The Top 10 Defenders In Orlando Magic History
Nick “the Quick” Anderson may forever be remembered for a defensive play (at least by Magic fans), but that is not exactly why he cracks this top-10 list. His steal on Michael Jordan in the 1995 playoffs is one of the biggest highlights in franchise history, but a holistic view of Anderson’s career reveals a player whose defensive efforts were equally as valuable as his 20 points per game (actually 19.9, but we are rounding up).
Anderson already has his spot in the Magic Hall of Fame, one of only two players to grace it. He averaged 1.9 steals/blocks during his NBA career and his career steal percentage ranks No. 94 all-time.
Anderson also had the strength to defend small forwards when they were foolish enough to post him up. A good back-to-the-basket player himself, Anderson was attuned to how to stop players in most situations.
Save the struggles in the ’95 Finals, Anderson had a terrific postseason, and in his six trips to the postseason he averaged 2.1 blocks/steals per game while putting the clamps on some of the best guards in NBA history.
Anderson played in an era saturated with top-end talent and he thrived on both ends of the court. Orlando nailed its first draft pick in franchise history.
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