Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic: 15 best draft picks of all time

By Philip Rossman-Reich

AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 30: Chris Webber, number one overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, shakes hands with Penny Hardaway, number three overall pick by the Orlando Magic, during the NBA Draft at The Palace of Auburn Hills on June 30, 1993 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 30: Chris Webber, number one overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, shakes hands with Penny Hardaway, number three overall pick by the Orlando Magic, during the NBA Draft at The Palace of Auburn Hills on June 30, 1993 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
15 of 16
Next

1993 — Round 1, Pick 3 (acquired via trade)

The Orlando Magic were roundly booed inside the Orlando Arena when they announced they had traded Chris Webber for an oversized point guard and three future first-round picks. Then general manager Pat Williams promised the fans he would turn those boos into cheers.

It did not take long for fans to realize their mistake. And that Anfernee Hardaway was the perfect complement to Shaquille O’Neal for the long term.

Anfernee Hardaway averaged 16.0 points and 6.6 assists per game his rookie year, helping guide the Magic to their first franchise Playoff berth. It was clear the Magic were taking off and Hardaway was going to lead them.

By the following year, he was an All-NBA player, All-Star and one of the most popular players in the league. The Magic were bona fide stars with O’Neal and Hardaway reaching the NBA Finals.

Even after O’Neal left, Hardaway’s star continued to shine. He nearly single-handedly defeated the Miami Heat in the first round of the 1997 Playoffs. Only injuries were able to derail his career.

Hardaway was a truly transcendent player. One of the few the Magic have ever had. His knee and ankle injuries were the only thing that slowed him down.

And he is truly one of the few steals in Orlando Magic history. The Magic got three first-round picks — only because Pat Williams said he asked Don Nelson for six to start with — along with a two-time All-NBA First-Team Player and a four-time NBA All Star. He even made the All-Star team when he was injured and unable to play.

That is impact. And the Magic would not have become the classic team they became in 1995 without Hardaway and his presence.