9. Tree Rollins
Tree Rollins has the distinction of being the only player-coach in Orlando Magic history, and really he did little more than provide spot minutes behind Shaquille O’Neal during the team’s glory years. But Rollins was a unique presence because he really was what his name said he was, a 7-foot-1 “Tree.”
When O’Neal hit the bench, the Magic could counter with another legitimate giant off the bench who could provide resistance against prevalent big men in the 90s.
Rollins was not a big-stat guy. In his 17 NBA seasons, he averaged just 5.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. But Rollins at one point led the NBA in blocks with 4.3 per game and was true serviceable center during a tough physical era.
Tree Rollins may get a bit of a sentimental nod at No. 9 over a number of other serviceable Magic centers (e.g., Michael Doleac or John Amaechi), but he was a unique player whose legend mostly persisted because he was durable and good—not because he was dominant. But when you take a 7’1″ 300 pound man child off the court, why not replace him with a Tree?
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