Who are the best Orlando Magic players ever. The Magic were established in 1989. Six years later they made their first NBA Finals but are still yet to win a championship.
The franchise remains one of the younger teams in the NBA but have still boasted some huge superstars. These are the ten best players in Magic history:
10. Nikola Vucevic
The big Montenegrin was drafted by the 76ers sixteenth overall in 2011 and a year later joined the Magic which saw Dwight Howard move to the Lakers in a multi-team trade.
In nine seasons with the Magic, the ever consistent Vucevic earned two All-Star appearances and could do it all. A double-double machine, he finished with averages of 17.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in Orlando.
9. Rashard Lewis
Arriving from Seattle in 2007, Rashard Lewis was a key piece in three playoff runs and particularly during their 2009 NBA Finals appearance, a season which he made one of two career All-Star appearances.
A versatile forward, Lewis averaged 16.3 points and 5.1 rebounds during his time in Orlando. It was his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting which helped transform the Magic to genuine Eastern Conference contenders.
8. Grant Hill
Grant Hill is regarded as one of the best Orlando Magic players due to his exceptional talent and versatility. The seven-time All-Star showcased his all-around skills, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.
Hill brought a unique combination of size and agility allowing him to excel both as a forward and a playmaker. His leadership and basketball IQ were vital for the Magic in his seven years in Orlando after arriving in 2000.
7. Horace Grant
After winning three NBA championships with the Bulls Horace Grant became one of the best Orlando Magic players, linking up with the team in 1994 and creating formidable partnerships with Shaq and Penny Hardaway.
Grant’s championship winning experience, strong defense and rebounding were crucial in transforming the Magic into a genuine contender. Although a ring eluded him in Orlando he played a key role in mentoring his younger teammates.
6. Hedo Türkoğlu
Turkish small forward Hedo Türkoğlu arrived from San Antonio in 2004 and transformed the team’s offensive play by creating mismatches with his height and exceptional ball-handling passing, shooting, and defensive skills.
A year after winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award, Türkoğlu played a pivotal role in the Magic’s run to the 2009 NBA Finals on the back of his clutch performance and leadership under pressure.
5. Nick Anderson
Nick Anderson has the honor of being Orlando Magic’s first-ever draft pick after being selected 11th overall in 1989. Averages of 15.4 points and 5.3 rebounds compliment his tenacious defense and ability to steal.
Criminally underrated, Anderson played ten seasons for the franchise and made it to the postseason on five occasions. This is the dude that scored 50 points off the bench, but we only remember it as the game that Shaq destroyed the backboard.
4. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady, otherwise known as T-Mac, is one of the best Orlando Magic players despite only four seasons at the franchise. One of the greatest shooters ever, the seven-time All-Star guided the Magic to three playoff appearances.
While at the Magic, McGrady finished as high as fourth in MVP voting and also had back-to-back scoring titles. His explosive gameplay was on full display during a 62-point performance against the Wizards in 2013, showing off his ability to create shots and score from anywhere.
3. Dwight Howard
After Shaquille O’Neal left for Los Angeles, Dwight Howard stepped into the spotlight eight years later as his natural successor and the new franchise cornerstone. On both ends of the floor his impact was undeniable.
In eight seasons with the Magic the eight-time All-Star earned three consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. One of the best Orlando Magic players ever, Howard remains the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocks.
2. Penny Hardaway
When Penny Hardaway was acquired by the Magic on a draft day trade with the Warriors, the Magic gained one of the most freakishly athletic and skilful point guards ever. Not only did he help the franchise to their first playoff, he was the perfect pairing with Shaquille O’Neal.
Forming one of the most electrifying duos in NBA history, Hardaway often created mismatches as a 6’7″ explosive side and powerful point guard. Had Shaq stayed with Hardaway, the pair most probably would have won a championship together.
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was drafted first overall in 1992 by Orlando. Shaq quickly became the face of the franchise and in just four seasons absolutely dominated with his freak physique and skills to become the best Magic player in history.
Shaq averaged 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in Orlando. He led a young powerful Magic team to the 1995 NBA Finals before one of the most powerful players in history moved to the Lakers in 1996 where he won four championships.
