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Orlando Magic Top 25: The Nos. 1-5 best players in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic jumps wearing a Superman Cape in the Sprite Slam-Dunk Contest at the New Orleans Arena during the 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend February 16, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Howard won the contest with his series of dunks. AFP PHOTO TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic jumps wearing a Superman Cape in the Sprite Slam-Dunk Contest at the New Orleans Arena during the 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend February 16, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Howard won the contest with his series of dunks. AFP PHOTO TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Jeff Adrien
Dec 26, 2011; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) attempts to make a play as Houston Rockets forward Jeff Adrien (8) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE /

1. Dwight Howard (2005-12)

High/Low: 1/4

By Ryan Doyle

Is it time to get over Dwight Howard’s departure? I will leave that up to you.

Us at Orlando Magic Daily feel his decision to leave must be put aside when evaluating his place among the greatest player sin Magic history — and overwhelmingly we did.

On the court, Howard was special. There is little debate he is the best player to play in an Orlando Magic uniform. His resume is beyond impressive and is up there with the great centers of all time.

Yes, the argument can be made Anfernee Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and Tracy McGrady may have had better overall careers. But not with the Magic.

Howard was in Orlando for eight years after the team drafted him with the first overall pin the 2004 NBA Draft. And with him came great success. He was a six-time All Star with the Magic and soon became a household name.

His biggest accomplishment is being the centerpiece of the 2009 Eastern Conference Championship team that made it to the NBA Finals, arguably the best team in Magic history.

It is hard to remember how great Howard was in his prime with the Magic. He was a force on the defensive end as he sent shots flying back into the stands. Just to come down the other end and throw down a thunderous dunk.

Howard’s accomplishments are almost endless. He is the franchise leader in points, minutes, rebounds and blocks. He earned All-NBA First Team honors five times, and earned All-Defensive Team honors four times. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year three times and led the league in rebounds and blocks on multiple occasions.

It is safe to say that if you can remember the good times with Howard, there is little debate he is the best the Magic have had.

Next: Vince Carter in Orlando: A retrospective

Like our list? Hate our list? We will have a complete recap and comparison to the OrlandoMagic.com list this Labor Day Weekend. Let us know your thoughts on the top 25 in the comments below.