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Orlando Magic Top 30: The Most Popular Player in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

BOSTON, MA - 1994: Dennis Scott #3, Anfernee Hardaway #1, Shaquille O'Neal #32, Nick Anderson #25, and Jeff Turner #31 of the Orlando Magic return to the court during a game played circa 1994 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - 1994: Dennis Scott #3, Anfernee Hardaway #1, Shaquille O'Neal #32, Nick Anderson #25, and Jeff Turner #31 of the Orlando Magic return to the court during a game played circa 1994 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic, LA Clippers
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 6: Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) looks to pass the ball during the Los Angeles Clippers 101-81 victory over the Orlando Magic at the Staples Center on January 6, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images) /

16. Victor Oladipo (2014-16)

The Orlando Magic have had rotten Lottery luck in the past six years. The rebuild for the Magic have not had the great fortune that the Magic’s other great teams relied on. The only top three pick the team got was Victor Oladipo.

That was when the team fell back a spot to get him in a draft that was relatively weak.

Olaidpo though was the talent that was closest to becoming a star. He was someone the Magic hoped could be a culture setter for the team. And his joyous nature and mood was something that would make him a fan favorite.

At least the latter part of the equation came true.

Oladipo was truly a fan favorite. Someone fans absolutely adored and went to bat for. He put the Magic back on the map for the first time after Dwight Howard’s departure with an amazing effort at the Slam Dunk Contest (Zach LaVine was just that much better).

Everyone saw a potential star in Oladipo. They were just waiting for him to come out.

Like with Tobias Harris, the Magic lost patience with their budding young star. Oladipo did himself no favors as he struggled. Fans likely remember his tenure with Orlando better than it actually was.

That still does not excuse the Magic for trading him so quickly. Even before his rookie contract ran out and the silly move to push all in that ultimately sacrificed Oladipo at the altar.

Oladipo turned into the All-Star the Magic always hoped he would become with the Indiana Pacers. And that only made him more popular among Magic fans. Frustration has a way of doing that.