Orlando Magic Daily
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5 Orlando Magic alum who have next for the Basketball Hall of Fame

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 14: Anfernee Hardaway #1 and Horace Grant #54 of the Orlando Magic oversee the game against the Philadelphia 76ers played at the Orlando Arena on January 14, 1995 in Orlando, Florida. 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 1995 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 14: Anfernee Hardaway #1 and Horace Grant #54 of the Orlando Magic oversee the game against the Philadelphia 76ers played at the Orlando Arena on January 14, 1995 in Orlando, Florida. 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 1995 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Horace Grant, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks
14 Jan 2002: Horace Grant #54 of the Orlando Magic slam dunks the ball during the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Mavericks 113-87.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 2002 NBAEMandatory Credit: Fernando Medina/NBAE/Getty Images /

Horace Grant

Years with Magic: 1995-99, 2002-03

Basketball-Reference Hall of Fame Probability: 15.2%

Horace Grant was a workhorse throughout his career. He did all the dirty work in the post in a NBA that was big and physical. He was a good defender and a great rebounder. And the consummate teammate.

Anfernee Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal turned the Orlando Magic into a Playoff team and a good team. Horace Grant with his experience, grit and determination turned them into a championship team.

His arrival in Orlando in 1995 was a turning point for the franchise. He was not going to be the star on the team. But he was going to be one of the most important players on the team. Someone who could help the team get the most and be prepared for championship battles.

In his seven seasons, he averaged 11.3 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game. Those numbers are dragged down some by his second stint in Orlando where he served as a veteran leader but with far less production.

Horace Grant’s overall resume includes just one All-Star game (in 1994 after Michael Jordan retired). He was also a four-time All-Defensive team player (twice with the Magic).

It is safe to say Grant will not be making the Hall of Fame anytime soon. He was a role player-plus at the height of his career. That is his ultimate legacy. But he was a necessary player during the Chicago Bulls’ first three-peat in the early 1990s. And a necessary player for the Magic’s Finals run in 1995.

And, of course, he had the googles. How could you resist those?