Rashard Lewis: The Orlando Magic's Hundred Million Dollar Man Proving His Worth

It wasn't too long ago that Rashard Lewis was an afterthought in the green room of the 1998 NBA draft. After being promised he would be picked in the first round, we saw a stunned and shattered high-schooler cry as he was the last one standing. Seattle took him out of his misery early in the second round. 

Lewis' experience is a big reason why the NBA changed the draft rules to allow only the top picks in the green room.

However if hind-sight is 20-20, it was the best thing to happen to Lewis. 

He had the good fortune of playing on the same team as Ray Allen, who taught him work ethic and professionalism. Lewis used that as fuel to show the other teams what they missed out on. 

His first All-Star appearance was during the 2003-2004 season. His second was this season.

Needless to say, Lewis didn't hesitate when Orlando offered him a $118 million dollar contract in 2007.

I thought he didn't deserve it. I couldn't see the fascination with his game, much less why they would give him such a ridiculous contract.

The $36 million dollar man must feel ripped off.

After leaving Seattle for the Magic Kingdom, Lewis's offensive repertoire has been on display. Crowd him and he bounds on antelope legs right to the hoop, or he stops to pop a mid-range jumper in your face. Give him room and his unorthodox shooting style will yield a barrage of three-pointer on opponents.

He will never be known as a defensive stopper, but he tries. Besides, he has a super hero behind him to protect the basket.

Lewis eventually won me over with his grit, determination and beautiful all-around game.

He has faced off with Paul Pierce and LeBron James, arguably the top two players at their position in the East. But it's his team and not theirs getting ready to face the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Orlando may have paid a little bit too much for him, but in a few weeks we may call it a bargain.