Orlando Magic

• 1. The Name Of Magic

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  In September 1985, Orlando businessman Jim L. Hewitt approached Philadelphia 76ers general manager Pat Williams during a meeting in Texas. Hewitt proposed bringing an NBA team to the city of Orlando. Williams became intrigued by the potential and joined as the front man for the investment group one year later after leaving his position with the 76ers. On the 19th of June 1986, the two held a news conference to announce their intention of seeking an NBA franchise. They decided to hold a contest in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper to get names for their new franchise. Out of a total of 4,296 submitted entries, the names were narrowed down to four options: Heat, Tropics, Juice, and Magic. The name Magic was chosen because it had been submitted by 11 people and aligned with the area's biggest tourist attraction, Walt Disney World. Williams brought his seven-year-old daughter Karyn to visit Orlando before making the final decision. On the 27th of July 1986, it was announced that the committee chose the Magic to be the new name of the Orlando franchise. The name alludes to the local theme park economy and highlights a corporate connection to magic. Hewitt stated that Central Florida is an exciting place and truly magical. Many observers thought Miami or Tampa were better locations for a franchise at that time. Orlando was then a small city without a major airport or suitable arena. Hewitt brought investors such as real estate developer William duPont and Southern Fruit Citrus owners Jim and Steve Caruso into the fold. He also talked the Orlando city officials into approving an arena project. Meanwhile, Williams gave presentations to NBA commissioner David Stern and other team owners to prove the town was viable. In April, the franchise committee recommended expanding by three teams, with two slots going to Charlotte and Minneapolis-St. Paul. This recommendation put the Orlando bid in doubt since it advised that Florida should only receive one team. When both Miami and Orlando ownership groups made successful pitches, the expansion committee decided to expand by four teams instead. The Magic became the first-ever major-league professional sports franchise in the Orlando area following an expansion fee of reportedly $32.5 million. They were one of the four new expansion franchises awarded by the NBA in 1987 along with the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

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• 2. The Shaq Hardaway Dynasty

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  The history of the Orlando Magic changed on the 17th of May 1992, when the franchise won the first pick in the 1992 NBA draft Lottery. The Magic selected big-man Shaquille O'Neal from Louisiana State University, described as the biggest prize in the draft since the Knicks won Patrick Ewing. O'Neal, a center, made an immediate impact on the Magic, leading the team to a 41, 41 record. The Magic again became the NBA's most improved franchise, improving by 20 games. O'Neal was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985. He also became the 1992, 93 NBA Rookie of the Year. Despite O'Neal's presence, the Magic missed the 1993 NBA playoffs because they were tied with the Indiana Pacers for the eighth and final playoff spot. Prior to the draft, head coach Matt Guokas stepped down, and Brian Hill was promoted to become the Magic's second head coach. In the draft, the Magic selected Chris Webber but traded him to the Golden State Warriors for the number three pick, guard Penny Hardaway, and three future first-round draft picks. With the combination of O'Neal and Hardaway, the Magic became a dominant team in the NBA. They compiled their first 50 win season in franchise history with a 50, 32 record. The Magic were in the playoffs for the first time, ranked as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the Pacers swept the Magic 3, 0 in the first round, ending the season early. In the 1994, 95 season, the Magic acquired All-Star forward Horace Grant as a free agent from the Chicago Bulls. Orlando compiled a 57, 25 record, best in the East, winning the Atlantic Division title. This made them the second-fastest team to advance to the NBA Finals in league history. In the playoffs, the Magic defeated the Boston Celtics, Bulls, and Pacers before advancing to the NBA Finals. O'Neal, Hardaway, and the young Magic bowed to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets, losing in a 4, 0 sweep. In the 1995, 96 season, the Magic again finished near the top of the Eastern Conference with a 60, 22 record. They were seeded number two behind the Chicago Bulls, who held an all-time 72, 10 record. General manager Pat Williams was promoted to senior executive vice president and replaced by John Gabriel on the 29th of April 1996. In the playoffs, after defeating the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks, Orlando met the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. The combination of Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman proved too much for the Magic, resulting in a 4, 0 sweep.

