Lee the home run we have been waiting for

Geert Hammick. Anthony Avent. JJ Redick. Rodney Dent. Johnny Davis. Brian Evans. David Vaughn.

The number of useless and empty mid-first round draft picks is astounding in the Magic's history. But it seems like Orlando has finally hit one right.

Dwyane Wade scored 33 points in the game against Miami last Friday. He had none in the fourth quarter. Who was guarding him in the final moments of the game? It was the rookie from Western Kentucky.

Lee has been the biggest and most pleasant surprise of the season.

It has always been difficult to gauge Orlando's draft picks. When it is not a slam dunk home run (like Dwight Howard, Shaquille O'Neal or Penny Hardaway), Orlando's drafting has been suspect. Mike Miller was a top five pick and panned out OK.

But after the Magic make the playoffs? You will be hard pressed to find someone who contributed to the team immediately. Keith Bogans did, I think. Other than that, there are not that many to name. Michael Doleac and Matt Harpring were good for the Magic.

Keyon Dooling was good... six years after Orlando drafted him.

Tough to pull those name out of the hat. The Magic were looking for their diamond in the rough. Their Gilbert Arenas, Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd, Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker. That late round steal.

But Lee is bucking this trend.

In June, it was clear Lee was the best option for Orlando. He was a seasoned player who knew how to score and could defend a little. If anything his success should prove that the longer you stay in college, the more ready you are for the NBA.

He struggled at the beginning of the year, but is demanding playing time now. He has fit in perfectly with Orlando and is replenishing the team's talent. His presence has allowed Orlando to survive injuries to Mickael Pietrus and should allow the team to let go of older, unwanted or too costly talent.

Lee is the home run draft pick Orlando has been waiting for.