Howard lobbies to be Magic's No. 1 pick

Dwight Howard shows team officials his maturity and skills during a workout.

By Tim Povtak | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted June 20, 2004

Tracy McGrady isn't even out the door yet, but Dwight Howard -- 18 years old and fresh out of high school -- is ready to replace him.

Howard is one of two players the Orlando Magic are considering for the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this week, doing his best Saturday to win their confidence.

"I'm the man for the job," he said after a one-hour workout at the RDV Sportsplex in front of coaches and front-office officials. "I'd carry the team right now. I know it's going to take me time to get used to all the banging and just the physical play, but I'm ready to make an impact right away."

Howard, 6 feet 10, 240 pounds and still growing, captivated the Magic on Saturday with both his advanced maturity and his eye-opening physical skills.

The Magic also are considering forward/center Emeka Okafor, who led Connecticut to the NCAA championship this spring. He worked out for them Friday.

"I think we have a very difficult decision on our hands. This kid [Howard] is Grade A," said Magic General Manager John Weisbrod. "This is a grounded kid, a real mature kid with a very strong self belief. I asked him 'what do you want to accomplish?' And he said, without hesitation, 'I want to be the greatest player ever to play the game.' "

Howard or Okafor -- whoever is picked -- will be replacing McGrady as the franchise's marquee player, a heavy burden for a team still expected to struggle after last season's debacle.

Although the Magic are expected to receive at least two good players in return for McGrady, it's unlikely they will receive anything close to equal value in either talent or popularity, leaving the hopes of the franchise on the shoulders of the No. 1 pick.

Neither of the possibilities seemed intimidated by that prospect. Howard, the national high school player of the year, sounded excited about the challenge. He averaged 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8 blocks and 3.5 assists his senior year when he led Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy to a state championship.

"My high school team was the same way. They rode my back. I was the horse for the team, and I got them the state championship," he said. "If I keep my head together and focus, then I'll be all right. I wish Tracy was here, but that doesn't change things. I'm still excited about playing for the Magic."

Howard could become a versatile, face-the-basket type of forward, a slasher/scorer/rebounder. He handles the ball well, jumps incredibly well and has been focused for years on becoming an NBA star. His father, an educator in Atlanta, accompanied him this weekend to Orlando.

Although he will visit with the Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Bobcats in the next couple of days, he said he will not be working out for either team.

"I don't know if there is any skill he is weak in," Weisbrod said. "There are little nuances that are going to come with the fact that he has not been challenged to do things because he was so physically superior [in high school]. He has no physical issues."

Although Weisbrod was non-committal about his preference for the No. 1 pick, he estimated that 20 of the current 29 teams would make Howard the No. 1 pick. He said nine likely would select Okafor.

With or without McGrady, the Magic could utilize either one. More than a dozen teams have called with offers for the No. 1 pick. There is a good chance the Magic will be offered at least one veteran player in return for not taking Howard, allowing the Clippers, with the No. 2 pick, to take him for Atlanta or someone else. The Clippers, already overloaded at forward, have been soliciting offers for their No. 2 spot in the draft.

"I didn't focus myself on Tracy. I hope the best for him and whatever he decides to do," Howard said. "I wasn't concerned with anything but coming in here and giving a good workout. I think things will be a lot better here."