4. 1995-1996
Significant Bench Contributors
PG Brian Shaw 6.6 Pts/3.0 Reb/4.5 Ast
SG Anthony Bowie 4.2 Pts/1.7 Reb/1.4 Ast
SF Donald Royal 5.3 Pts/2.4 Reb/0.7 Ast
PF Joe Wolf 4.6 Pts/2.9 Reb/1.0 Ast
C Jon Koncak 3.0 Pts/4.1 Reb/0.8 Ast
While this season was not as magical as the 1995 Finals run, Orlando had a lot of work to do to match it. The Magic largely did in winning 59 games and needing someone to step in for Shaquille O’Neal during an early season injury.
While the team had a starting five that was arguably the best in the league, the bench played a big role in their success.
What this bench provided for Orlando was stability. There were no big names coming off the bench for the Magic so there were no egos to appease with minutes. Everyone on this Magic team knew their role and did not play outside of it.
The Magic never looked to the bench to supplement any scoring or defensive deficiency from the starters. They were only asked to be consistent and sustain the situations they are plugged into until the starter returned.
Accepting their roles and being consistent when given opportunities earned this Magic bench the 4th place ranking.