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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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27. Anthony Bowie (1992-96)

There is not a whole lot to say about the way Anthony Bowie played. In fact, it might be easy to confuse him with Donald Royal on occasions. Both were strong defenders who were not excellent shooters but could streak to the basket and finish at the rim.

It was a different NBA.

Bowie lasted with the Magic for a long time because of his strong individual defense. He was one of the guys tasked with guarding Anfernee Hardaway during his pre-Draft workout and told management, he was the guy to take. When the rookie was torching the team’s best defenders, Bowie was the one they turned to test him.

That was Bowie’s job the entire time he was in Orlando. He was the pest that made everyone’s job tougher. If Nick Anderson was not checking you in the post, Anthony Bowie was making life hard on the perimeter.

That kind of grit and determination will endear anyone to him.

Bowie kept himself active in the community. He hosted a basketball camp every summer in town (I attended it for several years in elementary school). And continued to work for local schools as a gym teacher and in their physical education department. He made Orlando his home.

His inclusion on this list though should come with a more modern caveat. Bowie was extremely popular for his role on the 1995 team that made the Finals. And he kept a home in Orlando.

But recent allegations he exposed himself to a co-worker at a Seminole County elementary school casts a shadow on him. Bowie has denied those charges although he remains suspended without pay.