The Best Orlando Magic of All Time

Over 2.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Orlando Magic of All Time
Voting Rules
Please rank the players based only on their time with the Magic.

Who are the best Orlando Magic of all time? Formed in 1989, the Orlando Magic's time as a franchise as been as topsy-turvy as a theme park rollercoaster. The Magic have seen some magical years and some bad ones as well. Whenever things looked bleak for Orlando, a superstar player would magically appear on its roster.The franchise may be known mostly for big name stars bolting the city for larger markets, the best Magic players are some of the greatest in NBA history. Shaquille O'Neal was the first superstar to play for the Magic. During his time in Orlando, Shaq was the best young player in the league. Between he and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic had two of the brightest stars in the league. 

After Shaq bolted for Los Angeles and Hardaway had major knee surgery that made a shell of his former self, the Magic looked to find two new superstars to replace them. In came Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill. While Hill was hampered by injuries, McGrady developed into one of the greatest Magic players of all time. When McGrady left, Dwight Howard arrived to take over. As the best center in the NBA, Howard took the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009. But like Shaq, Howard skipped town when he was traded to Los Angeles in 2012. 

Orlando has had some of the best current players in the NBA on its team since it came into the league, a number that would make other teams jealous. It's hard landing one superstar, nevertheless a number of the greatest players in basketball history, but the Magic have done exactly that. More recently, NBA stars like Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, and Mo Bamba have given the Magic hope for a bright future.

Vote up the best Orlando Magic of all time, and rerank this list according to who you think should be considered the greatest Orlando Magic player in team history.

Most divisive: Elfrid Payton
Ranked by
  • Dwight Howard
    1
    1,303 votes
    • Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia
    • Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks

    An unstoppable force in the paint, Dwight Howard redefined the center position with his relentless athleticism and shot-blocking prowess during his tenure with the Orlando Magic. A leader on both ends of the floor, Howard anchored the team's defense and became the face of the franchise, guiding them to their second NBA Finals appearance in 2009. His impact on the sport is immeasurable, as he continues to inspire future generations of players with his unique skill set and tenacious approach to the game.

  • Penny Hardaway
    2
    Point guard
    1,329 votes
    • Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee
    • Teams: Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns

    A true maestro on the court, Penny Hardaway's flashy yet efficient playmaking abilities made him a fan favorite during his time with the Magic. Gifted with extraordinary vision and passing skills, Penny capitalized on his size advantage as a point guard and exploited mismatches to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His smooth style and creative flair placed him among the league's elite, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport and setting the stage for the rise of versatile, oversized guards.

  • Shaquille O'Neal
    3
    1,568 votes
    • Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey
    • Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics

    Shaquille O'Neal's larger-than-life persona and unparalleled dominance under the basket made him a force to be reckoned with during his time in Orlando. The Diesel's sheer size and strength proved to be too much for opponents to handle, as he quickly established himself as one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His unmatched physicality and brute force shattered records and left an indelible mark on the sport, setting the standard for future big men and altering the way teams strategized against towering centers.

  • Tracy McGrady
    4
    Shooting guard, Small forward
    1,501 votes
    • Birthplace: Bartow, Florida
    • Teams: Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors

    T-Mac's electrifying scoring ability and smooth, acrobatic moves cemented him as one of the most exciting players to ever grace the hardwood in an Orlando Magic uniform. With a seemingly endless bag of tricks on offense, McGrady had a knack for putting defenders on skates and finding innovative ways to rack up points. While his stint with the Magic was relatively short-lived, Tracy's soaring dunks and clutch performances left an indelible mark on the team's storied history.

  • Nick Anderson
    5

    Nick Anderson

    Shooting guard, Small forward
    688 votes
    • Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
    • Teams: Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies

    Nick Anderson, the original Mr. Versatility for the Orlando Magic, dazzled fans with his scoring prowess, explosive athleticism, and tenacious defense. As the team's first-ever draft pick, Anderson quickly became the embodiment of the Magic's scrappy, never-say-die attitude. His relentless effort on both sides of the ball helped set the tone for the franchise's early years, solidifying his place in Orlando Magic lore.

  • Horace Grant
    6
    Power forward, Center
    699 votes
    • Birthplace: Augusta, Georgia
    • Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle Supersonics, Chicago Bulls

    A seasoned veteran when he joined the Magic, Horace Grant's championship pedigree and blue-collar work ethic quickly endeared him to fans and teammates alike. His unassuming demeanor masked his ferocious rebounding and defensive skills, as Grant provided the backbone for a young Orlando team on the rise. The invaluable leadership and grit he brought to the table remain a testament to his impact on the franchise and the sport as a whole.