The Top 10 Defenders In Orlando Magic History
Most remember Penny Hardaway for his brilliance with the ball in his hands. His offensive fire was so intense that it overshadowed his stellar defense. Hardaway ranked 5th in the NBA in defensive win shares in the lockout-shortened 1999 season, and he was No. 6 in the league in steals per game for three seasons (‘’94, ’96 and ’99).
Hardaway’s best year for thefts came in his rookie season when he averaged 2.3 steals per game and 0.6 blocks too. He got the Magic out in transition and took full advantage of the talent around him.
However great Hardaway was with the ball, his defense was fundamentally sound which was what led to the brilliance. He did not reach and averaged just 2.2 fouls per game during his career. When a player is getting more than two steals per game while not even picking up three fouls it shows the discipline is there and the reaching is minimized to just the opportunities which can result in the opposition’s turnover.
Hardaway realized it was about seizing the right moment to dash a passing lane or poke at a ball handler. But he is still not the best defensive point guard in Magic history…
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