Orlando Magic

This article is about the professional basketball team. For the inactive drum and bugle corps, see The Magic Drum and Bugle Corps.

Orlando Magic
2011–12 Orlando Magic season
Conference	Eastern Conference
Division	Southeast Division
Founded	1989
History	Orlando Magic 1989–present
Arena	Amway Center
City	Orlando, Florida
Team colors	Light Royal Blue, Black, Silver, and White
Owner(s)	Orlando Magic, Ltd., a subsidiary of RDV Sports, Inc.
General manager	Otis Smith
Head coach	Stan Van Gundy
D-League affiliate	Sioux Falls Skyforce
Championships	0
Conference titles	2 (1995, 2009)
Division titles	5 (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010)
Official website	orlandomagic.com
Home Away

The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy. The franchise was founded in 1989 as an expansion franchise and has had such notable NBA stars such as Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Steve Francis, Dwight Howard, Hedo Türkoğlu, Vince Carter, Nick Anderson, Gilbert Arenas and Rashard Lewis throughout its young history. The franchise has also been in the playoffs for more than half of their existence (13 playoff appearances in 22 years). Orlando has been the most successful of the four expansion teams brought into the league in 1988 and 1989 in terms of winning percentage. As of 2011, they are the only team in the "big four" sports leagues to play in the city of Orlando.

Franchise history

1989–1992: Team Creation

The Orlando Magic went to the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1989. A contest sponsored by Orlando Magic team officials and the local Orlando Sentinel newspaper allowed the community to suggest names for their new franchise. The contest of a total of 4,296 submitted entries subsequently narrowed the names to the "Heat", the "Tropics", the "Juice" and the "Magic".^[1] On July 27, 1986, it was announced that the committee chose the Magic to be the new name of the Orlando franchise in the NBA.^[2] The Magic were one of the four new expansion franchises awarded by the NBA along with the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, the NBA was planning to expand by three teams, with one franchise going to Florida; however, when both Miami, and Orlando ownership groups made successful pitches, the expansion committee decided to expand by four teams, allowing both to have a franchise.^[3] The Magic became the first ever major-league professional sports franchise in the Orlando area, led by William duPont III, joined with two brothers, James and Robert Hewitt, as general partners and former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Pat Williams. The expansion fee was reportedly $32.5 million.^[3] The Magic hired Matt Guokas as the team's first coach, who helped the Magic select twelve players in the NBA Expansion Draft on June 15, 1989. On June 27, 1989, the Magic chose Nick Anderson with the 11th pick in the first round, who became the first draft pick of the franchise. The first game the Magic played on November 4, 1989, at the Orlando Arena (O-Rena) against the visiting New Jersey Nets, who won 111–106 in a hard-fought game. The Magic's first victory came two days later, as the Magic defeated the New York Knicks 118–110. The inaugural team compiled a record of 18–64 with players including Reggie Theus, Scott Skiles, Terry Catledge, Sam Vincent, Otis Smith, and Jerry Reynolds.^[4][5]

In the 1990 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected Dennis Scott with the fourth overall pick. On December 30, 1990, Scott Skiles racked up 30 assists in the 155–116 victory over the Denver Nuggets, breaking Kevin Porter's NBA single-game assists record (29).^[6] Skiles was named the NBA's Most Improved Player at the end of the season, as the Magic heralded the NBA's most improved record that season. Forward Dennis Scott set a team mark with 125 three-point field goals for the season, the best long-distance production by a rookie in NBA history.^[7] He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.^[7] Despite a 31–51 record, there were 40 sellouts out of 41 home games.

On September 19, 1991, the DeVos family purchased the franchise for $85 million and the family head Richard DeVos became the owner of the franchise.^[8] The 1991–92 season was disappointing for the Magic as various players missed games with injuries. Dennis Scott played only 18 games, Nick Anderson missed 22 games, Stanley Roberts, Jerry Reynolds, Brian Williams, Sam Vincent and Otis Smith all missed at least 27 games each. With a shortage of healthy players the team struggled through a 17-game losing streak and finished with a 21–61 record. The Magic still managed to have all 41 home games sold out.^[7]

1992–1996: Shaq Arrives

The Magic history was changed on May 17, 1992, when the franchise won the first pick in the 1992 NBA Draft Lottery.^[7] The Magic selected big-man Shaquille O'Neal from Louisiana State University, the biggest prize in the draft since the Knicks won Patrick Ewing.^[9] O'Neal, a 7-foot 1 inch center, made an immediate impact on the Magic, leading the club to a 41–41 record.^[10] The Magic again became the NBA's most improved franchise, as they improved by 20 games. O'Neal was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.^[7] He also became the 1992–1993 NBA Rookie of the Year. Despite Shaquille O'Neal's presence, the Magic missed the 1993 NBA Playoffs because they were tied with the Indiana Pacers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with the Pacers holding the tiebreaker.