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• 3. Post Era Rebuilding Cycles

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  In the off-season following their 1996 Finals loss, Shaquille O'Neal left as a free agent to the Los Angeles Lakers, dealing a huge blow to the franchise. Management fired coach Brian Hill mid-season and named Richie Adubato as interim coach. Under Adubato, the Magic went 21, 12 to compile a 45, 37 record led by Penny Hardaway. In the playoffs, they fell 0, 2 to the Miami Heat but Hardaway battled back with consecutive 40-point games to force a game five before ultimately losing. The Magic then hired Chuck Daly to be head coach for the 1997, 98 season. Hall of Famer Julius Erving joined the front office to provide hope for a successful season. The season was hampered by an injury to Hardaway who sat out the majority of the year. Anderson combined with newly acquired free agent Bo Outlaw to lead the team to a 41, 41 record, just missing the playoffs. Rony Seikaly was traded during the season to the New Jersey Nets for three role players and a future draft pick. In 1998, 99, the Magic tied for the Eastern Conference's best record with the Miami Heat in the lockout-shortened season at 33, 17. At the heart of the team was veteran Darrell Armstrong, who won the NBA's Sixth-Man and Most Improved Player awards. Orlando also acquired NBA great Dominique Wilkins along with his brother Gerald. In the playoffs, the Penny Hardaway-led Magic were seeded number 3 and faced the Philadelphia 76ers. Allen Iverson led the 76ers to upset the Magic 3, 1 in the first round. The team changed their uniforms for the first time ever, switching from pinstripes to stars. In 1999, general manager John Gabriel hired rookie-coach Doc Rivers. Gabriel dismantled the previous team by trading Penny Hardaway to the Phoenix Suns for Danny Manning, Pat Garrity, and two future draft picks. The Magic became a team composed of virtually all no-name players and little experience. They finished with a 41, 41 record under Rivers, who was named Coach of the Year that season. The following off-season, Gabriel attempted to lure Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady as free agents. While Duncan stayed with San Antonio, the Magic acquired Hill and McGrady. With McGrady blossoming into a star, the Magic compiled a 43, 39 record including a nine-game winning streak. However, Hill was limited to just four games due to an ankle injury. In 2001, 02, McGrady led the Magic to a 44, 38 record but they were defeated 3, 1 in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets. The 2002, 03 season saw McGrady lead the league in scoring at 32.1 points per game. Despite entering the playoffs for the third straight year, the Magic fell to the Detroit Pistons 4, 3 after taking a 3, 1 series lead. The 15th season in 2003, 04 proved one of their toughest ever. After winning its first game, the Magic lost 19 consecutive games, setting a franchise record. They finished an NBA worst 21, 61 despite McGrady leading the league in scoring again. Doc Rivers was fired mid-streak, and assistant Johnny Davis took over. General manager John Weisbrod replaced Gabriel.

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• 4. Dwight Howard And The Second Finals Run

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  In the off-season following the 2003, 04 collapse, general manager John Weisbrod completely dismantled the team. He traded Tracy McGrady along with Reece Gaines, Tyronn Lue, and Juwan Howard to the Houston Rockets for Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley. With the number one draft pick, the Magic selected high-school phenomenon Dwight Howard. A trade with the Denver Nuggets also brought point guard Jameer Nelson. After a promising 13, 6 start, the Magic began to fall apart due to erratic play from Francis and injuries. Howard showed great promise, becoming the first rookie to start and play all 82 games in a season. The Magic finished the season 36, 46, missing the playoffs by a few games. On the 23rd of May 2005, Weisbrod abruptly resigned as general manager. Brian Hill returned as head coach shortly after. The 2005, 06 season opened with high hopes but was hampered by injuries to Grant Hill and Jameer Nelson. They did not make the playoffs despite a surprising run at the eighth seed. In 2007, Stan Van Gundy signed a four-year contract to become head coach. The Magic signed Rashard Lewis of the Seattle SuperSonics to a six-year league-maximum contract believed to be worth over $110 million. The team started the 2007, 08 season with an impressive 16, 4 record. They clinched the Southeast Division title on the 31st of March 2008, when the Washington Wizards were routed at Utah 129, 87. The Magic finished 52, 30, their best season since 1995, 96. They eliminated the Toronto Raptors in the first round but fell 4, 1 to the Detroit Pistons in the second round. Controversy erupted after Game 2 when officials allowed a Chauncey Billups three-point shot to count despite clock errors. Hedo Türkoğlu won Most Improved Player that year. The 2008, 09 season saw the Magic finish 59, 23, matching their 1995, 96 win total. They beat the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals. After dropping the first two games of the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Magic finally won Game 3. Despite Jameer Nelson's return, the Lakers won the series 4, 1. In the 2009 off-season, Orlando traded Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, and Courtney Lee for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson. Hedo Türkoğlu was sent to the Toronto Raptors via sign-and-trade. The Magic signed Brandon Bass, Matt Barnes, and Jason Williams. On the 28th of September 2009, Van Gundy extended his contract through the 2010, 11 season. General manager Otis Smith also kept his position through 2011, 12. The team finished 59, 23 again in 2009, 10, becoming one of only teams to beat all other 29 teams at least once during the regular season. They swept the Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks but lost to the Boston Celtics in six games in the conference finals.

