The Top 10 Defenders In Orlando Magic History

The Orlando Magic have had its share of successful NBA defenders and a top-10 yields an attractive list of premier defenders.

The last time the Magic made the NBA Finals it was on the shoulders of a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. And even dating back to the “Heart and Hustle” era, there are some quality defenders to help fill out a very formidable all-time defensive list. 

It so happens Orlando’s top defenders have all been big men, but that notion is arguable given that post players are often simply given more credit for defensive matters.

In the past seven seasons, a center has won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year six times. Since 1997 season, only two non-big men have won the award (Kawhi Leonard and Metta World Peace). Accordingly, we have tried to credit some of the perimeter guys for their efforts rather than allow big men to dominate the list entirely since that is the overwhelming theme in praising defense.

That said, of the top three defenders all have made the First Team All-Defensive or won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, with the Magic or otherwise. For the most part, this list is to feature players for the strength of their contributions in a Magic uniform, but the brevity of time spent with the Magic is not detracting a lot from the selections.

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