Despite barely missing out on the playoffs and thereby receiving the least chance of gaining the top draft pick with only one ball in the lottery machine, the Magic won the first pick in the 1993 NBA Draft Lottery.^[7] Prior to the draft, Guokas stepped down as head coach, and Brian Hill was promoted to become the Magic's second head coach.^[11] In the draft, the Magic selected Chris Webber, but traded him to the Golden State Warriors for the number three pick, guard Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and three future first-round draft picks.^[12] With the combination of O'Neal and Hardaway, the Magic became a dominant team in the NBA, compiling the first 50 win season in franchise history with a 50–32 record.^[13] The Magic were in the playoffs for the first time, ranked the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference; however, the underdog Pacers team swept the Magic 3–0 in the first round, thus ending the Magic's season.^[14]

In the 1994–95 season, the Magic's sixth season, All-Star forward Horace Grant was acquired as a free agent from the Chicago Bulls.^[7] Orlando Magic compiled a 57–25 record, best in the East and winning the Atlantic Division title,^[15] becoming the second-fastest team to advance to the NBA Finals in league history.^[16] In the playoffs, the Magic defeated the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and the Indiana Pacers, advancing to the NBA Finals. The Houston Rockets, though, ended Orlando's dream of a championship by sweeping Orlando 4–0 in the Finals to take the crown.^[17]

In the 1995–96 season, the Magic again were near the top of the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division with a 60–22 record, led by O'Neal and Hardaway; however, the Magic were seeded number two, behind the NBA all-time best 72–10 record of the Chicago Bulls.^[18] In the meantime, General Manager Pat Williams was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President and replaced by the Vice President of Basketball Operations John Gabriel on April 29, 1996.^[19] In the playoffs, after the Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando met the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.^[20] The combination of Jordan, Scottie Pippen and rebounder Dennis Rodman was too much for the Magic, and Orlando was swept 4–0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

1996–2000: Penny era

In the offseason, O'Neal left as a free agent to the Los Angeles Lakers, dealing a huge blow to the Magic franchise. In the middle of the season, though, urged by player discontent, management fired coach Brian Hill and named Richie Adubato as interim coach for the rest of the season. Under Adubato, the Magic went on a 21–12 streak to compile a 45–37 record, led by Penny Hardaway, Darrell Armstrong, the team's emotional leader, and Rony Seikaly acquired in a trade with Golden State. In the playoffs, the Magic came close to stunning the heavily favored Miami Heat in the first round, extending the series to a decisive game five, even after losing the first two games.

The Magic then hired Chuck Daly to be head coach for the 1997–98 season. In addition, Hall of Famer Julius Erving joined the Magic's front office, giving Orlando immense hope for a successful season. However, the season was hampered by injuries, as Hardaway sat out the majority of the season. Anderson, combined with newly acquired free agent Bo Outlaw, led the team to a respectable 41–41 record, just out of reach of the NBA playoffs. In addition, Rony Seikaly was traded during the season to the New Jersey Nets for three role players and a future draft pick.

In 1998–99, with the drafting of Michael Doleac and Matt Harpring with the 12th and 15th picks in the 1998 draft respectively, and a healthy Hardaway and Anderson, the Magic tied for the Eastern Conference's best record with the Miami Heat in the lockout-shortened season, 33–17. Armstrong again led the team emotionally, winning the NBA's Sixth-Man and Most Improved Player awards. In addition, Orlando also acquired NBA great Dominique Wilkins, along with brother Gerald, who were past their primes but were both still very good. In the playoffs the Magic were seeded number 3 because of tiebreakers and faced the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers, led by Allen Iverson, upset the Magic 3–1 in the first round. The team also changed their uniforms for the first time ever, changing from pinstripes to stars.

In 1999, the Magic, under General Manager John Gabriel, who was later named Executive of the Year, hired rookie-coach Doc Rivers. Gabriel dismantled the previous team trading their only remaining superstar Anfernee Hardaway to the Phoenix Suns for Danny Manning (who never donned a Magic uniform), Pat Garrity and two future draft picks. The Magic were then a team composed of virtually all no name players and little experience which included team captain Armstrong, Bo Outlaw and a young Ben Wallace, along with Coach Rivers led the Magic to a 41–41 record, barely missing out on the playoffs. At the end of the season Rivers was named Coach of the Year by the NBA. This year was characterized by the slogan "Heart and Hustle", as the team was known for its hard-working style.

2000–2004: T-Mac era

In the following offseason, Gabriel, with millions of cleared salary cap space, attempted to lure three of the NBA's most prized free agents: Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady. Despite Duncan opting to remain with the San Antonio Spurs, the Magic acquired Hill, a perennial All-Star, and McGrady. With McGrady and Hill together, the Magic were expected to be a force in the East. However, Hill was limited to 4 games because of an ankle injury. McGrady blossomed into a star during this season, becoming one of the NBA's top scorers. With the addition of Mike Miller from the draft, the Magic compiled a 43–39 record, which included a nine-game winning streak, and once again made the playoffs. McGrady made the All-Star Team and All-NBA 2nd Team. Miller won the Rookie of the Year that season. In the playoffs, the Magic faced an upstart Milwaukee Bucks team in the first round. The Bucks won the series 3–1.

In 2001–02, McGrady led the Magic to a winning record of 44–38. However, Hill was still severely limited by his ankle injury, and did not play for the vast majority of the season. McGrady, combined with Armstrong, Miller, and 3-point sharpshooter Pat Garrity, formed the core of the team that season. McGrady made the All-NBA for the first time and made his second consecutive All-Star Team. However, the Magic were defeated 3–1 in the first round of the playoffs by the Charlotte Hornets led by Baron Davis (the team has since relocated, becoming the New Orleans Hornets).

