Orlando Magic is an NBA basketball team from Orlando, Florida. They have played in the NBA since 1989 and have gone through many ups & downs as a team. Orlando is in the middle of a major rebuild to turn itself back into one of the best teams in the NBA.
Stars of Orlando.
During their time in the NBA, Orlando has managed to sign or draft star players several times, such as the well-known Shaquille O'Neal (1992-1996) or point guard Penny Hardaway (1993-1999). They also managed to land players like Tracy McGrady (2000-2004) and "White Chocolate" Jason Williams (2009-2011). And Orlando still knows how to develop talent today, such as Mo Bamba and Aaron Gordon.
Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaq, who doesn't know him? Shaq is known as a DJ, actor and investor, but most of all as a basketball player. At 147 kilos and 2.16 meters tall, the center is hard to miss. He was selected as the 1st draft pick in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic and helped the team to a surprising 41 wins. He further increased his fame that year with two infamous dunks that broke the supports holding the basket to the backboard, the first against the Phoenix Suns and the second against the New Jersey Nets.
In the 93-94 season, Shaq helped the Magic to their first-ever playoff berth. In 94-95, O'Neal and Penny Hardaway took their team to the NBA Finals, but lost to the Houston Rockets in four games.
History of the Orlando Magic.
The Orlando Magic became the very first professional sports franchise in the Orlando area. They were one of four new expansion franchises added by the NBA in 1987, along with the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Orlando's awards.
Although Orlando has never managed to bring a championship home, they have come extremely close several times. The first time they reached the NBA Finals was in 1995, but they lost to the Houston Rockets. The second time the Magic made the Finals was in 2009; again they went home empty-handed, and the trophy was won by the Los Angeles Lakers.