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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Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Orlando Magic
BOSTON – MAY 24: (L-R) Vince Carter #15 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic react to a play against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on May 24, 2010 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. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

The Active Players

Dwight Howard (2005-12) — 99.3% Hall of Fame Probability

The debate about Dwight Howard’s Hall of Fame credentials has already started to pop up. His fall since he finished his eight-year run with the Orlando Magic has sullied his good name and made a lot of people forget just how good he was then. And somewhat just how good he still is.

Like Ben Wallace, Dwight Howard was feared defensively. He became a huge force that other players feared. MVPs LeBron James and Derrick Rose changed the way they played when they attacked the rim and Dwight Howard was lurking. He had that much of an impact.

Howard’s career numbers should speak for itself — 18.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game with the Magic including eight total All-Star appearances (so far, but he is probably done) and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

It is not a matter of if Howard makes the Hall of Fame but when. The only question is whether Magic fans will have forgiven him in that time (they should).

Vince Carter (2010-11) — 94.6% Hall of Fame Probability

Vince Carter is another player who likely will engender a lot of debate when he becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame. But he also should be a shoo-in to make it. Simply because of his cultural impact, it would be impossible to tell the story of basketball without mentioning Carter.

Carter’s lone full season in Orlando was a bit of a disappointment. But only because he did not deliver the championship to the Magic that they wanted so badly.

Carter was generally fine — averaging 16.3 points per game and 49.3 percent effective field goal percentage. But he did not take over games from the perimeter like the team needed to take the next step from their 2009 Finals run.

Next. Orlando Magic Daily Podcast: Grant Hill's Legacy. dark

Carter is still a fan favorite in Orlando. Magic fans kind of want him back now to lead the young players. And they will almost certainly celebrate when he enters the Hall of Fame after his retirement.