In 2002–03, with the acquisitions of Gordan Giricek and Drew Gooden from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Mike Miller, McGrady once again led the Magic to a 42–40 record. McGrady led the league in scoring with 32.1 ppg, made his second All-NBA 1st Team, and his 3rd All-Star Team. Despite still not having Hill due to injury, the Magic entered the playoffs for the third straight year. However, after taking a 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven first round series, the Magic faltered and fell to the Detroit Pistons 4–3 in the now infamous heartbreaker in which McGrady was quoted "It's nice to finally be in the second round" after still needing one more win to advance.

The Magic's 15th season in 2003–04 proved to be one of its toughest ever. Even with the acquisition of veteran free agents Tyronn Lue and Juwan Howard, the Magic struggled early. After winning its first game, the Magic lost 19 consecutive games, setting a franchise record. The Magic finished with a disappointing 21–61 record, the worst in the NBA. Despite this, McGrady led the league in scoring with 28.0 ppg, made the All-NBA 2nd Team and his 4th consecutive All-Star Team. In the middle of the 19-game losing streak, coach Doc Rivers was fired, and assistant Johnny Davis was promoted. In addition, general manager Gabriel was replaced by John Weisbrod.

2004–2006: A new start with Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2004 NBA Draft.

In the offseason, Weisbrod completely dismantled the team. Though he kept Davis as coach, he shook up the player roster, only keeping a few players from last season. The most significant trade was that of Tracy McGrady. McGrady, discontent with the Magic, wished to move on; Weisbrod accused McGrady of "slacking off" and not attending practices (McGrady later admitted that he did not give 100% percent during the 2003–2004 season and wanted the team to bring him some help, but never wanted to leave Orlando). The Magic traded McGrady along with Reece Gaines, Tyronn Lue, and Juwan Howard to the Houston Rockets for Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley. In addition, the Magic acquired center Tony Battie and two second-round draft picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Drew Gooden, Steven Hunter, and the draft rights to Anderson Varejão. The Magic then signed free agent Hedo Türkoğlu. With the number one draft pick, the Magic selected high-school phenomenon and future All-Star and franchise cornerstone Dwight Howard and traded for point guard Jameer Nelson. Nelson, who most scouts speculated to be a top-10 pick, fell to the 20th pick, and the Magic traded a future first-round draft pick to the Denver Nuggets for Nelson.

After a promising 13–6 start, the Magic began to fall apart. First, Weisbrod traded Mobley for Doug Christie from the Sacramento Kings. Christie, because of his emotional ties to the Kings, at first refused to play for the Magic. Later on, Christie claimed he had bone spurs and was placed on the injured list after playing only a few games for the Magic. Near the end of the season, with a playoff-push faltering, Weisbrod fired Davis after leading Davis to believe he was going to be the team's head coach for the entire 2004–05 NBA season. He then promoted Chris Jent to interim head coach. Throughout the season, bolstered by Hill's return, the Magic played spectacularly, defeating top NBA teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons. However, led by the erratic play of Francis, the Magic also lost to league teams with losing records, such as the expansion Charlotte Bobcats and the Atlanta Hawks. However, Howard showed great promise, becoming one of the few players to average a double-double. Howard was a consistent rebounder and scorer, becoming the first rookie to start and play all 82 games in a season. In addition, Nelson, after a slow start, developed into a talented player, taking over the starting point guard position. Hill also returned and averaged 19.7 points a game. Hill was chosen an All-Star starter by NBA fans for the 2005 All-Star Game, and Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson were named to the All-Rookie first and second teams, respectively. Howard was a unanimous selection.

The Magic finished the season with a 36–46 record, disappointing after a strong start. Their playoff push was hampered by injuries in the last quarter of the season: a season-ending broken wrist for sixth man Hedo Türkoğlu, a shin injury to Grant Hill, a rib cage injury to Nelson, and a three-game suspension to Francis for allegedly kicking a photographer. In the end, the Magic ended a few games out of the playoffs. On May 23, however, the Magic's plans were disrupted by the abrupt resignation of General Manager and Chief Operating Officer John Weisbrod. In addition, the Magic announced the following day that Brian Hill, the coach who led the Magic to the NBA Finals under O'Neal and Hardaway, would return as head coach.

The Magic drafted Galician Fran Vazquez with the 11th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. On July 28, Vazquez stunned the team after announcing that he would remain in Spain to play for Akasvayu Girona, getting ridiculed by media after he was quoted that the decision to stay was made by his girlfriend.^{[citation needed]} Owner Rich DeVos announced on October 21 that he was transferring ownership to his children, with the official owner role moving to son-in-law and team President Bob Vander Weide. The transfer was supposed to be complete by the end of the year.^[21]

The 2005–06 season opened with high hopes for the Magic despite not being able to add first round draft pick Vasquez. Grant Hill was supposedly finally healed from his multiple ankle surgeries. Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson showed excellent progress during summer-league play. Kelvin Cato was in shape for training camp. Second round draft pick Travis Diener showed excellent shooting and decision making during the summer. And the free agent signing of Keyon Dooling showed that the club was going to continue making progress. Then the trouble began. Grant Hill, despite his ankle apparently being healed, suffered a painful sports hernia injury that would hamper his play throughout the entire season. After playing in three preseason games, he underwent surgery to correct the hernia and would not appear during the regular season until mid-December, to which he lasted a month before attempting to make another comeback in February and early March, however only playing sporadically. Then a foot injury to Nelson forced him to sit out over a month.

