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Talking the state of the Orlando Magic with Penny Hardaway

By Carson Ingle

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Anfernee Hardaway #1 of the Orlando Magic attempts a shot against Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets in Game Two of the 1995 NBA Finals at the Orlando Arena on June 9, 1995 in Orlando, Florida. The Rockets won 117-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Anfernee Hardaway #1 of the Orlando Magic attempts a shot against Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets in Game Two of the 1995 NBA Finals at the Orlando Arena on June 9, 1995 in Orlando, Florida. The Rockets won 117-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The former Orlando Magic star talked to OMD about the current state of the franchise and how they overcome some of their obstacles moving forward.

The former Orlando Magic star talked to Orlando Magic Daily about the current state of the franchise and how they overcome some of their obstacles moving forward.

Even though he is six seasons removed from his NBA playing career, Anfernee Hardaway still draws a crowd at All-Star Weekend. The Orlando Magic legend took some time to talk with us as he gets set to participate Saturday night in The Degree Shooting Stars competition as part of Team Westbrook with Russell Westbrook and Tamika Catchings.

Carson Ingle, Orlando Magic Daily: What do you think it’s like for the two backcourt guys, young guys for the Magic to both be together at this All-Star Weekend?

Penny Hardaway: I think it’s awesome because it’s an experience that you need to experience.  If you’re not playing in the game, you’re dreaming of playing in the game while you’re here because the ultimate goal is the big game on Sunday. You want to be out there with the whole world watching.

OMD: How much have you been able to still watch the Magic? Have you talked to Vic[tor Oladipo] and Elfrid [Payton] and those guys?

Penny: I haven’t gotten a chance to watch them much.  I’m still a fan of the NBA, but I have not. I’ve ran into Victor a couple times over the last year or so, but nothing but in passing and saying hello. I haven’t talked to Elfrid. Seems like he has a good game as well. Seems like the future is bright in that backcourt.

OMD: Where does the next step come for a team like the Magic? You know, they’re a team that’s struggling, but as you said, there are young pieces there, there’s some talent there.

Penny: Man, I think the Atlanta Hawks have the blueprint right now. You don’t have to have a lot of big names, you just have to buy into the system with each other. I think they genuinely look like they care about one another. I think when the locker room is really good and healthy, then you can accomplish anything.

OMD: What are the challenges of an in-season coaching change like what the Magic are going through right now? What does that do to a team? What are those challenges?

Penny: It really puts it in a situation to where it’s almost like you’re rebuilding. If you had a winning record, it probably wouldn’t have happened. So obviously when it happens, you’re losing. What it does is it demoralizes the team. Even though you’ve had that honeymoon period of a new coach, you’re trying to play hard, alright the coach just got fired, we’re going to play hard. It’s just tough to overcome that.

Be sure to catch Penny in the Degree Shooting Stars to open up NBA All-Star Saturday Night on TNT starting at 8 p.m. with Inside the NBA.

Next: Elfrid Payton soaking in his first All-Star experience