The Orlando Magic haven’t received an NBA title in its existence, however that doesn’t imply it hasn’t had its justifiable share of nice gamers. Each NBA franchise has had supreme expertise play for his or her respective franchises, however who’re the Mount Rushmore gamers for the Magic?
The Mount Rushmore Of The Orlando Magic
4. Tracy McGrady
Corridor of Fame taking pictures guard Tracy McGrady spent 4 seasons with the Magic (2000-2004). Furthermore, it’s debatable that McGrady’s profession peak occurred throughout this time in Orlando. McGrady earned two All-NBA First Staff picks, back-to-back scoring titles (2002-03 & 2003-04), and 4 All-Star appearances.
McGrady by no means received a playoff sequence at any level in his profession (apart from his final season with the San Antonio Spurs the place he barely performed), however he did lead the Magic to the postseason three out of his 4 seasons in Orlando. The seven-time All-Star’s scoring skill and flashy play-style made him a consensus premier participant within the NBA.
3. Penny Hardaway
Former Magic guard Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway went to the Magic because the third total decide within the 1993 draft. As a member of the Magic together with Shaquille O’Neal, Hardaway earned 4 All-Star nods and made three All-NBA groups.
The tandem of O’Neal and Hardaway led the Magic to a few postseason berths (two convention finals berths) and an look within the 1995 NBA Finals (misplaced vs. the Houston Rockets). All through Hardaway’s tenure in Orlando, he averaged 19 factors, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 369 video games.
2. Dwight Howard
Throughout his time in Orlando, middle Dwight Howard was a consensus top-five participant within the league. All through his eight seasons with Orlando, Howard amassed six All-Star nods, 5 rebounding titles, three consecutive Defensive Participant of the 12 months awards, 5 First Staff All-NBA picks, and led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009.
The 2004 first total decide averaged 18.4 factors, 13 rebounds, and a pair of.2 blocks whereas with the Magic. Howard’s six-foot-11, 250-pound body allowed him to bully defenders within the paint offensively and defensively. In all honesty, it’s mind-boggling Howard didn’t make the NBA’s seventy fifth anniversary checklist again in 2021.
Howard is surely a first-ballot Corridor of Famer. The Georgia native was arguably the perfect middle within the league for a strong five-year stretch, and his accolades again that argument. Moreover, as a defender, Howard has a professional case to be thought of one of many best inside defenders of all time.
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Corridor of Fame middle Shaquille O’Neal is thought to be the most effective facilities of all time. O’Neal received 4 NBA championships all through his 19-year profession, however none of them got here as a member of the Magic. Nonetheless, O’Neal’s tenure in Orlando was prolific sufficient to land him on this spot as the best Magic participant ever.
As a member of the Magic, O’Neal earned the Rookie of the 12 months award, 4 All-Star picks, a scoring title, and three All-NBA groups. Moreover, O’Neal led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995 in simply his third season. The seven-foot-two huge man averaged 27.2 factors, 12.5 rebounds, and a pair of.8 blocks throughout his tenure in Orlando.
O’Neal’s peak was positively throughout his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, however his impression with the Magic is noteworthy sufficient for the large man to land within the prime spot.
The Final Phrase On The Mount Rushmore Of The Orlando Magic
The Magic have had nice gamers all through its franchise since its inception in 1989. Orlando could also be with out an NBA title now, however the franchise hopes that 2022 first total decide Paolo Banchero can cause them to the promised land.
