#2: Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway
Considered by many as the ultimate “What if?” example in NBA history, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway provided the extra spark Orlando needed to become a championship contender. After Shaq’s rookie season, Penny was traded for Chris Webber and future draft picks. As a point forward, Penny utilized his offensive versatility to become one of the most productive guards in the league. Combined with Shaq’s physical dominance in the low post, Penny’s playmaking skills propelled the Magic all the way to the NBA Finals in his second season.
Key Stats:**
– **Games Played**: 369 regular-season games
– **Points Per Game (PPG)**: 19.0
– **Rebounds Per Game (RPG)**: 4.7
– **Assists Per Game (APG)**: 6.3
– **Steals Per Game (SPG)**: 1.9
– **Blocks Per Game (BPG)**: 0.5
– **Field Goal Percentage (FG%)**: 47.1%
– **Free Throw Percentage (FT%)**: 77.5%
– **Three-Point Percentage (3P%)**: 32.6%
Highlights of Hardaway’s Orlando Magic Career:
Hardaway was drafted third overall in the 1993 NBA Draft and quickly became a star. In his rookie season, he averaged 16.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.4 rebounds, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Penny’s best seasons came from 1994-95 to 1996-97:
– **1994-95**: Averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, leading the Magic to the NBA Finals alongside Shaquille O’Neal.
– **1995-96**: Posted career-highs in scoring (21.7 PPG) and steals (2.0 SPG), earning All-NBA First Team honors.
– **1996-97**: With Shaq leaving for the Lakers, Penny carried a heavier load, averaging 20.5 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.
All-Star Appearances: Hardaway was named to the NBA All-Star Game four times during his Magic career (1995-1998).
Penny was instrumental in the Magic’s postseason runs, particularly in 1995, when they reached the NBA Finals. Over 25 playoff games that year, he averaged 19.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.
Hardaway’s promising career with the Magic was hindered by injuries, particularly from the 1997-98 season onward. Knee injuries reduced his explosiveness and ability to consistently perform at an elite level, leading to his eventual trade to the Phoenix Suns in 1999.
Penny Hardaway remains one of the most iconic players in Orlando Magic history. His combination of size (6’7″), court vision, and scoring ability revolutionized the point guard position in the 1990s. Despite his injuries, his dynamic partnership with Shaq and his peak years left a lasting impact on the franchise and the NBA.
