The Orlando Magic haven’t won an NBA title in its existence, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t had its fair share of great players. Every NBA franchise has had supreme talent play for their respective franchises, but who are the Mount Rushmore players for the Magic?
The Mount Rushmore Of The Orlando Magic
4. Tracy McGrady
Hall of Fame shooting guard Tracy McGrady spent four seasons with the Magic (2000-2004). Moreover, it is arguable that McGrady’s career peak occurred during this time in Orlando. McGrady earned two All-NBA First Team selections, back-to-back scoring titles (2002-03 & 2003-04), and four All-Star appearances.
McGrady never won a playoff series at any point in his career (other than his last season with the San Antonio Spurs where he barely played), but he did lead the Magic to the postseason three out of his four seasons in Orlando. The seven-time All-Star’s scoring ability and flashy play-style made him a consensus premier player in the NBA.
3. Penny Hardaway
Former Magic guard Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway went to the Magic as the third overall pick in the 1993 draft. As a member of the Magic along with Shaquille O’Neal, Hardaway earned four All-Star nods and made three All-NBA teams.
The tandem of O’Neal and Hardaway led the Magic to three postseason berths (two conference finals berths) and an appearance in the 1995 NBA Finals (lost vs. the Houston Rockets). Throughout Hardaway’s tenure in Orlando, he averaged 19 points, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 369 games.
2. Dwight Howard
During his time in Orlando, center Dwight Howard was a consensus top-five player in the league. Throughout his eight seasons with Orlando, Howard accumulated six All-Star nods, five rebounding titles, three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards, five First Team All-NBA selections, and led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009.
The 2004 first overall pick averaged 18.4 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks while with the Magic. Howard’s six-foot-11, 250-pound frame allowed him to bully defenders in the paint offensively and defensively. In all honesty, it is mind-boggling Howard didn’t make the NBA’s 75th anniversary list back in 2021.
Howard is without a doubt a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The Georgia native was arguably the best center in the league for a solid five-year stretch, and his accolades back that argument. Furthermore, as a defender, Howard has a legitimate case to be considered one of the greatest interior defenders of all time.
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal is regarded as one of the best centers of all time. O’Neal won four NBA championships throughout his 19-year career, but none of them came as a member of the Magic. However, O’Neal’s tenure in Orlando was prolific enough to land him in this spot as the greatest Magic player ever.
As a member of the Magic, O’Neal earned the Rookie of the Year award, four All-Star selections, a scoring title, and three All-NBA teams. Furthermore, O’Neal led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995 in just his third season. The seven-foot-two big man averaged 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks during his tenure in Orlando.
O’Neal’s peak was definitely during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his impact with the Magic is noteworthy enough for the big man to land in the top spot.
The Last Word On The Mount Rushmore Of The Orlando Magic
The Magic have had great players throughout its franchise since its inception in 1989. Orlando may be without an NBA title now, but the franchise hopes that 2022 first overall pick Paolo Banchero can lead them to the promised land.
