The Top 10 Defenders In Orlando Magic History

10) Rashard Lewis

Rashard Lewis re-invented himself as a power forward when he came to Orlando. 

Previously in Seattle, the 6-foot-10 forward played the 3-spot and did so effectively. Stan Van Gundy changed his role (something he talked about extensively on the latest episode of the Lowe Post Podcast), and he still thrived defensively covering much bulkier players. 

Lewis may be one of the more underrated defenders in recent times. His lower body strength became vital in pushing opposing power forwards off the block and out of their comfort spots.

Lewis finished 7th in the NBA in defensive win shares during the 2009 season, a year in which he made his second All-Star appearance.

Rashard Lewis never made a single All-NBA defensive team, but he really should have sniffed the third team during that ’09 season. It is perplexing he was not given the respect he deserved playing out of position and doing so effectively. It is good enough to rank No. 10 all-time in Magic defenders, but many people still argue Lewis did not live up to the hefty contract the Magic bestowed on him.

He did.

He just did not do it in the same manner which he did in Seattle, and that is perfectly fine. He filed a role in Orlando, doing what he was asked to do.

Players are not locked into a specific playing style for their entire careers, and Lewis’ ability to shift effortlessly to a much more intensive position illustrates just how good he was on the defensive end of the court. Without Lewis, Orlando never reaches the ’09 Finals. CLUTCH. (watch the video, for real).

Honorable Mention:  Stacey Augmon, Matt Harpring, Matt Barnes, Marcin Gortat, Derek Harper, Courtney Lee, Mickael Pietrus, Donald Royal, Rafer Alston