone. “It’d be useless for me to do that,” Bradley said. “Everyone says I’m going one or two. Why take a chance on disappointing anyone? I’m going to be there when the time comes, but right now I’m not. General managers understand that.” . . . Jamal Mashburn has already bought a Ferrari out of anticipated earnings, but has one problem. “I can’t drive a stick shift yet,” he said. “So I’ve got to figure that out.”
Draft Order
Order of selection in today’s NBA draft, at Auburn Hills, Mich.
First Round 1. Orlando 2. Philadelphia 3. Golden State 4. Dallas 5. Minnesota 6. Washington 7. Sacramento 8. Milwaukee 9. Denver 10. Detroit (from Miami) 11. Detroit 12. Lakers 13. Clippers 14. Indiana 15. Atlanta 16. New Jersey 17. Charlotte 18. Utah 19. Boston 20. Charlotte (from San Antonio) 21. Portland 22. Cleveland 23. Seattle 24. Houston 25. Chicago 26. Orlando (from New York) 27. Phoenix
Second Round 28. Dallas 29. Minnesota 30. Washington 31. Sacramento 32. Philadelphia 33. Dallas (from Milwaukee) 34. Golden State 35. Miami 36. Washington (from Denver) 37. Lakers 38. Washington (from Detroit) 39. Indiana 40. Atlanta (from Clippers) 41. Chicago (from Orlando) 42. Seattle (from New Jersey through Orlando) 43. Denver (from Atlanta) 44. Sacramento (from Charlotte) 45. Utah 46. Houston (from Boston through New Jersey and Cleveland) 47. San Antonio 48. Portland (from Portland via Denver) 49. Phoenix (from Cleveland) 50. Houston 51. Indiana (from Seattle) 52. Sacramento (from Seattle via Chicago) 53. Clippers (from New York) 54. Phoenix TV: TNT, 4:30 p.m. PDT
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