Magic GM receives death threats after trading McGrady
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-09 06:45

Orlando Magic general manager John Weisbrod was forced to check into a hotel under an alias after receiving two handwritten death threats over the trade of Tracy McGrady, a television station reported.

Police are analyzing handwritten messages left at the National Basketball Association executive's home, WESH reported.

One was left on his back door June 17 and the other threat was written across a glass door on June 30, the day that two-time NBA scoring champion McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal.

"I get harassing correspondence all the time, but when it starts happening at your house, that raises the bar to a different level," Weisbrod told the television station.

Weisbrod said he checked into a hotel last week and notified police of the notes.

"It's in the hands of the necessary authorities," the team said in a confirming statement. "Due to the serious nature of the situation, we have nothing further to add at this time."

McGrady had asked to be traded and was sent to the Rockets to play alongside Chinese star centre Yao Ming while guard Steve Francis, shooting guard Cuttino Mobley and forward Kelvin Cato were sent to Orlando.

Howard signs

Meanwhile, US high school sensation Dwight Howard, the first selection in last month's NBA Draft, signed a three-year deal on Wednesday worth US$11.23 million.

Under the NBA's rookie salary rules, Howard was assured those terms with the Magic owning an option on the 18-year-old prodigy for the 2007-2008 season.

General manager Weisbrod chose Howard, only the third high school player taken No 1, over another power forward, University of Connecticut star Emeka Okafor, who guided the Huskies to a national collegiate crown.

Howard averaged 25.0 points, 18.0 rebounds and 8.0 blocked shots a game last season, leading his team to a Georgia state prep crown. He was among eight high school players taken in the first round.

Three other first-round NBA Draft selections inked deals on Wednesday, also with pre-set terms based on where they were taken.

The New Orleans Hornets signed 18-year-old high school guard J.R. Smith, the 18th pick overall, to a three-year contract worth US$3.1 million.

Golden State signed 18-year-old forward Andris Bievins, the first Latvian selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, to a three-year deal worth US$4.64 million. Bievins was taken 11th overall.

And centre David Harrison, the 29th and last pick in the first round, signed a three-year deal worth US$2.25 million with Indiana. The 7-foot college centre averaged 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks last season.

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