June 30, 1993 - With one of Michigan's most elite basketball prospects in state history penned in as a no-brainer No.1 overall pick, it was only fitting that the Palace of Auburn Hills, located a stone's throw north of Detroit, would host the 1993 NBA Draft. Chris Webber received a prolonged standing ovation the moment his name was initially called that evening, so NBA commissioner David Stern appeared to know full well what he was walking into when he approached the mic to announce a trade involving Webber moments later.
For the record, the three future first round draft picks acquired by the Magic yielded Todd Fuller (1996), Vince Carter (1998), and Mike Miller (2000). One year following the Webber deal, Orlando packaged two of those picks (1996 and 1998) alongside Scott Skiles, sending all to Washington in a salary dump intended to facilitate the Magic's signing of Horace Grant.
Four months later, the 1996 and 1998 future first round picks (Fuller and Carter) returned to Golden State, the original owner of the picks, once again in exchange for Chris Webber, who was sent to Washington following a second-year fallout with Warriors head coach Don Nelson.
Todd Fuller averaged 4.0 points over two seasons with the Warriors. Carter, drafted fifth overall by Golden State in 1998, was sent to Toronto on draft night in exchange for North Carolina teammate Antawn Jamison.
Webber went on to enjoy a 15-year Hall of Fame career. Hardaway, meanwhile, teamed up with Shaquille O'Neal to lead the Magic to the Finals in 1995 before leg injuries prematurely dulled his ascent. Hardaway made four all-star appearances in Orlando then gently winded down his career as a role player in the 2000's.
22 янв 2022
