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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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Rashard Lewis, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 27: Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots against Alonzo Gee #15 and Trevor Booker #35 of the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on November 27, 2010 in Washington, DC. 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 2010 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

12. Rashard Lewis (2008-11)

Appreciation for Rashard Lewis has grown in time.

Most fans recognized at the time and recognize today how important Lewis was in transforming the team from an interesting group to a championship-level team. Lewis’ willingness to sacrifice even after signing a max contract to make the team better speaks volumes about him.

That contract was part of the big story with him while he was with the Magic. Everyone seemed to understand the Magic probably overpaid to get Lewis. But that no longer became the storyline once the team started winning. Then it quickly became about Lewis’ production and what he did.

From the big shots he made in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals to his strong play in the 2009 Finals, Lewis was just solid all the way around. His Game 1 game-winner against the Cleveland Cavaliers still does not get enough play.

That was just how Lewis did things. You often did not notice his impact. But it was easy to feel.

Lewis was a naturally quiet guy. There are not a lot of stories about Lewis. He just did his work and did it well. Fans certainly missed him when he was gone — even with Ryan Anderson there to replace him.