Several of the most iconic players in NBA history have played for the Orlando Magic. Unforgettable names include Shaq, Penny and T-Mac, but several other players deserve recognition for their extraordinary stints for central Florida’s favorite team.
Below is a ranking of the Top 10 Orlando Magic players in the team’s history.
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq’s immediate impact on the NBA transformed the Magic from an expansion team to one of the hottest NBA franchises in the league. During Shaq’s first season, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and he was named to the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star team. O’Neal’s impact was also felt physically. O’Neal brought the basket and backboard down during a game in New Jersey. and completely brought down the entire basketball goal frame in Phoenix.
In his rookie season (1992–93), Shaq averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award and an All-Star selection. His ability to dominate the paint and electrify crowds with thunderous dunks set the stage for a stellar career.
During the 1993–94 season, O’Neal continued to rise, averaging 29.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. He finished second in the league in scoring, solidifying his status as one of the NBA’s premier players and leading the Orlando Magic to their first-ever playoff appearance. Orlando ultimately fell to the Indiana Pacers in the first round.
With determination to make the Magic the elite team of the Eastern Conferences, O’Neal and Penny Hardaway carried the Magic to a 57-25 record in the 1994-95 regular season. In the playoffs, Orlando scrapped its way past Boston, Chicago and Indiana to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Players, fans and pundits were eager to see two of the best centers square off, with O’Neal facing the all-time great, Hakeem Olajuwon. O’Neal played well in his first Finals appearance, averaging 28 points on 59.5% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, but Houston’s veteran leadership and experience as defending champs proved to be too much for a comparatively young Magic squad. The Rockets ended up sweeping Orlando, and set the tone for what would be a disappointing 1995-96 campaign for the Magic.
Shaq missed 28 games during his final season in Orlando. The Magic managed to win 60 games, but ultimately lost in a sweep to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.
O’Neal’s four seasons in Orlando featured dominance in the post, consistent scoring, and unforgettable moments. Although his departure to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 ended his time with the Magic, Shaq’s legacy as a transformative figure in Orlando remains unparalleled.
2. Anfernee 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. Injuries sidelined Penny for the second half of his career, but his contributions to Orlando will never be forgotten.
3. Tracy McGrady
Also known as “T-Mac”, McGrady arrived in Orlando, along with Grant Hill for the 2000-2001 season as part of a major free agency push by the Magic. The duo was expected to restore the glory days from the Shaq and Penny era, but Hill’s inability to recover from an ankle injury put the bulk of the scoring burden on McGrady.
Tracy McGrady quickly emerged as a superstar, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility.
In his first season with the Orlando Magic (2000–01), McGrady averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, which earned him his first All-Star selection and the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. He became the centerpiece of the Magic’s offense and proved to be a dominant force on both ends of the court.
The 2001–02 season saw McGrady take his game to the next level, averaging 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He continued to shine as one of the league’s top scorers while demonstrating his all-around skills, which earned him All-NBA honors.
McGrady’s peak performance came during the 2002–03 season, when he won the NBA scoring title by averaging an impressive 32.1 points, along with 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. His ability to score at will made him nearly unguardable, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players.
In his final season with the Magic (2003–04), McGrady led the league in scoring once again, averaging 28.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Despite his individual success, the team faced struggles, which eventually led to McGrady’s trade to the Houston Rockets.
McGrady’s four years in Orlando were highlighted by breathtaking performances and numerous individual accolades, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
4. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard was the cornerstone of the Orlando Magic franchise during his eight-year tenure. Drafted first overall in 2004, Howard became one of the league’s most dominant centers. He averaged 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game during his time with the Magic. Known for his defensive presence, Howard was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year (2009–2011). In the 2008–09 season, he led the Magic to the NBA Finals, averaging 20.6 points and 13.8 rebounds during the playoffs. Howard remains the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks.
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. His 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. 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.
6. Jameer Nelson
Jameer Nelson played ten seasons with the Orlando Magic, establishing himself as a steady and skilled point guard. He averaged 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. In 2009, Nelson was named an All-Star and played a crucial role in leading the Magic to the NBA Finals that year. Renowned for his leadership and ability to deliver in clutch situations, Nelson ranks among Orlando’s all-time leaders in assists and three-point field goals.
7. Scott Skiles
Scott Skiles was a gritty and intelligent point guard during his five seasons with the Orlando Magic. He averaged 12.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Skiles is best remembered for setting the NBA single-game assist record with 30 assists on December 30, 1990. His playmaking ability and toughness played a crucial role in establishing the team’s identity during their early years.
