Enrique: Welcome back to the 2000 NBA Draft Lotto Pre-Show. We'd like to kick off our first segment looking at the three teams that are vying for the top three picks.
First Team up, the Orlando Magic. One year ago, this team nearly reached the pinnacle of the sport as they reached the 98-99 NBA Finals squaring off against the Warriors and losing to them in 5 short games. Shortly thereafter, GM Coltsguy began a systematic demolition of his team. While he brought back Jerry Stackhouse, the key components of his Eastern Conference Championship run were gone. With three draft picks in this draft and some cap space, CG is hoping to make a splash and jumpstart his rebuilding process with a top talent in this draft.
Next up is the Wizards, via the formerly protected pick of the New York Knicks. After an error with a former trade, GM Xist was able to pay cash to unprotect this valued pick. While there are still some vets in Washington, the youth movement has certainly started, bringing in young players like Lamar Odom, Rashard Lewis, and Michael Olowakandi and 3 more picks currently slotted in the 2-17 pick range. Will any of these picks move up? There is certainly potential growing in the Wizards organization
Finally, the Seattle SuperSonics. A team that was certainly in disarray as former GM Trell, looked to start over, selling off talent for space and cap room. With a whopping 5 draft picks, more than 30 million in cap room, and only carrying 2nd year forward Wally Szczerbiak on their roster, the people of Seattle are hoping more than anything to land this pick. They need to be, because the better their picks land, the quicker the rebuilding process can even begin in Seattle
Enrique: We'll be right back with more after this commercial break: