Orlando Magic Daily
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5 next Orlando Magic legends to induct into Hall of Fame

By Brett David Roberts

Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal is introduced as he was inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal is introduced as he was inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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skiles5_700_100511 /

4. Scott Skiles

Scott Skiles was selected in the 1989 expansion draft after the Indiana Pacers let him unprotected. At the time, little was thought of the pick Skiles was not even to start, playing behind former Chicago Bulls guard Sam Vincent.

The duo would more or less split time early on, but Skiles came to show a great ability to lead a team and enhance the talents of the young talent around him. As the Magic began to assimilate more talent, it was Skiles who would help carve his career as he aided Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott at becoming professionals.

Skiles became a fan favorite for his grit and court savvy, and he still holds the NBA record for most assists in a single game (30). In the 1990-91 season, the Magic made major strides over the inaugural season, improving from 18 to 31 wins. He even won Most Improved Player in the league that second year.

Skiles was instrumental behind that improvement, as he tallied 17 points and eight assists per game, while knocking down two threes a game at a 41 percent clip. In Shaquille O’Neal’s rookie season, it was still Skiles who led the team. He took advantage of having a dominant teammate to average 9.4 assists per game while scoring more than 15 points per game.

Skiles eventually came to be replaced by the nascent career of point guard Penny Hardaway, but the former Michigan State Spartan is arguably still the second greatest playmaker in Magic history. Some have even speculated he would make a solid hire in searching for the team’s next head coach.

But that is a discussion for another day. As a player, Skiles was a true Magic legend.

Next: Darrell Armstrong