The Curse of the Shaquino
By Joe Davis
In Other Sports...Orlando has an answer to the curse of the Bambino, it's the CURSE OF THE SHAQUINO. In 1992, the Magic won the first lottery pick. The Magic drafted LSU's Shaquille O'Neal. In 1993,the Magic drafted Chris Webber for the 1st pick overall and Anfernee Hardaway was drafted 3rd overall by the Golden State Warriors. The Magic traded Webber to Golden State in exchange for Anfernee Hardaway and first round picks in 1996, 1998, and 2000. It looked like it would be the beginning of a dynasty for the Orlando Magic.
The Magic played the Houston Rockets in the 1995 NBA Finals but were swept in 4 games. Shaq went to the LA Lakers and won 3 championships. The Magic thought that the additions of Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady for the 2000-2001 season that they would once again return to the promised land. Orlando thought wrong, Grant Hill has only played 47 games in 4 years. Now, Tracy McGrady could be on the way out as Orlando is exploring trade options with teams. He could be heading to Houston tonight before the NBA Draft in New York. Now the big decision for the Magic, draft a proven Emeka Okafor, a high school player in Dwight Howard or trade down. With the first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Orlando is on the clock.