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• 5. Banchero Renaissance And Modern Success

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  In the summer of 2010, the Magic signed Chris Duhon and Quentin Richardson. On the 18th of December 2010, they made a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards involving Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis. The Magic finished 52 victories but were ousted in six games by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2011 NBA playoffs. In the lockout-shortened 2011, 12 season, center Dwight Howard requested a trade to either the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, or Dallas Mavericks. He eventually rescinded his demand and signed a one-year deal in March before suffering a herniated disk requiring back surgery. The Magic clinched the sixth seed with a 37, 29 record but lost to the Indiana Pacers 4, 1. On the 21st of May 2012, general manager Otis Smith and head coach Stan Van Gundy parted ways. Rob Hennigan became the new general manager on the 20th of June 2012. The Magic selected Andrew Nicholson and Kyle O'Quinn in the 2012 draft. On the 28th of July 2012, Jacque Vaughn was named the new head coach. On the 10th of August 2012, a four-team trade sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Magic received Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vučević, Maurice Harkless, Josh McRoberts, Christian Eyenga, and five total protected future picks from other teams. Howard left as their all-time leading scorer, shot blocker, and rebounder. Following the trade, the Magic entered a rebuilding state with Nikola Vučević and Maurice Harkless. They finished the 2012, 13 season 20, 62, the worst record in the NBA. In the 2013 NBA draft, they selected Victor Oladipo from Indiana University. The team also drafted Romero Osby who was cut before the season opener. They finished 23, 59 in 2013, 14. In the 2014 draft, Orlando selected Aaron Gordon fourth overall and Dario Šarić twelfth. On the 5th of February 2015, Jacque Vaughn was relieved of his duties after an overall record of 58, 158. Scott Skiles became the franchise's 12th head coach on the 29th of May 2015. The Magic selected Mario Hezonja fifth overall in 2015 but traded him later. Frank Vogel took over as head coach on the 19th of May 2016. The Magic made many roster changes including signing Bismack Biyombo and Jeff Green. On the 23rd of June 2016, they selected Domantas Sabonis 11th overall but traded him for Serge Ibaka. On the 15th of July 2017, Ibaka was traded to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross. The Magic finished 29, 53 in 2016, 17. In 2017, general manager Rob Hennigan was fired on April 13. Jeff Weltman became president of basketball operations on May 23. They drafted Jonathan Isaac sixth overall in 2017. On the 6th of September 2018, owner Richard DeVos died aged 92 from complications from an infection. The Magic won their sixth division title in 2018, 19 and finished seventh in the Eastern Conference. They clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2011, 12. Markelle Fultz was acquired via trade in February 2019. Nikola Vučević was selected as a reserve for the 2019 All-Star Team. The Magic were matched up against the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2019 playoffs but lost in five games. In March 2019, the league suspended its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Magic participated in the NBA Bubble and earned the eighth playoff spot before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. On the 11th of July 2021, Jamahl Mosley was named head coach. The Magic selected Jalen Suggs fifth and Franz Wagner eighth in the 2021 draft. On the 23rd of June 2022, they selected Paolo Banchero from Duke University with the first pick. Banchero helped improve the record from 22 wins to 34, averaging 20 points per game. He was chosen as Rookie of the Year. In May 2023, the Magic donated $50,000 to a super PAC supporting Florida governor Ron DeSantis's 2024 presidential campaign. The 2023, 24 season saw the young Orlando Magic rise as a playoff team. Banchero made his first All-Star team as a reserve for the Eastern Conference. They finished 47, 35 as the fifth seed and forced the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round.

