Orlando Magic Daily
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Final Position Retrospective: The All-Time Orlando Magic Roster

By Brett David Roberts

1993: Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic takes a break during an NBA game circa 1993. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees 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 1993 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
1993: Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic takes a break during an NBA game circa 1993. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees 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 1993 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Shooting Guard:  Tracy McGrady / Nick Anderson / Victor Oladipo

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TracyMcGrady2002 /

Tracy McGrady could recommit himself to premier defense with plenty of other scorers around him, something he was never afforded in his four seasons in Orlando. His defensive efforts in Toronto were outstanding, whereas with Orlando his increased offensive load took away energy he previously spent coming up with steals and blocking shots.

McGrady would also provide the best isolation scorer when games came down to individual hero ball. McGrady led the league in scoring twice, the only Magic player to ever accomplish that feat at all.

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He eventually left Orlando because he was provided with almost no relevant help and he saw his time in his prime wasting away on a mediocre team. But in an all-time roster situation McGrady would be relieved to have some talent around him.

That may be the bottom line for McGrady: had be played with a healthy Grant Hill, or even a dream scenario in which Tim Duncan joined him in Orlando, then McGrady may have tasted championship success with Orlando. His talents remain one of the least capitalized upon in Magic history.

To be sure, Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal would command plenty of late game shots, but the fact McGrady could so easily get good shots, even over multiple defenders, makes him the best late game option. Besides that, we all remember his 13 points in 35 seconds with the Houston Rockets.

Nick Anderson is the perfect complement off the bench because he would add a post presence to the second unit.

The Magic would use Victor Oladipo for his defensive talents and sometimes work him into the role of sixth man, as he could be more of an energy guy off the bench with greater talents in front of him. Anderson would provide tutelage for Oladipo, as Anderson did a lot of things Oladipo can do.

Anderson was adept at drawing contact early in his career while also proving to be an elite rebounder at his position. If Oladipo added those facets to his game, he would instantly become even more valuable to the Magic next year.

Oladipo took over games in small stretches and in a second unit on a contending team he would be deadly. Oladipo is the Magic’s premier talent right now, but on a team this deep he is just insurance in case McGrady or Anderson go down. Oladipo would struggle to find minutes as one of the two third-stringers on this squad.

Next: A point-forward playmaker and a gunner at the 3-spot