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From Orlando Sentinel

THE BUZZ MAGIC 101, TRAILBLAZERS 94

Tony Battie might still return to Magic

Brian Schmitz and Tim Povtak | Sentinel Staff Writers
January 20, 2008

Magic GM Otis Smith said there's a chance that injured F Tony Battie could return for the playoffs, should the club qualify.

Battie sustained a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder before training camp and underwent surgery in late October. The Magic were granted an injury exception and used it in the trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that sent Trevor Ariza to L.A. for guard Maurice Evans and forward Brian Cook.

The NBA determined, through its doctors, that Battie could miss the season with his injury. However, nothing prevents a player from trying to come back.

"Just because they deemed [Battie] out for the season doesn't mean he can't keep doing his rehabilitation and try to get back," Smith said.


Vazquez wants in

Smith said he didn't expect F Fran Vazquez to join the team this season after the club's 2005 lottery pick told a Spanish newspaper that he hopes to soon play with the Magic.

Vazquez, who elected to stay and play in Spain, isn't playing much for FC Barcelona and could be seeking a buyout of his contract.

"I've had two meetings with Magic people in Barcelona last month. They are very interested," Vazquez's agent, Jose Cabelo, told el mundo deportivo.

Vazquez is averaging just 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds for Barcelona.


Celebrating MLK

The Magic have a variety of events planned to help celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Monday, which also is the day they play the Detroit Pistons. Magic staffers will be at Richmond Estates on Bruton Boulevard early in the day planting "seedlings for civil rights." That night at the game, 50 students from Orange County public schools will be honored for their work toward the model that Dr. King preached. Magic players also will be featured in a video tribune to Dr. King.

Related topic galleries: Otis Smith, Martin Luther King Jr., Brian Cook, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Tony Battie, National Basketball Association

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