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Orlando Magic Best of the Decade: All-2000s Team

By Harrison Brown

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 16: (L-R) Jameer Nelson #14, J.J. Redick #7, Rashard Lewis #9, Vince Carter #15 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic huddle up against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 16, 2010 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 16: (L-R) Jameer Nelson #14, J.J. Redick #7, Rashard Lewis #9, Vince Carter #15 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic huddle up against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 16, 2010 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Steve Francis, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Stephon Marbury
Steve Francis’ time with the Orlando Magic got off to a flying start. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic All-2000s Team

Bench Rotation Guards

Point Guard: Steve Francis

2 seasons, 124 games, 123 starts, 19.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.3 SPG

Steve Francis was the key piece that returned to the Orlando Magic in the Tracy McGrady trade and he played well in the two years he was in Orlando.

In his first season, Francis played and started in 78 games and averaged 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. These were all statistics that surpassed Francis’ season statistics the year prior. But he was not awarded an All-Star selection with the Magic even though it seemed well deserved.

Francis led Orlando in points, assists, and minutes per game that season. He and Grant Hill formed a perimeter scoring threat, but ultimately missed the playoffs.

The 2005 season for Francis is the 12th highest scoring average in team history. Only Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee Hardaway and Nikola Vucevic have averaged more points per game in a season.

His 7.0 assists per game is also seventh in franchise history for highest assists average behind Scott Skiles, Jameer Nelson and Anfernee Hardaway. This illustrates how great of a year Francis had.

The following season, Francis saw his play decline as he averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. He was forced to carry the scoring load with Hill only suiting up for 21 games that season.

Steve Francis was not happy being in Orlando for a losing team and wanted to be traded — especially after the team split him and his friend Cuttino Mobley up in January 2005. One day before the deadline he was dealt to the New York Knicks. His career quickly took a turn due to injuries.

If this 2000s roster was constructed based on single-season performances, Steve would be in the conversation to be the starting point guard.

Shooting Guard: Vince Carter

1 season, 75 games, 74 starts, 16.6 PPG, 3.1 APG, 3.9 RPG, 36.7% 3FG%

Vince Carter was acquired during the offseason immediately after the Orlando Magic lost in the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. He was already 33 when he arrived in Orlando but was coming off of a season where he averaged 20.8 points per game.

Orlando was hoping Carter would provide another offensive level for the team as a secondary scorer behind Dwight.

Carter did just that. He averaged 16.6 points per game, which was second on the team. He stayed relatively healthy and even scored a career-high 48 points. He helped the Magic dominate during the regular season and earn the second seed in the 2010 playoffs.

It had been three seasons since Carter had reached the playoffs, but he played well for the Magic. He averaged 15.5 points per game through 14 games.

The Magic advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals to only fall short to the Boston Celtics, who would lose to the Lakers in seven games. Carter’s missed free throws in Game 2 stung and Carter was never really the same in a Magic uniform.

This was the farthest Carter ever got in his career and it seemed like Carter would be a part of the Orlando core for the coming seasons after their season was ended short.

Carter was traded the following season and only had one year with his hometown team. But he had a great season which helped Orlando reach the conference finals for the fourth time in franchise history.