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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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29. Kyle O’Quinn (2013-15)

Kyle O’Quinn’s first game in an Orlando Magic uniform was memorable for the statement O’Quinn made. That was both the statement he made to the ninth overall pick in his draft class and the statement he made on the court in winning the battle of words and the battle on the court.

O’Quinn is someone who always makes a statement. He is someone who does not have the best filter and says what comes to his mind. And his play reflects that too.

Having a bit of a screw loose is always something that endears a player to fans. They like characters who are a bit wild in the end.

Kyle O’Quinn’s first Summer League game against Andre Drummond was a sign of that. He talked trash to Drummond the entire game and then backed it up throughout. He had a strong game, getting nearly a double-double.

Or maybe that is the story we tell ourselves because stories are more fun than the truth when it comes to role players like O’Quinn.

In any case, that game seemed to show the 49th overall pick in the 2012 Draft would stick in the league. He proved that time and time again in his three years with the Magic.

O’Quinn had a solid jumper, but his real worth was in his ability to block shots and play solid defense. He was a grinder in every way of the word. He did not do anything flashy or spectacular.

But that is what makes a player popular sometimes. Pure hustle and heart. Overcoming a bad draft position to make a mark in the league.