Then rays of hope came shining down on the season. On February 15 the Magic announced that they had acquired Darko Miličić and Carlos Arroyo from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Kelvin Cato and a 2007 top-five protected first-round draft pick. One week later on February 22 Orlando announced that they had traded Steve Francis away to the New York Knicks in exchange for Anfernee Hardaway (whom they waived two days later) and Trevor Ariza. With a set starting rotation of Battie, Howard, Türkoğlu, DeShawn Stevenson, and Nelson, the Magic mounted a surprising run at the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, including an 8-game winning streak and twelve consecutive home wins. The streak included wins against NBA powerhouses Detroit, San Antonio, Dallas and Miami, as well as a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in which Howard recorded 28 points and a career-high 26 rebounds. A win by the Chicago Bulls over the Miami Heat on April 16 eliminated the Magic from playoff contention, and the Bulls also ended both Magic winning streaks with a 116–112 overtime victory in Orlando on April 17.

2006–2010: Back to the playoffs and NBA finals

With the 11th pick in the NBA Draft the Magic took the former Duke star J. J. Redick. Even with the fan support to get him playing time he averaged just over 11 minutes a game. After beginning the season strong with a 13–4 record, the Orlando Magic began to suffer in the standings as the result of multiple losses, due in large part to the injuries of Tony Battie, Keyon Dooling, and Grant Hill. The Magic were also hampered with the sporadic play of many of their young stars, who on multiple occasions showed their propensity for streaky shooting and the team's lack of a solid scoring two-guard. Despite the team's poor play, Dwight Howard continued to develop and blossom in his third year in the league, culminating in his first selection to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. The final few weeks of the season saw the Magic build momentum and confidence with an impressive late push towards the Playoffs. On April 15, 2007, with an 88–86 victory over the Boston Celtics, the Magic secured its first berth in the NBA Playoffs since 2003 by locking up the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. This marked the first time that the team had made the playoffs while posting a losing record. Nevertheless, their Playoff run ended on April 28, 2007 after they were swept in the first round by first seeded Detroit Pistons whose experience, veteran leadership and ability to consistently make the clutch basket proved far too much for the undermanned and overwhelmed Magic to overcome. It was announced on May 23, 2007, that Brian Hill had been fired as head coach of the Magic.

On June 1, the Magic signed Billy Donovan to be their head coach for five years. The next day, Donovan wished to be released from the contract and the Magic agreed several days later. On June 6, 2007, the Magic signed a 4-year contract with Stan Van Gundy. In the free agent market, the Magic signed Rashard Lewis of the Seattle SuperSonics to a six-year league-maximum contract believed to be worth over $110 million.^[22] At the NBA China Games, the Magic swept the three games in China, twice against the Cleveland Cavaliers and once against the Chinese national team in games held in Shanghai and in Macau.

On November 15, 2007, Bob Vander Weide, the son-in-law of Richard DeVos, officially took over as owner of the team, although ownership is still split evenly amongst Richard DeVos' other children as well.^[23]

The Magic started the 2007–08 NBA season with an impressive 16–4 record in their first 20 games, which included wins over the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Through the next few months, the Magic were not so successful, splitting their next 36 games with 18 wins and 18 losses. At the start of March, the Magic seemed to pick up speed again, finishing the month with 10 wins, the first time since November that they won 10 or more in a month. The Magic clinched the Southeast Division title when the Washington Wizards were routed at Utah 129–87 on March 31, 2008. It was the Magic's third division title, but only their first since 1995–96 season, as well as their first since the Southeast Division was formed. They also earned their 50th win of the season against the Chicago Bulls on April 13, which had not happened since the 1995–96 season. The Magic finished the regular season 52–30, their best season since 1995–96. With the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, they were matched up in their first round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors. The Magic had home court advantage for the first time since the 1998–99 season.

On April 28, 2008, at Amway Arena, the Magic eliminated the Raptors with a 4–1 series victory in the first round. It was the first playoff series victory for the Magic in 12 years after 6 straight first round exits. The run of success didn't last long as they fell 4–1 to the experienced Detroit Pistons in the second round. With the Magic already down in the series, controversy erupted after the Pistons' Game 2 victory. At the conclusion of the 3rd quarter, Chauncey Billups of the Pistons made a three point shot giving the Pistons a three point lead. However, the clock had stopped just as the play began. NBA rules prohibit officials from using instant replay or any timing device to determine how much time has elapsed when a clock malfunctions, nor is a replay allowed to be viewed from the time of the malfunction to when the play ends, when the game clock has not expired. Because of the rule, the officials then estimated that the play took 4.6 seconds, and because there were 5.1 seconds remaining when play began, the field goal was allowed to be counted. The NBA later admitted that the play actually took 5.7 seconds and the basket in question should not have counted.^[24] The Pistons went on to win Game 2. The Magic were able to win Game 3, with the Pistons' Chauncey Billups out for most of the game with an injury, but were unable to take advantage of his absence and defeat the Pistons in Games 4 and 5, which ended the Magic's playoff run in 2008.

