| 13 October 2010
The Magic. The one argument as to why the Heat may not even be the best team in their state, much less the league.
A relatively new team, they've had some god-almighty good players cross their doorstep.
Read on!
5. Nelison Anderson - Basically "Mr Magic". Nick Anderson is still the leader for the Magic in games, minutes played, field goals, field goals attempted, steals, and points. However, after Anderson missed 4 clutch-time FTs in game 1 of the 1995 Finals, Anderson was never the same.
4. Tracy Lamar McGrady, Jr. - Now a mere shadow of his former self, there was a time when T-Mac was considered one of the best 3 players in the NBA. When his name and Kobe's were uttered in the same breath.
Now? Not so much.
But... there was a time...
Now? Not so much.
But... there was a time...
3. Anfernee Dion Hardaway - Back in the day, Penny was the man. Or at least one of a very small group who could lay claim to that epithet. Before injuries cut him down before his time, before the pairing of O'Neal/Hardaway was torn asunder, Penny Hardaway was All NBA caliber. He consistently averaged 20+ ppg and 6+ apg - and helped take the Magic to the Finals.
2. Dwight David Howard - Only misses out on the #1 spot by a hair, Dwight's not only taken over the Orlando franchise, but the 'nickname' too. But he's not quite #1 yet.
Anyway, following in O'Neal's footsteps - Dwight Howard is the outright best center in the league today, and his presence is such that it means that a certain other Florida-based franchise can't yet lay claim to even being the best team in their state, much less the NBA.
Anyway, following in O'Neal's footsteps - Dwight Howard is the outright best center in the league today, and his presence is such that it means that a certain other Florida-based franchise can't yet lay claim to even being the best team in their state, much less the NBA.
1. Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal - Quite simply, I cannot remember a rookie having quite the impact that Shaq did. Not even LeBron seemed as outright dominating. Shaq was a beast. Demanding double/triple teams, and simply going right through them to the rim, it was the Diesel who put the Magic on the map.
Next up (very soon!), the Philadelphia 76ers!
And check out Bloguin's top ten vote for the Magic!
