orlando magic history
orlando magic history
There was no magic happening in Orlando during the 2004 offseason. Fans watched in horror and thought about trading in their Magic tickets as new General Manager John Weisbrod dismantled the team, turning over nearly 100 percent of the roster, including Tracy McGrady. Weisbrod vowed to rebuild the team around “hockey-mentality” players, and then one day in May at the end of the season, he quit, leaving the team struggling to find its identity. Returning head coach Brian Hill remains undeterred and fans should expect big things from Grant Hill, Steve Francis, and Dwight Howard.
Entering the NBA in 1989, the Orlando Magic never turned many fans’ heads until 1992, when they selected Louisiana State University center Shaquille O’Neal with the first overall draft pick. The rookie immediately showed Magic ticket holders his magic on the court, when he led Orlando to a 41-41 finish, their best record in their short history. Shaq was named Rookie of the Year, and the Magic was the NBA’s most improved team. Shortly thereafter, Orlando acquired Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, and the Magic’s offense became lethal.
In 1993-94, Magic ticket holders watched with pride as their team, led by Shaq and Penny joined the NBA’s elite. Orlando’s dynamic duo helped the Magic enter the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. The next season, they were the best in the East and took the Atlantic Conference title, besting even Michael Jordan’s Bulls. Unfortunately, they were swept in the Finals by the Houston Rockets.
Shaq and the Magic gave fans another chance to buy NBA Playoff tickets in 1996, but it would be the big center’s last season in Orlando. O’Neal left at season’s end as a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Magic would continue to secure playoff berths riding the skills of Penny Hardaway, Nick Anderson, and Darrell Armstrong.
When rookie coach Doc Rivers was brought to Orlando in 1999, the team was virtually dismantled. With no big-name stars and very little experience, Rivers just barely missed the playoffs with a team known as "Heart and Hustle,” for its hard-working style and was named NBA Coach of the Year.
Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady joined the Magic for the 2000-01 season, and Orlando fans believed they had found their ticket to success. The team posted a winning record and secured a playoff berth, but injuries kept them from proceeding very far. Rivers was eventually let go and John Weisbrod replaced John Gabriel as General Manager. The rest, as they say, is history. Weisbrod dismantled the team and resigned, leaving a shamble of a team behind for coach Brian Hill.
Still recovering from the destruction left in GM Weisbrod’s wake, the Magic is struggling to find its identity. Grant Hill, coming off a magical recovery of his broken ankle, defied all odds and remained one of the most complete small forwards in the league. Hill can’t be Orlando’s only magic ticket, however. Fans expect results from 2004 top draft pick Dwight Howard, a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie first team. Howard had a remarkable year, but he needs to see the ball more to be more effective. The move of Steve Francis to off-guard should make sure that happens. This is a transitional year for Orlando, but there just might be a spot in the playoffs for them with an improved defense. Catch the Magic live this season at the TD Waterhouse Center and watch this broken team pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and show the NBA that there is a little magic left in Orlando.