The first half of the 2008–09 season went very well for the Magic. After 41 games, the Magic were 33–8, leading the Southeast Division, as well as having one of the top four records in the league. At the start of February, Jameer Nelson, their all-star starting point guard, went down with a shoulder injury. He was expected to miss the remainder of the season. After trading for Rafer Alston, the Magic finished the regular season with a 59–23 record, it was the most games the team had won in a season since the 1995–96 season in which they had 60 wins. In the playoffs, the Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs and then the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, behind assistant coach Patrick Ewing's guarantee that they would win Game 7 of that series.^[25] In their first conference finals since 1996, the Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, which were led by the season's MVP, LeBron James. After dropping the first two games in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Magic finally won their first ever game in the Finals in Game 3. Despite Nelson's return to the team for the Finals, the Lakers won the series and the championship by beating the Magic in five games.

In the 2009 offseason, Orlando traded Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, and Courtney Lee to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for eight-time All-Star Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson.^[26] Hedo Türkoğlu, as part of a sign-and-trade, was sent to the Toronto Raptors. They then made several free agent signings. On July 10, former Dallas Mavericks power forward Brandon Bass was given a 4-year deal.^[27] On July 21, the Magic signed former Phoenix Suns Forward Matt Barnes.^[28] On August 19, they signed former Miami Heat point guard Jason Williams.^[29]

On September 28, 2009, Orlando extended the contract of head coach Stan Van Gundy by exercising his option for the 2010–11 season. They did the same for General Manager Otis Smith, which would keep him in that position through the 2011–12 season.^[30]

The Magic were without Rashard Lewis for the first 10 games of the 2009–10 season. Lewis tested positive for an elevated testosterone level that was caused by an over-the-counter supplement containing a substance banned by the league.^[31] To make matters worse, Vince Carter suffered a left ankle injury in just the second game of the season. Carter's injury turned out to be not too serious, but caused him to miss the next five games. Another setback came in mid-November, when Jameer Nelson injured his left knee, which required arthroscopic surgery to repair. Nelson would be out for five weeks. Despite all of this, the Magic had a 23–8 record at the end of December.

Orlando lost seven of their first ten games in January, but recovered well enough to post a winning record for the month by winning six of their next seven. Following the All-Star break, the Magic went on a roll, winning 23 of their 28 remaining games, clinching their fourth consecutive playoff berth and winning their third consecutive division championship in the process. The Magic finished the regular season with a 59–23 record, matching their record from the 2008–09 season, and finishing with not only the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, but the second-best record in the entire league. The Magic swept the Charlotte Bobcats and the Atlanta Hawks in the first two rounds of the playoffs, respectively. They then faced the Boston Celtics in the conference finals. After losing the first three games of the series, Orlando managed to win the next two games, but lost on the road in Game 6, ending their season.

2010–present: New Arena, New Look

In anticipation of the team's move to Amway Center, the Magic updated its logo. They retained the streaking ball logo, but changed the wordmark taken from their current uniforms. The Magic are scheduled to host the NBA All-Star Game in 2012, but the event could be canceled because of labor disputes. The Magic have also unveiled black alternate uniforms.

In the summer of 2010 the Orlando Magic signed Chris Duhon, formerly of the New York Knicks,^[32] and Quentin Richardson, formerly of the Miami Heat.

On December 18, 2010, having lost five of their last six games, the Magic made a blockbuster trade deal with the Phoenix Suns and the Washington Wizards. They traded Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat and Mickaël Piétrus to Phoenix for Hedo Türkoğlu who led them into the 2009 NBA Finals when they lost 4–1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark. Rashard Lewis was traded to Washington for the 3 time All-Star Gilbert Arenas.^[33]

The Magic finished the season with 52 victories, good for 2nd in the Southeast Division. But they were ousted in six games by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the first time head coach Stan Van Gundy was eliminated early in the playoffs.

Home arena

Amway Center

Main article: Amway Center

Amway Center, the Magic's arena since 2010

The team's new state of the art home arena, the Amway Center officially opened on October 1, 2010. The Orlando Magic hosted their first preseason game at Amway Center on October 10 against the New Orleans Hornets. The 2010–11 regular season home opener was on October 28 against the Washington Wizards. The Magic won both games. The new Amway Center is home to the largest Jumbotron in the NBA. It is also the home of the AFL's Orlando Predators.

On May 4, 2010, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that Orlando would host the 2012 All-Star Weekend in the new Amway Center.^[34]

Amway Arena (Former Arena)

Main article: Amway Arena

Originally called the Orlando Arena, and later TD Waterhouse Centre, the Amway Arena was the home of the Magic from 1989 to 2010.

Amway Arena opened in 1989 and served as home to the Orlando Magic since their inception until the 2009–2010 season. It was originally known as the Orlando Arena, or the "O-Rena", during its first ten years. In 1999, TD Waterhouse purchased the naming rights and named the venue the TD Waterhouse Centre. In December 2006, the naming rights were purchased by Amway for four years.^[35] It is also home of the Arena Football League's Orlando Predators, the Orlando Sharks of the Major Indoor Soccer League, and various sporting and entertainment events. Amway Arena is one of "The Orlando Venues" owned and operated by the City of Orlando. The other facilities include the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Tinker Field, the Florida Citrus Bowl, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and Mennello Museum.^[36]

Uniforms

• 1989–90 – 1997–98 – The home jerseys were white with black pinstripes, and black numbers with blue trim. The Magic logo on the jersey was blue with black trim. The road jerseys were black with white pinstripes, and blue numbers with white trim. The Magic logo on the jersey was the city name ("Orlando") and it was white with blue trim.

