Orlando Magic Daily
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The 10 greatest moments in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Anfernee Hardaway sported the Orlando Magic's original pinstripes jersey, a classic that still creates buzz around the league. (Photo by Andrew D Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Anfernee Hardaway sported the Orlando Magic's original pinstripes jersey, a classic that still creates buzz around the league. (Photo by Andrew D Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Darrell Armstrong, Orlando Magic, Damon Stoudamire, Portland Trail blazers
The myth of Darrell Armstrong makes him a fan favorite. But we often forget how solid he was a player. (Photo credit should read TONY RANZE/AFP/Getty Images) /

5. Heart & Hustle

1999-2000 season: Magic defy the odds with rag-tag bunch

At the beginning of the 2000 season, nobody had any expectations for the Orlando Magic.

The team had traded away the final remnants of the 1995 Finals team — Nick Anderson went to the Sacramento Kings, Anfernee Hardaway to the Phoenix Suns and Horace Grant to the Seattle SuperSonics. The team was openly willing to tank, trying to collect veterans on expiring contracts to make a push for a big free-agent class in the summer.

As several players and new coach Doc Rivers (fresh from the broadcast booth with no coaching experience) would note, the team hung preseason predictions on their board. Many did not have them clearing 20 games. The Magic were expected to be the worst team in the league.

What proceeded is a season Magic that fans still talk about. A season that still brings tears of joy to players like Darrell Armstrong. And perhaps the best Magic team that did not make the playoffs.

Orlando defied all those expectations in going 41-41, getting eliminated from the Playoffs in the penultimate game of the season. They proved that a little bit of grit and hustle can go a long way.

Taking a cue from team captain Darrell Armstrong and bolstered with solid defense from Bo Outlaw and Ben Wallace (before he was widely recognized as the best defensive center in the league), the Magic were unrelenting. They played with passion and energy for the full 48 minutes. Teams absolutely despised playing that Magic team.

They had their flaws for sure. Armstrong had to become the team’s leading scorer overnight, moving from Sixth Man to star overnight. There was not a lot of offense. Each night had to be a different guy — especially with the mid-season trade to acquire Ron Mercer.

But it all somehow worked. They played inspired basketball. And that effort and energy still resonate with Magic fans today.

Outside of the Magic’s two Finals team, this group may be the most beloved and most popular team in the franchise’s history.