DRAFT PICKS: Courtney Lee, G, 6-5, Western Kentucky -- He gives the Magic a shooting guard who can hit a mid-range jump shot and an athlete who should be able to become a good defender. The Magic also believe that Lee could end their string of bad middle-of-the-first-round draft picks that have included J.J. Redick (No. 11, 2006), Fran Vazquez (No. 11, 2005), Reece Gaines (No. 15, 2003), Ryan Humphrey (No. 19, 2002), Steven Hunter (No. 15, 2001) Jeryl Sasser (No. 22, 2001) and Johnny Taylor (No. 17, 1997).
FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Magic signed Mickael Pietrus from Golden State to a four-year, $22 million deal. They signed point guard Anthony Johnson, who last played in Sacramento, to a two-year, $3.8 million contract.
Of their own free agents, Keyon Dooling left for New Jersey as part of a sign-and-trade deal. Maurice Evans, a starter at shooting guard last season, is likely to leave, too. The Warriors offered him a two-year $3.9 million contract, but he turned it down, hoping to get something better. The Magic have not offered him another contract.
PLAYER NOTES:
--C Adonal Foyle, although he opted out of the second year of his contract to become a free agent, might find himself back in a Magic uniform this season if he can't find a decent offer anywhere else. The Magic would welcome him back as a backup center for the veteran's minimum.
--F Pat Garrity, who has been with the Magic nine years -- longer than anyone else -- said he wants to play another season in Orlando. Although he was mostly a practice player last season, the Magic might bring him back at the end of a 15-man roster. If he doesn't get a job in Orlando, he likely will retire.
--G Courtney Lee, the Magic's first-round draft pick, looked good during the Summer League in Orlando. Lee averaged 20 points during the Summer League, and he continues to work out with Magic coaches in Orlando.
--G J.J. Redick may be back in Orlando, but it's getting tougher to see him getting any real playing time. It could be even worse than his first two seasons. After the team drafted Lee and signing Pietrus (both play Redick's position), he is not hopeful of a future in Orlando. Also still on the roster is Keith Bogans, who played in front of Redick last season.
