Shaquille O’Neal left a legacy in Orlando. But who picked it up after he left?
Shaquille O’Neal joined the Orlando Magic in 1992 and led them to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1995.
Now, a couple of decades later, the organization will honour him by retiring his No. 32.
“I was Victor Wembanyama before him … You come in and they expect you to turn things around,” O’Neal said. “It was a great four years there. I just wanted to come in and make a name for myself.”
After 4 seasons with the Magic, Shaq decided to up and leave for bigger and brighter lights in Los Angeles.
Since his departure, Orlando has developed some highly talented players.
Here are 3 of the greatest Orlando Magic players since Shaq:
Honorable Mentions
Penny Hardaway
Penny Hardaway is definitely one of the greatest Magic players.
But I’m putting him in the honourable mentions because he played multiple seasons with Shaq before taking over the team.
So, because of that, he’s disqualified from my list.
Grant Hill
Grant Hill was a great player.
But as an Orlando Magic, he didn’t play very often and didn’t help the team too much because of injuries.
However, he did make the All-Star team twice as a Magic and did help them make the playoffs once, hence the honourable mention.
If he had played more games for them, I would’ve added him to my list.
Jameer Nelson
Jameer Nelson is an odd one for me because he was a starter for the Magic when they were the best team in the East.
But he was never their best player. He was always the second or third guy.
But he did do a lot for Orlando -he was their primary playmaker and led them in assists every season he played for them, except for his first two seasons with the team.
Additionally, he even earned himself an All-Star nod in 2009.
But he was never their primary player. There was always someone ahead of him.
And this befuddlement is why he’s an honourable mention.
The Top 3 Greatest Since Shaq
3. Nikola Vucevic
After Dwight Howard’s departure, Nikola Vucevic took over the star’s responsibilities.
He became the team’s go-to guy, where he scored, rebounded, defended and assisted.
He led the Magic out of dark times and took them to the playoffs twice.
While doing so, he earned himself two All-Star appearances.
2. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady is one of the greatest players ever and it was in Orlando when his talent broke out.
He was averaging a boatload of points (was scoring champion in 2003 and 2004, with averages of 32 points and 28 points, respectively) and Orlando was making the playoffs every season he was there (except for his final season with them).
Additionally, he was a 4-time All-Star while rocking a Magic jersey.
However, under McGrady’s leadership, the Magic didn’t find much success in the post-season.
They were ousted in the first round every year he was there and this is why I don’t think he’s the greatest Magic player ever since Shaq.
But do you know who is?
1. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard does not get the respect he deserves.
He was the most feared player in his prime (who constantly recorded 20-20 games) and his accolades prove it.
With an Orlando Magic uniform on, he was a 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, 4-time All-Defensive, 4-time rebounding champion and 2-time blocks leader.
He was also a 6-time NBA All-Star.
But his accolades didn’t just benefit him -it also helped the Magic become one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando was a 50-plus win team for multiple seasons and made the playoffs 5 times with Howard. They also made the NBA Finals once.
And it was all under his leadership.
This is why he is the greatest Magic player since Shaq. No other player had led Orlando to as much success as Howard did.
Who do you think is the greatest Orlando Magic player since Shaq?