• 1994–95 – 1997–98 – The Magic unveiled the blue road jersey, with white pinstripes in 1994–95. It had white numbers with black trim and the Magic logo was the city name ("Orlando") logo with black trim. Replica blue jerseys sold at retail were manufactured incorrectly until 1997, as they had black numbers with white trim. With the introduction of the blue road jersey, the black road jersey became the alternate road jersey.

• 1998–99 – 2002–03 – For the Magic's 10th anniversary they introduced a new look designed by fashion designer Jhane Barnes. They removed the pinstripes, but the silky home and away uniforms featured stars as the background. The home jersey was white, with blue Magic logo and numbers with black trim. The blue away uniforms had a white Magic logo (the team dropped the city name for the road uniform) and numbers with black trim. In the 2000–01 season the streaking ball logo on the beltline of the shorts was replaced by the current secondary streaking ball arch logo on the right leg and the Magic wordmark added on the back.

• 2003–2008 – For the team's 15th anniversary, the Magic opted for a cleaner (sans the striping and subliminal stars) look this time. The home jerseys were white and the Magic logo was blue with silver and black trim. The away jersey reverted back to the city name, and was blue. The logo and numbers are white with black trim.

• 2008–present – For the 08–09 season, the Magic have once again created another uniform. The Magic returned to the pinstriped uniforms^[37] to commemorate the team's 20th anniversary. The current design combines the elements of the previous three uniform designs the Magic used in its 20-year history. The home jerseys are white with silver pinstripes, while the away jerseys are blue with white pinstripes. The font used for the number and player/team name has also been updated to a more modern look. Magic alternate logos are on the shorts and the back of the jersey. This is the fourth model in franchise history.

• 2010–present – The Magic unveiled a black alternate uniform, with silver pinstripes. The uniform mirrors that of the regular blue road uniform. This will mark the first time since 1998 that the Magic will wear an alternate uniform, though in recent years the Magic's alternate uniforms were worn as throwback uniforms as part of the NBA Hardwood Classics program.

• As an added note, the Magic have a team rule that prohibits the wearing of headbands by its players during games; this is a rule similar to the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz.

The Magic were also the only NBA team to wear black sneakers and socks in all their games, a tradition that began upon the hiring of Stan Van Gundy in 2007; however they wore white sneakers and socks at home in all of the 2008–09 season and early in the 2009–10 season before switching back to black sneakers and socks. They have since switched back to wearing white sneakers and socks at home, except when wearing their black alternate uniforms.

Orlando Magic alternate logo, 2001–present

The Magic participated in the NBA's "Hardwood Classics" campaign in 2003, debuting the retro black away jerseys from 1989 during Christmas Day. It was a little unusual to call the uniform a "retro" since the Magic wore them as recently as 1997–1998, however they have already had four jersey designs in only 20 seasons of play. The following season, they wore the 1994–95 blue alternates for "Hardwood Classics" and in 2005–06, they wore the home pinstriped jerseys from the inaugural year. In 2006–07, the Magic wore the black away retro jerseys again for "Hardwood Classics". In the 2009–10 season, the same black pinstriped jerseys were used for the third time, making it the most-used Hardwood Classics Nights uniform design since the promotion's inception in 2002.

Up until the current uniform revision, Bo Outlaw had been the only Magic player to have worn all of the Magic jersey designs, and during 2005–2006 "Hardwood Classics," he was the only player on the roster to wear the home pinstriped jersey when it was still the current uniform, having joined the team in 1997 (last season of the original pinstripe uniform). He repeated the same feat in 2006, wearing the black pinstriped jersey.

Players

Main article: Orlando Magic all-time roster

See also: Orlando Magic draft history

Basketball Hall of Famers

• Chuck Daly, coach, 1997–1999, Class of 1994
• Dominique Wilkins, SF, 1999, Class of 2006
• Patrick Ewing, C, 2001–2002, assistant coach, Class of 2008

Retired numbers

• 6 – "The Sixth Man – The Fans" (this was unretired in 2001–2002 for Patrick Ewing.)

Current roster

Orlando Magic rosterv · d · e
Players	Coaches
Pos. # Name Height Weight DOB (Y–M–D) From 4.0 !F 35 Allen, Malik (FA) 82 !6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 255 lb (116 kg) Villanova 4.0 !F 33 Anderson, Ryan 82 !6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 240 lb (109 kg) California 1.5 !G 1 Arenas, Gilbert 76 !6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Arizona 4.0 !F 30 Bass, Brandon 80 !6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 250 lb (113 kg) LSU 1.5 !G 25 Duhon, Chris 73 !6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Duke 6.0 !C 12 Howard, Dwight (C) 83 !6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 265 lb (120 kg) SACA (GA)* 1.5 !G 34 Liggins, DeAndre (DP) 78 !6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Kentucky 1.5 !G 14 Nelson, Jameer (C) 72 !6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Saint Joseph's 6.0 !C 21 Orton, Daniel 82 !6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 255 lb (116 kg) Kentucky 1.5 !G 7 Redick, J. J. 76 !6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Duke 1.5 !G 23 Richardson, Jason (FA) 78 !6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Michigan State 2.5 !G/F 5 Richardson, Quentin 78 !6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 228 lb (103 kg) DePaul 4.0 !F 15 Türkoğlu, Hedo 82 !6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Turkey	Head coach Stan Van Gundy (SUNY-Brockport) Assistant coach(es) Brendan Malone (Iona) Steve Clifford (Maine) Patrick Ewing (Georgetown) Bob Beyer (Alfred) Ahmad Ajami (Texas Christian) Legend (C) Team captain (DP) Unsigned draft pick (FA) Free agent (IN) Inactive (S) Suspended Injured * High school Roster • Transactions Last transaction: 2011-08-15

