On The Rise As the NBA draft gets closer and closer, the realities of making the selection are starting to set in for teams at the top of the heap. The Orlando Magic have tried to set a same day workout with Emeka Okafor, the consensus top selection by most pundits and Dwight Howard, the long shot to go #1., however the plan was killed by Aaron Goodwin, saying he felt each player needed their own day and would not agree to the same day comparison. The Magic are rumored to be wavering on Okafor?s back, and have sought the advice and opinions of some of the more notable back experts to insure they are not looking at a long term problem. Okafor joked with media in Chicago saying he wished he could put up a sign that said ?My Back Is Fine?. While Okafor is not likely to go any lower than #3 to Chicago, Dwight Howard continues to tell media he has Orlando in one ear and Atlanta in the other ear. Rumor has it the Hawks have a deal out to both Orlando and the LA Clippers, that would give them the Hawks #6 selection and Jason Terry for the rights to Dwight Howard. The Clippers are said to be interested in the deal and should Orlando pass on Howard, expect the Clips to pull the trigger. High school standout Shaun Livingston officially ended his bid to become a Duke Blue Devil informing the school he would remain in the draft and is expected to sign with BDA Sports, and Bill Duffy. It rumored that Livingston would go no lower than #10 to Cleveland, although most pundits feel Shaun will be gone by #6 to Atlanta if they keep the pick. Stanford forward Josh Childress seems to have locked himself into a top 5 selection, he has had strong workouts and most that have seen him say he is likely the most prepared all around player in the class. Andre Iguodala has blown away everyone who has seen him, his jumper is falling with consistency and his overall physical dominance has many thinking he?ll go in the top 10, and could be the Cinderella of this class. The Celtics have made it clear they?d take him, but the question remains will Chicago who has expressed interest and a need at the swingman spots make a bold move and grab him at #3, or trade down and get him a few selections lower. Rumor has it a scout associated with the Boston Celtics was telling people in Chicago this week that should Sebastian Telfair be there when the team selects, they will spend one of their three first round picks on him, its rumored Telfair will go in the twenties, not the teens. The Utah Jazz and the Celtics have floated the idea of a two for one trade to move up, both clubs hold multiple first round picks and have expressed interest in moving into a higher position. League sources say there has been a lot of discussion, but few teams seem interested in two guaranteed contracts from this draft class, especially for an upper pick that could yield a better player. The Magic are getting some feelers on their three second round selections, the Magic hold the 1st pick in the 2nd round (#30 overall), as well as picks 37 and 43. Given the possibility that good players like Luis Flores, Delonte West and Chris Duhon could all be there in this range the play for these more experienced players could work into Orlando?s hands. According to some scouts that know, the consensus player at power forward is Emeka Okafor, the consensus player at small forward is Luol Deng, the consensus player at shooting guard is Josh Childress, the consensus player at point guard is Ben Gordon and the first center of the board will be Pavel Podkolzine, taken in the teens. The #2 selection belonging to the Clippers is in play, the #4 from Charlotte is in play, the Magic have turned away suitors for the #1. The Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks, and the Boston Celtics have all made plays for a top three selection.
