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Orlando Magic Top 25: The Nos. 6-10 best players in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - 1994: Nick Anderson #25 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons circa 1994 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - 1994: Nick Anderson #25 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons circa 1994 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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10. Darrell Armstrong (1995-2003)

High/Low: 6/UR

By Zach Palmer

The core piece of Orlando’s fondly remembered “Heart and Hustle” squad, Darrell Armstrong ranks in as the 10th best player in Orlando Magic history.

In 1999, Armstrong won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award along with the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Armstrong posted 13.8 points, 6.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game that season and was probably Orlando’s best player as Penny Hardaway’s descent due to injury continued.

Armstrong, the poster child of the cult popular “Heart and Hustle” Magic led the feisty squad to a 41-41 record through his physical defensive play and relentless motor. Offensively, Armstrong posted a career-high 16.7 points per game and was Orlando’s main option on offense with a season high of 33 against the Mavericks.

Armstrong very well could be the best perimeter defender in Magic history. Armstrong is second all-time on Orlando’s steals list and second on Orlando’s steals per game list.

While his exploits mostly happened during a down era of Magic basketball, Armstrong never threw in the towel and made fans believe that Magic team could win a game against any team in the league through sheer effort.

In all of Armstrong’s seasons with Orlando, the Magic never posted a losing record. And he remains one of the franchise’s all-time fan favorites.