International rights

PF		Fran Vázquez	2005 NBA Draft	11th pick
C		Milovan Raković	2007 NBA Draft	60th pick

Head coaches

Main article: List of Orlando Magic head coaches

Season-by-season records

Main article: List of Orlando Magic seasons

Media

Main article: List of Orlando Magic broadcasters

Television

The current television announce team for the Orlando Magic is play-by-play announcer David Steele and color analyst Matt Guokas. Guokas was the first head coach of the Magic. Whit Watson and Paul Kennedy serve as courtside reporters. Television broadcasts were split in 2007–08 between Fox Sports Florida and Sun Sports. In previous years, broadcasts were split between Sun Sports and local television stations, originally WKCF and, later, WRBW. Select broadcasts will be available in HDTV.

There was a controversy with moving broadcasts to Fox Sports Florida since Orlando's largest cable TV provider, Bright House Networks, did not carry the network. Pressure increased for the cable provider to pick up FS Florida in time for the 2007–08 NBA season but this did not happen. The Magic persisted with airing games on FS Florida into the 2008–09 season despite Bright House's refusal to pick up the channel in all of its affiliates. Recently, Bright House and FS Florida came to an agreement on January 1, 2009 and have begun airing the channel as part of its standard cable package. However, Bright House airs the channel using a digital signal that only allows customers who own the Digital cable box to receive the channel. The customers do not have to pay any additional costs to get the channel with their Digital cable box.

Radio

The current radio announce team for the Orlando Magic is play-by-play announcer Dennis Neumann and color analyst Richie Adubato, another former Magic head coach. Games are produced by Magic Radio Network flagship AM 580 WDBO in Orlando, and also broadcast on AM 1380 WELE in Daytona Beach, 99.5 FM WBXY "The Star" in Gainesville and Ocala, AM 1290 WPCF in Panama City, AM 1590 WPSL in Port St. Lucie and AM 1450 WSTU in Stuart. The Tampa Bay area affiliate is ESPN 1040 WHBO. The affiliate in Tallahassee is AM 1270 "The Team" WNLS.

Joey Colon and Ramon Rivas do Spanish-language commentary on AM 1030 WONQ "La Grande" in Orlando.

Podcasts

The official Orlando Magic website features a collection of podcasts available on iTunes, including "Magic Overtime with Dante and Galante".

Leaders

Franchise leaders

Career

• Games: Nick Anderson (692)
• Consecutive Games Played: Dwight Howard (351)
• Minutes Played: Nick Anderson (22,440)
• Field Goals Made: Nick Anderson (4,075)
• Field Goal Attempts: Nick Anderson (8,976)
• 3-Point Field Goals Made: Dennis Scott (981)
• 3-Point Field Goal Attempts: Nick Anderson (2,480)
• Free Throws Made: Dwight Howard (3,085)
• Free Throw Attempts: Dwight Howard (5,155)
• Total Rebounds: Dwight Howard (6,434)
• Assists: Scott Skiles (2,776)
• Steals: Nick Anderson (1,004)
• Blocked Shots: Dwight Howard (1,228)
• Personal Fouls: Dwight Howard (1,843)
• Points: Nick Anderson (10,650)

Career per game averages

• Points: Tracy McGrady (28.1)
• Rebounds: Dwight Howard (12.9)
• Assists: Scott Skiles (7.2)
• Steals: Penny Hardaway (1.9)
• Blocked shots: Shaquille O'Neal (2.8)

For career records, players currently on the team are in italics. As of the 2010–11 season.

Individual records

• Most points in one game with 62 (Tracy McGrady on March 10, 2004 vs. Washington Wizards)
• Most points in one half with 37 in the first half (Tracy McGrady on March 9, 2003 vs. Denver Nuggets)
• Most points in one quarter with 25 in the second quarter (Tracy McGrady on March 9, 2003 vs. Denver Nuggets)
• Most free throws made in one game with 18 (Tracy McGrady on December 25, 2002 vs. Detroit Pistons)
• Most points in a playoff game with 46 (Dwight Howard in Game 1 of 2011 Eastern Conference playoffs, First round vs. Atlanta Hawks and Tracy McGrady in Game 2 of the 2003 Eastern Conference playoffs, First round vs. Detroit Pistons)
• Most assist made in one game with 30 (Scott Skiles on December 30, 1990 vs. Denver Nuggets) ***NBA Record

Individual awards

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• Dwight Howard – 2009, 2010, 2011

NBA Rookie of the Year

• Shaquille O'Neal – 1993
• Mike Miller – 2001

NBA Sixth Man of the Year

• Darrell Armstrong – 1999

NBA Sportsmanship Award

• Grant Hill – 2005

NBA Most Improved Player of the Year

• Scott Skiles – 1991
• Darrell Armstrong – 1999
• Tracy McGrady – 2001
• Hedo Türkoğlu – 2008

NBA Coach of the Year

• Doc Rivers – 2000

NBA Executive of the Year

• John Gabriel – 2000

All-NBA First Team

• Anfernee Hardaway – 1995, 1996
• Tracy McGrady – 2002, 2003
• Dwight Howard – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

