ORLANDO, FLA - The Orlando Magic looked for any reason not to pick Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy senior Dwight Howard in the NBA draft. But in the end, they say they got the best basketball player with the first overall pick.<br>
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The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Howard had used stellar pre-draft interviews to edge past Connecticut All-American Emeka Okafor on the Magic's wish list.<br>
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But general manager John Weisbrod drilled his assistants with tough questions, trying to make sure his team wouldn't waste the number-one pick on a high-schooler who wouldn't pan out in the pros.<br>
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But the coaches and scouts never wavered under the questions. And Thursday night's draft showed their certainty.<br>
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By choosing potential over experience, Weisbrod is taking a risk in trying to rebuild after last season's 21-61 disaster.<br>
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He acknowledges Okafor will give more help next year to the Charlotte Bobcats, who picked second, than Howard will help the Magic.<br>
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But he said 2004 and 2005 isn't the point -- he believes Howard will be the better player in the long run.
