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Orlando Magic Top 25: The Nos. 11-15 best players in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 4, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) defends during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) defends during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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13. Horace Grant (1995-99, 2002-03)

High/Low: 8/UR

By Vincent McMillan

As any true Orlando Magic fan knows, the acquisition of Horace Grant as a free agent put the team over the hump and got them to the Finals in 1995. Grant freely signing with the Magic rather than returning to the Michael Jordan-less Chicago Bulls signaled Orlando was officially a free agent destination and a team on the rise.

Grant brought along with him a championship pedigree from his years with Bulls. His leadership helped to steer a talented young team in the right direction which ultimately led to a Finals appearance.

Not only was Horace Grant a great contributor to the team’s culture, but his efforts on the court paired very well with Shaquille O’Neal. Grant battled hard on the defensive end, worked for rebounds and could also sink mid range shots on offense.

Prior to Grant’s arrival, the Magic were swept out of the first round of the playoffs which was the franchise’s first year in the postseason. Going from a first-round sweep to the Finals largely stems from Horace Grant’s professionalism and work ethic that was shared with his teammates.

Not to say that the Finals appearance was solely due to the addition of Grant, but he obviously brought something to the table Orlando was missing.