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Orlando Magic Top 25: The Nos. 16-20 best players in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Orlando's Steve Francis drives the lane during the second half of the Orlando Magic's 89-81 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, January 29, 2006. (Photo by Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images)
Orlando's Steve Francis drives the lane during the second half of the Orlando Magic's 89-81 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, January 29, 2006. (Photo by Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images) /
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16. Steve Francis (2005-06)

High/Low: 5/UR

By David Iwanowski

Steve Francis played a big role on the Magic: the key player in the post-Tracy McGrady era. He was seen as a rising star in Houston, and was the big haul the Magic acquired for Tracy McGrady.

In a season and a half for the Magic, Francis averaged 19.4 points, 6.5 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He got to the line 7.2 times per game.

He was put in a situation where he had to do everything for the team, with the Magic in a rebuilding situation and Cuttino Mobley having been injured for most of his half season with the team.

Francis’ first season with the team, he racked up an 18.9 PER, 31.6 assist percentage, and 28 percent usage percentage. He had 6.2 win shares, as the team’s poor performance inhibited his win share potential.

For comparison, Stephen Curry’s usage percentage was 28.9 in his 2015 MVP campaign. Francis was not shy about going after his shots and dominating the ball. Someone had to do it as the Magic tried to remain competitive post-McGrady.

Francis played an essential role for the franchise as the next star after the T-Mac saga, and the focal point of the offense. He succeeded in that role, even though opponents focused their gameplans on limiting his play.

Although he ultimately did not achieve everything the front office and fans had hoped he would, he was still a very good player for the team and was ranked here for his overall impact.

Next. Orlando Magic Top 25: Nos. 21-25. dark

Part 3 will publish Wednesday morning with Nos. 11-15 with the next five revealed every morning the rest of this week.