The Orlando Magic's recent track record in the NBA draft begs this burning question: Just who was responsible for selecting Jeryl Sasser, whose jump shot should be banned in 45 states?

You won't see a lot of hands shoot up in a room full of Magic executives, coaches and scouts. Maybe some fingers will be pointed when Sasser is mentioned, but nobody really wants to make a confession without a clergyman or a security guard standing by.

Sasser's selection in 2001 has clanked off the rim, symbolic of the Magic's misfires the past two years. With another draft approaching Thursday night, it's fair to wonder who calls the shots and how decisions are ultimately made, even when the pickings are as slim as Sasser's calves.

The Magic have said they reach draft decisions by committee, which, of course, shields some people from being hit with fruit when picks go bad. Here's the committee and the chain of command: Chief Operating Officer John Weisbrod, General Manager John Gabriel, Coach Doc Rivers, Player Personnel Director Gary Brokaw and the lead field scouts (Tom Jorgensen and Sam Foggin).

Weisbrod said that, beginning with this draft, the philosophy is changing -- meaning Rivers and his staff might not have quite the same clout anymore. They'll get the floor more when it's time to discuss free agents.