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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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Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic
BOSTON, : Shaquille O’Neal of the Orlando Magic drives past Eric Montross of the Boston Celtics 20 March, in Boston, Massachusetts. O’Neal finished with 28 points, with the Magic winning 112-90. AFP PHOTO John MOTTERN/jm (Photo credit should read JOHN MOTTERN/AFP/Getty Images) /

1. Shaquille O’Neal (1993-96)

It makes sense then that the player who we will name as our most popular player in Orlando Magic history is the one who put the team on the map.

When the Magic drafted him they were nearing the end of their honeymoon phase. They knew the number one overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft was going to absolutely change the franchise’s history. They all knew it the moment they won the Lottery.

Orlando became a happening place and a national brand all thanks to O’Neal. The team went from 21 wins to 41 wins and tied for the final spot in the Playoffs all because of O’Neal and his presence. He was the team’s first All-Star and the first player that made the team nationally relevant.

It helped he was a big kid at heart too. A guy who dominated on the court and had a good time doing it. That is always endearing.

But everyone in Orlando knows, despite how ugly his departure to the Los Angeles Lakers was, there is no Orlando Magic without O’Neal. He made the franchise what it is.

Like the other great Magic players, history has washed the way the ugly parts. And Orlando feels like it got a unique version of one of the league’s all-time great players.

There was no lithe and athletic version of O’Neal in Los Angeles. He was a bruising force that dominated the paint — like he did in Orlando. But he never ran the floor or showed the athletic skill he had in Orlando. It is hard to say which version of O’Neal was better. But the one in Orlando sure was fun to watch.

Especially for a new franchise. O’Neal introduced Orlando to the world. And that is something Magic fans will forever be grateful for.

O’Neal is worthy to be called the most popular player in Magic history.

Next. Revisiting the Orlando Magic Top 25: Where the 2018 Orlando Magic rank. dark

Agree with our list? Hate our list? Let us know who your favorite Magic players are in the comments below. Do not worry! We will have plenty more commentary on how this list came together including a special look at the fan and subreddit vote!