Orlando Magic: 5 players who’ve got next for the Basketball Hall of Fame

Orlando Magic: Next up for the Hall of Fame

Horace Grant

Hall of Fame Probability: 15.2%

There are a lot of seemingly deserving names who have been eligible for a long time who have not gotten the call from Springfield yet. And it is a bit of a crime they have not.

Anfernee Hardaway is obviously one of the iconic players in Magic history and was well on track to becoming a Hall of Famer. He was an All-NBA player twice in his career. But injuries derailed him and did not give him the longevity that would put him in the Hall.

He undeniably put up Hall of Fame numbers and had the accolades to get there. But his star simply shined too bright too quickly. It takes a bit more to get to Springfield.

Shawn Kemp would be another former Magic player who should get some Hall of Fame notice. He was a dynamic player in his time with the Seattle Supersonics even if he did not get the titles to go with it — the Seattle Supersonics made the Finals in 1996 only to fall to the Chicago Bulls.

Gary Payton made the Hall of Fame from that team. And it feels a bit off not to have Kemp alongside him.

Kemp played one season with the Magic when he was well past his prime.

Both Hardaway and Kemp have good cases to make the Hall of Fame. But with so much time passed, it is hard to see either getting there.

The same could be said for Horace Grant. And his overall numbers do not suggest he is Hall of Fame-bound — career averages of 11.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, one All-Star appearance in 1994 and four titles as a secondary player to Michael Jordan and then Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

Yet, there are some statistical indicators he should get in. And his name keeps popping up on Hall of Fame lists (not just us seeking out Magic alumni).

According to Kevin Pelton of ESPN, Horace Grant would be a better defensive ace to reward with a Hall of Fame spot than Showtime Lakers stalwart Michael Cooper. And among players not in the Hall of Fame, Horace Grant has the third most win shares, behind only Chauncy Billups (likely in) and Buck Williams (a better, but iffy case).

Grant was the ultimate role player. He was a lot better than that, of course. But he fit in really well and enhanced championship teams. His presence with the Magic in 1995 transformed the team from a young upstart into a championship contender.

Grant played for the Magic from 1995-99 and 2002-03. He averaged 11.3 and 8.2 rebounds per game in those seasons. He maintains a vital role with the Magic and he should be in team’s Hall of Fame soon.

The call from Springfield likely is not coming.