Orlando Magic sweat it out but get their man

Lee is unusual these days: He played all four seasons in college, starring at Western Kentucky. But Smith said Lee's maturity is a plus, not a negative, and Van Gundy admires his calm under pressure.

Lee made great strides since overcoming homesickness as a freshman, increasing his scoring average from 14.9 to 20.4 as a senior.

He averaged 17.6 points per game for his career, and was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year last season.

Although unlikely, Smith also said that the drafting of Lee did not preclude the Magic from signing another shooting guard once the free-agent signing period begins next month.

"So many things can happen," Van Gundy said. "We're definitely trying to improve our roster as much as we can. You're trying to get the best players you can even if there's a glut at the position."

Evans, who started after arriving in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers early last season, is likely seeking a bigger deal than the Magic are willing to offer. Smith said the team "is open" to re-signing Evans at the right price.

Keith Bogans and J.J. Redick -- who are both under contract -- are the backups.

Bogans decided not to opt out of his contract and has one more year remaining. Redick, frustrated with his playing time, had asked for a trade in January. Smith said the club had no plans to deal Redick on draft night or over the summer.

Redick, who turned 24 on Monday, told the Sentinel on Wednesday that he hoped the hoopla about trading him "was laid to rest."

Curiously, Smith said Lee's arrival should not affect Redick, adding, "I don't think it does anything to him. Most teams have two or three guards."

Brian Schmitz's Magic basketblog can be read at OrlandoSentinel.com/magicblog, and he can be reached at bschmitz@orlandosentinel.com.

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