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• 6. Arena Evolution And Home Venues

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  Amway Arena opened in 1989 and served as home to the Orlando Magic since their inception until the 2009, 10 season. It was originally known as the Orlando Arena or O-Rena during its first 10 years. In 1999, TD Waterhouse purchased the naming rights and named the venue the TD Waterhouse Centre. In December 2006, Amway purchased the naming rights for four years. The arena also hosted the Arena Football League's Orlando Predators and various other events. It is one of The Orlando Venues owned and operated by the City of Orlando. Other facilities include the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Tinker Field, Camping World Stadium, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and Mennello Museum. The team's current home arena, Kia Center (formerly Amway Center), officially opened on the 1st of October 2010. The Orlando Magic hosted their first preseason game at Amway Center on October 10 against the New Orleans Hornets. The 2010, 11 regular season home opener was on October 28 against the Washington Wizards. At the time it opened, the new Amway Center was home to the largest Jumbotron in the NBA. The arena features approximately 350 feet of digital ribbon boards. Outside the building, a 4,000 square foot video display is visible to motorists traveling on Interstate 4. In 2012, the Amway Center hosted the All-Star Weekend. On the 20th of December 2023, Amway Center was formally renamed Kia Center in partnership with Kia America. Kia Center is also the home of the minor league hockey team, Orlando Solar Bears and the Orlando Predators of the National Arena League.

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• 7. Visual Identity And Uniform History

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  Orlando advertising agency The Advertising Works, led by its president Doug Minear, was responsible for the original Magic uniforms. The logo featured a basketball crowded by stars and the wordmark Magic with a star replacing the A. It was created following meetings with Walt Disney World artists and over 5000 suggestions sent from around the country. Pat Williams first suggested black and gold colors but this was eschewed because UCF used the same scheme. Black became the primary color while other colors included an electric blue made by MacGregor and silver. Home uniforms were white with black pinstripes featuring black numbers with blue trim. Road jerseys reversed the scheme while featuring Orlando instead of the Magic wordmark. Given standard mesh nylon did not allow for pinstripes, the jerseys were made out of durene material. The road uniform changed to blue with white pinstripes in 1994, 95 although black uniforms remained as alternates. For the Magic's 10th anniversary in 1998, 99, fashion designer Jhane Barnes unveiled a new look. Pinstripes were relegated to the sides and uniforms now featured stars as the background. Both jerseys had the Magic wordmark with home jersey in white and away in blue. For its first two seasons, the streaking ball with stars logo was placed on the waistline. After changing its logo in 2000, 01, the shooting ball with stars logo appeared on the left leg. The 15th anniversary in 2003, 04 inspired another revamp opting for a cleaner look without stripes or stars. Home jerseys were white with Magic in blue block letters with silver and black trim. During this time, original pinstriped jerseys were worn several times per year as alternates. For the 2008, 09 season, the Magic returned to pinstriped uniforms to commemorate their 20th anniversary. Current design combines elements from previous three designs. Home jerseys are white with silver pinstripes while away jerseys are blue with white pinstripes. As the Magic moved to Amway Center in 2010, they unveiled a new logo that fully spelled Magic without the star replacing the A. They also unveiled a black alternate uniform with silver pinstripes. In 2014, Magic unveiled a silver uniform for the first time featuring white pinstripes along with blue, black and white trim. In 2016, they unveiled a third alternate uniform named Stars featuring carbon as primary color without pinstripes. Nike became league provider in 2017 making slight tweaks to uniforms. From 2017 to 2019, Magic wore Association Icon and Statement uniforms. Beginning with 2019, 20 season, black uniform became Icon while new blue served as Statement. The uniform was inspired by different sets worn through years such as silver star and black stripes from 1989, 98 set. Starting in 2020, 21, Statement uniforms featured Jordan Brand's jumpman logo. Their jersey sponsor is Disney. Ahead of 2025, 26 season, Magic unveiled modernized version of streaking ball with stars logo originally used from 1989 to 2000. Blue brought back as Icon base color while black Statement uniform pays homage to road warmup gear from 1991 to 1997. City edition uniforms honor local culture or team tradition including Orange Kingdom and Stars themes.

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