#5: Nick Anderson
As the first-ever draft pick for the Orlando Magic, Nick Anderson played with the team for a decade. He averaged 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. A versatile scorer and tenacious defender, Anderson was key to the Magic’s early success, particularly during their run to the NBA Finals in 1995. He is remembered for his clutch shooting, although his missed free throws during the 1995 Finals are a notable moment in his career.
Anderson’s loyalty and consistent performance have solidified his status as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Magic fans will also remember his go-ahead, game-winning three-pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1998, which was the first time that Shaquille O’Neal played against the Magic since he left for the Los Angeles Lakers. After the Lakers’ missed the final shot, Anderson celebrated with a mock impersonation of Shaq’s funky chicken dance, and the home crowd went wild.
