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The Top 10 Defenders In Orlando Magic History

By Brett David Roberts

Dec 8, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) drives the ball to the basket during the first quarter as Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) drives the ball to the basket during the first quarter as Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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1) Dwight Howard

While Dwight Howard may have become one of the most hated Magic players in team history, there is no belittling what he did on the court. Howard’s best years will have come in Orlando, as he just has not been able to thrive offensively with James Harden being Houston’s go to player. Harden and Howard pair nicely, but in Orlando his chemistry with Jameer Nelson was even more impressive.

Howard won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times, one less than Ben Wallace. The difference is he did that in Magic uniform while Wallace’s best play was in the Motor City. Howard ranked top-5 in blocked shots for six straight seasons, leading the NBA in two of those.

Howard also led the league in defensive win shares for four consecutive seasons, primarily because he transformed Orlando’s team defense, frequently covering blown defensive assignments from the Magic’s mediocre perimeter defenders (Sorry, Jameer).

Because Howard adapted to Stan Van Gundy’s defensive schemes so well, the Magic were a top-three defensive team during his entire time in Orlando.

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    • When the defense is that good mostly on the basis of one player, you are looking at a coveted building piece, and there is no denying Howard willed the Magic to its second Finals appearance while stimulating enough interest of the Magic to build the Amway Center.

    There is a saying that the hottest loves have the coldest endings, and that really reflects how Magic fans feel about Howard. Fans still file into the arena wearing No. 12 Orlando jerseys, and that may never stop (especially with Tobias Harris still hanging around wearing the number). 

    He is the best defender in Magic history, and that can be said without couching it with “maybe” or “arguably.” He is.

    Next: Orlando's all-time top Centers