8. Horace Grant
Horace Grant brought veteran leadership and defensive intensity to the Magic as they aimed to overtake New York and Chicago. Grant ranks fifth all time among Magic players in rebounds and fifth all-time in blocks. He averaged 11.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game with Orlando. Grant was a key piece of the 1995 Finals team, providing experience and steady production on both ends of the court. His ability to anchor the defense and hit mid-range shots was crucial to the Magic’s success.
9. Nikola Vučević
Nikola Vučević’s time with the Orlando Magic from 2012 to 2021 established him as one of the franchise’s most productive and consistent players. Acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, Vučević quickly became a cornerstone for the team, evolving into an elite center known for his scoring, rebounding, and versatile offensive game.
In his debut season with the Magic (2012–13), Vučević averaged 13.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, immediately establishing himself as one of the league’s top rebounders. Over nine seasons, he developed into a reliable scoring option, showcasing a soft touch around the rim and an expanding three-point range. His best season came in 2018–19 when he averaged 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. This performance earned him his first All-Star selection and helped lead the Magic to their first playoff appearance in seven years.
Vučević earned a second All-Star nod in 2021, averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game before being traded to the Chicago Bulls midseason. He left as the Magic’s all-time leader in field goals made and ranked among the top players in rebounds and double-doubles. Vučević’s tenure cemented his legacy as one of Orlando’s all-time greats and a model of consistency.
10. Darrel Armstrong
Armstrong joined the Magic in the 1994-95 season. Utilized primarily as a backup for Penny Hardaway. Armstrong steadily earned more minutes as the season progressed. His tenacious defense, electrifying speed, and knack for making big plays kept him a fan favorite throughout his tenure in Orlando, which concluded in 2003.
Armstrong’s breakout season came in 1998–99, when he averaged 13.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, earning him both the NBA’s Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year awards—a rare and historic double honor. Known for his relentless energy, Armstrong was a fan favorite for his hustle plays, diving for loose balls, and fearless drives to the basket.
At 6’1″, Armstrong played with an underdog mentality, often providing the emotional spark for the team. His contributions were instrumental during the Magic’s transition era post-Shaquille O’Neal. He consistently provided leadership and production, averaging double-digit points for five consecutive seasons.
Though Armstrong left Orlando in 2003, his legacy endures as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. His jersey, number 10, symbolizes his heart and commitment to the Magic.
Here are the top Orlando Magic players based on their average points, rebounds, and assists per game during their tenures with the franchise:
Points Per Game:
- Tracy McGrady: 28.1
- Shaquille O’Neal: 27.2
- Paolo Banchero: 21.6
- Steve Francis: 19.4
- Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway: 19.0
- Dwight Howard: 18.4
- Franz Wagner: 18.4
- Nikola Vučević: 17.6
- Grant Hill: 16.4
- Rony Seikaly: 16.4
Rebounds Per Game:
- Dwight Howard: 13.0
- Shaquille O’Neal: 12.5
- Nikola Vučević: 10.8
- Rony Seikaly: 8.7
- Wendell Carter Jr.: 8.6
- Horace Grant: 8.2
- Tracy McGrady: 7.0
- Paolo Banchero: 7.0
- Tobias Harris: 7.0
- Terry Catledge: 6.8
Assists Per Game:
- Scott Skiles: 7.2
- Steve Francis: 6.5
- Elfrid Payton: 6.4
- Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway: 6.3
- Jameer Nelson: 5.4
- Tracy McGrady: 5.2
- Darrell Armstrong: 5.1
- Markelle Fultz: 4.8
- Paolo Banchero: 4.6
- Sam Vincent: 4.6
During their tenures with the Orlando Magic, the players with the highest total rebounds and blocks are:
Total Rebounds:
- Dwight Howard: 8,072 rebounds
- Nikola Vučević: 6,381 rebounds
- Shaquille O’Neal: 3,691 rebounds
- Nick Anderson: 3,667 rebounds
- Horace Grant: 3,353 rebounds
Total Blocks:
- Dwight Howard: 1,344 blocks
- Shaquille O’Neal: 824 blocks
- Nikola Vučević: 550 blocks
- Bo Outlaw: 536 blocks
- Horace Grant: 415 blocks
These statistics highlight the top performers in rebounds and blocks in Orlando Magic history.
These statistics highlight the players who have led the Orlando Magic in average points, rebounds, and assists per game throughout the franchise’s history.
