The History of the Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 1989, the team has had a storied history in the NBA, including multiple playoff appearances and a trip to the NBA Finals. In this article, we will look at the history of the Orlando Magic, including its early years, the Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway eras, the Tracy McGrady era, the Dwight Howard era, and the team's recent rebuilding efforts. 

The team's first-ever draft pick was Nick Anderson, a shooting guard from the University of Illinois. Anderson, who had led the Illini to the Final Four in 1989, was expected to be a fundamental building block for the Magic. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Anderson was chosen over other top prospects like Glen Rice and Tim Hardaway.

The Magic struggled in its first few years, winning only 18 games in its inaugural season and failing to make the playoffs in its first four seasons. However, the team did have some bright spots during this period. In addition to Anderson, the Magic had talented young players like Scott Skiles, Dennis Scott, and Shaquille O'Neal, who would become franchise legends.

One of the critical moments of the Magic's early years came in 1991 when the team won the NBA draft lottery and the right to select first overall in the upcoming draft. According to ESPN, the Magic had a 16.7% chance of winning the lottery but beat the odds to land the top pick. The team ultimately selected UNLV forward Larry Johnson. Still, it traded him to the Charlotte Hornets for the second overall pick (they used to choose O'Neal) and veteran center Greg Kite.

Despite the team's struggles on the court, the Magic were a hit with fans in Central Florida. The team's first-ever game, a preseason matchup against the Detroit Pistons, drew a crowd of over 15,000 fans to the Orlando Arena (now known as the Amway Center). According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic averaged over 15,000 fans per game in their inaugural season, leading the league in attendance for expansion teams.

Overall, the Magic's early years were marked by struggles and promise. The team had talented young players but was still learning to compete at the NBA level. However, the foundation was in place for the team to eventually become a powerhouse in the league.

The arrival of Shaquille O'Neal in 1992 marked a turning point for the Orlando Magic. O'Neal, a dominant center who had just completed his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers, signed with the Magic as a free agent. According to ESPN, O'Neal chose Orlando over other suitors like the Lakers and the New York Knicks because of the city's warm weather and the opportunity to be the face of a young franchise.

In his first season with the team, O'Neal averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game and helped lead the Magic to its first-ever playoff appearance in 1994. According to NBA.com, the team's playoff berth was "unprecedented for an expansion team in only its fifth season." O'Neal's dominance in the paint was a key reason for the team's success, as he finished second in the league in scoring and third in rebounding during the 1993-1994 season.

Although the Magic lost in the first round of the playoffs in 1994, O'Neal's star power had helped put Orlando on the map as a legitimate NBA city. The team's success on the court also translated to financial success off the court, as the Magic saw a significant increase in attendance and merchandise sales. According to Forbes, the team's revenue increased by $12 million in O'Neal's first season alone.

The following year, O'Neal continued to dominate on the court, averaging 29.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. The Magic finished the regular season with a 57-25, good for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, the team defeated the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they faced the Indiana Pacers.

The series against the Pacers was closely contested, with each team winning two games in the first four. However, in Game 5, O'Neal fouled out in the fourth quarter, and the Pacers were able to pull away for a 105-101 victory. The Magic won Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7 but could not come out with a victory, losing by a score of 105-101. Despite the disappointment of falling short of the NBA Finals, the Magic's 1994-1995 season was a significant success, and O'Neal had firmly established himself as one of the league's brightest stars.

O'Neal continued dominating the court in the following years, but the Magic needed help to reach the heights of their 1994-1995 season. The team made the playoffs in each of O'Neal's four seasons with the team but could only advance up to the second round. Despite the team's playoff disappointments, O'Neal's impact on the franchise was immeasurable. According to NBA.com, O'Neal "helped elevate the Magic from an expansion team to one of the league's elite franchises."

After Shaquille O'Neal's departure to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, the Orlando Magic turned to guard Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway to lead the team. According to Bleacher Report, Hardaway was acquired from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade that sent fan-favorite guard Steve Nash to Phoenix.

Hardaway, a star at the University of Memphis before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1993, quickly became one of the league's most exciting young players. In his first season with the Magic, Hardaway averaged 21.7 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, earning his first All-Star selection.

