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Orlando Magic Top 30: The Most Under-Appreciated Player in Orlando Magic History

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Everyone remembers the Orlando Magic's superstars like Dwight Howard. What about players we don't talk about much like Jason Richardson? (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Everyone remembers the Orlando Magic's superstars like Dwight Howard. What about players we don't talk about much like Jason Richardson? (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) /
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Rony Seikaly, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs
Rony Seikaly was a more than admirable replacement to fill Shaquille O’Neal’s big shoes with the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 14: Anfernee Hardaway #1 of the Orlando Magic shoots against Jaren Jackson #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during a preseason game on October 14, 1997 at the Orlando Arena 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 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Rony Seikaly (1997-98)

One of the funnier lines that came from the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary This Magic Moment was predictably given by Richie Adubato.

In the documentary’s third act, the Orlando Magic have lost Shaquille O’Neal and are trying to publicly move on, saying things like Anfernee Hardaway is pretty good on his own. The team could find a new center and hand the keys to their young guard.

They needed to find a serviceable center at least. And they found one.

Only one problem, as Adubato related. He is so good looking, teammates will resent him for that.

So goes the tale of Rony Seikaly. I can attest he made the ladies swoon (my mom loved the Rony Seikaly head on a stick night at the O-Rena).

Seikaly, of course, is married to a supermodel and is a world-renowned D.J. So. . .  who is the real Hall of Famer?

The list of centers the Magic tried between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard is a long one full of odd players who never panned out — much respect to Andrew DeClercq, Steven Hunter, Patrick Ewing and Shawn Kemp for trying. Seikaly is probably the best of that bunch.

He averaged 16.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in his two seasons with the team. Those numbers are more than solid and would rank him near the top of the Magic’s scoring list. He was a lot better than everyone remembers him.

Consider also that his sprained ankle in Game 3 of the 1997 Playoffs likely unleashed Hardaway to go on his scoring barrage. But a healthy Seikaly could have helped the Magic score the upset in the decisive Game 5.

Magic fans would learn that finding a replacement center for a Hall of Famer like O’Neal is extremely difficult. Sometimes you have to appreciate someone who is serviceable.

Seikaly was more than serviceable. Even if nobody seems to remember just how good he was for the team.