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Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic joined the NBA for the 1989-90 season. The Magic began play on November 4, 1989 at the Orlando Arena. First it lost to the New Jersey Nets and then, two nights later, won the first victory over the New York Knicks.

Orlando Magic

In 1992 Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most recognizable figures in basketball, was invited to Orlando Magic. Probably, it was the most important day in Orlando Magic history. 1992-93, when O'Neal joined the club, was very successful season for the squad.

In 1994, with the help of O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, Orlando Magic got a gold medal at the World Championship of Basketball.

1996-97: Orlando Magic lost Shaquille O'Neal to free agency with the Los Angeles Lakers and several players to injuries. But nevertheless, they finished 45-37 and came within a game of upsetting the Miami Heat in the first round of the 1997 NBA Playoffs.

The Magic organization was buoyed in June by the arrival of two Hall of Farmers: Chuck Daly and Julius Erving. A furiuos run of injuries (Orlando lost more than 275 player games to injury or illness) tempered Orlando's improvement, but the team finished 41-41, and just out of reach of the final playoff spot.

In the summer of 2000 Orlando Magic signed two of the most coveted free agents available in Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady. In addition, strategic roster/salary cap management allowed Orlando to return the nucleus of its "heart and hustle" crew.

Players:

  • Keith Bogans (3)
  • Andrew DeClercq (55)
  • Derrick Dial (13)
  • Reece Gaines (22)
  • Pat Garrity (8)
  • Gordan Giricek (7)
  • Drew Gooden (0)
  • Donnell Harvey (4)
  • Grant Hill (33)
  • Juwan Howard (5)
  • Steven Hunter (34)
  • Tyronn Lue (10)
  • Tracy McGrady (1)
  • Zaza Pachulia (27)
  • Shammond Williams (11)