Paired with O'Neal's former teammate, center Rony Seikaly, Hardaway helped lead the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995, where they lost to the Houston Rockets in four games. Hardaway's play and charisma made him a fan favorite in Orlando despite the loss.

In the years that followed, Hardaway continued to shine on the court. In the 1996-1997 season, he averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, earning his second-straight All-Star selection. According to ESPN, Hardaway's unique size, speed, and playmaking ability made him "one of the most versatile and talented guards in the league."

The Magic made the playoffs in Hardaway's first three seasons with the team but needed help to advance past the second round. Injuries also began to take a toll on Hardaway, as he missed significant time in the 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 seasons.

Despite the team's playoff disappointments and Hardaway's injury woes, the Magic's "Penny era" was memorable for fans in Orlando. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Hardaway "was one of the most exciting players ever to wear a Magic uniform."

However, in 1999, Hardaway was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a deal that brought forward Danny Manning and guard Pat Garrity to Orlando. The trade marked the end of an era for the Magic, but Hardaway's impact on the franchise would not be forgotten. According to NBA.com, Hardaway "helped lead the team to the NBA Finals and became a beloved figure in Orlando sports history."

After the breakup of the Shaquille O'Neal-Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway duo, the Orlando Magic struggled to find an identity in the late 1990s. However, in 2000, the team acquired young superstar Tracy McGrady from the Toronto Raptors. According to ESPN, McGrady was just 21 years old at the time of the trade but had already established himself as one of the league's most exciting young players.

McGrady, a swingman with a smooth scoring touch, quickly became the face of the franchise. In his first season with the Magic, he averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, earning his first All-Star selection. The following year, McGrady continued dominating the court, averaging 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, making his second straight All-Star selection.

In 2002-2003, McGrady had one of the most remarkable seasons in NBA history. He led the league in scoring, averaging 32.1 points per game, and contributed 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. According to NBA.com, McGrady became the first player in league history to lead the league in scoring while leading his team in rebounds, assists, and steals.

Although the Magic struggled to find team success during McGrady's tenure, he was a bright spot for the franchise. In 2003, he helped lead the team to its first playoff series win since 1996, scoring 31 points in a decisive Game 5 victory over the Detroit Pistons. However, the Magic could not advance past the second round of the playoffs during McGrady's tenure.

After the 2003-2004 season, McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets in a deal that brought Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to Orlando. The trade marked the end of a memorable era for the Magic, but McGrady's impact on the franchise would not be forgotten. According to Bleacher Report, McGrady "rejuvenated the Magic and put them back on the map as a relevant franchise in the NBA."

His brilliance was undeniable despite the lack of team success during the McGrady era. According to ESPN, McGrady "was one of the most dominant and exciting players of his generation, capable of scoring from anywhere on the court and dazzling crowds with his athleticism and creativity." His impact on the Magic franchise was significant, and team fans will never forget his time in Orlando fondly.

After the departure of Tracy McGrady, the Orlando Magic began to rebuild around young center Dwight Howard. Howard, selected first overall in the 2004 NBA draft, quickly established himself as one of the league's top big men. He averaged 12.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in his rookie season, earning All-Rookie First-Team honors.

In the following years, Howard developed into one of the league's most dominant players. In the 2007-2008 season, he averaged 20.7 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, earning his first All-Star selection and leading the Magic to the playoffs. In the playoffs, the Magic defeated the Toronto Raptors and the Detroit Pistons before falling to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Howard was even more dominant the following year, averaging 20.6 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. He was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year and earned his second straight All-Star selection. The Magic finished the regular season with a 59-23, good for the second-best record in the league. The team defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics, and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs before facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Although the Magic lost the series in five games, Howard had firmly established himself as one of the league's premier players.

In the years that followed, Howard continued to dominate on the court. He earned All-Star selections in the following three seasons and led the league in rebounding each season. However, the team's success could have been improved, as the Magic failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs in each of those years.

In 2011, Howard led the Magic to the playoffs for the sixth straight season, but the team was eliminated in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks. After the season, Howard requested a trade, and the Magic eventually sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal.

Although Howard's departure marked the end of an era for the Magic, his impact on the franchise was significant. According to NBA.com, Howard "reestablished the Magic as a legitimate championship contender and became one of the greatest players in franchise history." His dominance on the court and his charismatic personality made him a fan favorite in Orlando, and his time with the team will always be remembered fondly.