All-NBA Second Team

• Shaquille O'Neal – 1995
• Tracy McGrady – 2001, 2004

All-NBA Third Team

• Shaquille O'Neal – 1994, 1996
• Anfernee Hardaway – 1997
• Dwight Howard – 2007

NBA All-Defensive First Team

• Dwight Howard – 2009, 2010

NBA All-Defensive Second Team

• Horace Grant – 1995, 1996
• Dwight Howard – 2008

NBA Rookie First Team

• Dennis Scott – 1991
• Shaquille O'Neal – 1993
• Anfernee Hardaway – 1994
• Matt Harpring – 1999
• Mike Miller – 2001
• Drew Gooden – 2003
• Dwight Howard – 2005

NBA Rookie Second Team

• Stanley Roberts – 1992
• Michael Doleac – 1999
• Chucky Atkins – 2000
• Jameer Nelson – 2005

References

1. ^ "MAGIC: Behind the Name: the Orlando Magic". NBA.com/magic. http://www.nba.com/magic/news/behindthename.html. Retrieved March 9, 2008. 
2. ^ "MAGIC: 20 Years Ago Today – The Magic Begins". NBA.com/magic. http://www.nba.com/magic/news/20_Years_Ago_Today__The_Magic-182426-800.html. Retrieved March 9, 2008. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Goldaper, Sam (April 23, 1987). "The National Basketball Association decided yesterday in a surprise move to expand by four franchises rather than the three originally planned.". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE6D61631F930A15757C0A961948260. Retrieved March 10, 2008. 
4. ^ "1989–90 Standings". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19891990.html. Retrieved March 10, 2008. 
5. ^ "NBA Expansion Drafts: Results". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/expansion_drafts.html. Retrieved March 10, 2008. 
6. ^ "Scott Skiles: The Game I'll Never Forget". NBA. December 30, 2005. http://www.nba.com/magic/news/Scott_Skiles_The_Game_Irsquo-144374-800.html. Retrieved November 27, 2006. 
7. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} "MAGIC: Magic History". NBA.com/magic. http://www.nba.com/magic/history/magic_history.html. Retrieved March 10, 2008. 
8. ^ "N.B.A. Orlando Team Sold". The New York Times. September 20, 1991. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CEED8163AF933A1575AC0A967958260. Retrieved March 10, 2008. 
9. ^ Moran, Malcolm (May 18, 1992). "The Top Pick Is Going to Disney World". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE1D71030F93BA25756C0A964958260. Retrieved March 10, 2008. 
10. ^ "1992–93 Standings". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19921993.html. Retrieved March 10, 2008. 
11. ^ "Hill Is Named Coach of Magic". The New York Times. July 1, 1993. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE7DB143BF932A35754C0A965958260. Retrieved March 11, 2008. 
12. ^ Thompson II, Marcus; Geoff Lepper (January 26, 2008). "Warriors in talks with Webber". San Jose Mercury News. http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_8085467. Retrieved March 11, 2008. 
13. ^ "1993–94 Standings". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19931994.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
14. ^ "1994 Playoff Results". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19931994.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
15. ^ "1994–95 Standings". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19941995.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
16. ^ "Orlando Magic: Did You Know?". NBA.com/magic. http://www.nba.com/magic/news/Orlando_Magic_Did_You_Know-142602-800.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
17. ^ "1995 Playoff Results". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19941995.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
18. ^ "1995–96 Standings". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19951996.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
19. ^ "MAGIC: All-Time Transactions". NBA.com/magic. http://www.nba.com/magic/news/AllTime_Transactions-155422-808.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
20. ^ "1996 Playoff Results". NBA.com/history. http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19951996.html. Retrieved March 12, 2008. 
21. ^ [1]^{[dead link]}
22. ^ ESPN – Sonics, Magic complete sign-and-trade for Rashard Lewis – NBA
23. ^ Topic Galleries – OrlandoSentinel.com
24. ^ ESPN – After review, NBA says Billups' 3-pointer should not have counted – NBA
25. ^ Golen, Jimmy (May 18, 2009). "Magic Moment: Orlando beats Boston to advance". Associated Press. Yahoo. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlT7qdkLBThF5x98WEzpSs.8vLYF?gid=2009051702&prov=ap. 
26. ^ Carter traded to hometown Magic
27. ^ Magic Sign Free Agent Brandon Bass
28. ^ Magic, Barnes agree to contract
29. ^ Magic Sign Free Agent Jason Williams
30. ^ Magic give Van Gundy, Smith extensions
31. ^ "Lewis suspended 10 games by NBA". ESPN. August 7, 2009. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4381822. Retrieved April 13, 2010. 
32. ^ http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=6157
33. ^ "Sources: Magic trade for Gilbert Arenas". ESPN. December 18, 2010. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5932861. Retrieved December 18, 2010. 
34. ^ Orlando to host 2012 All-Star Game in new arena
35. ^ "Magic's Home Renamed 'Amway Arena'". Local6.com. http://www.local6.com/news/10479783/detail.html. Retrieved March 9, 2008. 
36. ^ "AMWAY ARENA". Orlando Venues. http://www.orlandovenues.net/other_info_files/amway_arena.php. Retrieved March 9, 2008. 
37. ^ http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080924/SPORTS/809240320

External links

• Orlando Magic official website
• Sports E-Cyclopedia