After the departure of Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic entered a rebuilding phase. The team struggled on the court in the following years, finishing with losing records in the next six seasons.

Despite the lack of team success, the Magic made several moves during this period that laid the foundation for future success. In the 2013 NBA draft, the team selected guard Victor Oladipo with the second overall pick. Oladipo, who had starred at Indiana University, quickly became a fan favorite in Orlando, averaging 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in his rookie season.

In the years that followed, the Magic continued to add young talent to the roster. In the 2014 NBA draft, the team selected forward Aaron Gordon as the fourth overall pick. Gordon, who had played one season at the University of Arizona, quickly established himself as one of the league's most athletic and versatile young players.

In 2016, the Magic hired Frank Vogel as head coach. Vogel had previously coached the Indiana Pacers, leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014.

In the 2017 NBA draft, the Magic selected forward Jonathan Isaac as the sixth overall pick. Isaac, who had played one season at Florida State University, was seen as a player with immense defensive potential.

Despite the additions of Oladipo, Gordon, and Isaac, the Magic needed help finding consistent success on the court. However, in 2019, the team significantly improved its roster, acquiring All-Star center Nikola Vucevic from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade. According to ESPN, Vucevic was seen as "one of the most skilled big men in the league," His addition was seen as a significant boost to the Magic's frontcourt.

With Vucevic leading the way, the Magic made the playoffs in the 2018-2019 season, finishing with a record of 42-40. Although the team was eliminated in the first round by the Toronto Raptors, the playoff berth was seen as a sign of progress for the franchise.

Overall, the rebuilding years were marked by struggles on the court but also by the addition of several talented young players. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the team's focus during this period was on "building a foundation for the future," The additions of Oladipo, Gordon, Isaac, and Vucevic were all critical parts of that foundation.

After making the playoffs in the 2018-2019 season, the Orlando Magic looked to build on their success in the present day. The team continued to add talent to the roster, acquiring guard Markelle Fultz from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade. Fultz, the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, was seen as a player with immense potential but struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his young career.

Despite the addition of Fultz, the Magic struggled to find consistent success in the 2019-2020 season. The team finished with a record of 33-40 but still made the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the Magic were swept in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks.

In the 2020 NBA draft, the Magic selected guard Cole Anthony with the 15th overall pick. Anthony had played one season at the University of North Carolina and was seen as a player with great potential.

The 2020-2021 season was another tough one for the Magic. The team struggled with injuries and inconsistency, finishing with a record of 21-51 and missing the playoffs. However, there were some bright spots for the team, including the emergence of young forward Chuma Okeke, who showed promise in his rookie season.

Looking ahead to the present day, the Magic have continued to make moves to build for the future. In March 2021, the team traded All-Star center Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls in a deal that brought multiple young players and draft picks to Orlando. The trade signaled a shift in the team's focus toward developing young talent and building for the future.

Overall, the present day for the Magic is marked by a focus on developing young talent and building for the future. While the team may struggle in the short term, adding players like Fultz, Anthony, and Okeke and the draft picks acquired in the Vucevic trade gives the team reason for optimism moving forward. According to NBA.com, the Magic "are in the midst of a youth movement, hoping their young players can develop into the next generation of Magic stars."

The Orlando Magic have had a storied history in the NBA, with several memorable players and moments. From the franchise's early years, when Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway led the team to the NBA Finals, to the dominance of Dwight Howard in the late 2000s, the Magic have consistently been a team to watch in the league.

While the team has faced its fair share of struggles, including rebuilding in the 2010s, the Magic have remained a fixture in the NBA. Bleacher Report states the team has "a passionate fan base and a reputation as one of the most entertaining teams in the league."

The Magic are in the midst of another rebuilding period, focusing on developing young talent and building for the future. While the team may struggle in the short term, adding players like Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Chuma Okeke, and the draft picks acquired in the Nikola Vucevic trade gives the team reason for optimism moving forward.

Overall, the history of the Orlando Magic is marked by ups and downs and moments of greatness and excitement. The franchise has had several talented players over the years, and the team's focus on developing young talent bodes well for the future. According to NBA.com, the Magic "remain one of the most intriguing teams in the league, always capable of surprising opponents and delighting fans with their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play."