Top Five Defining Moments in Orlando Magic Draft History

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Like most franchises, the Orlando Magic have had a mixed record when it comes to draft choices. We won’t be counting the “also rans” who, for whatever reason, just never materialized as a player (Jeryl  Sasser, we’re looking at you).

What are the top five moments, good or bad, in the Magic's draft picks?

Hindsight they say is 20/20.

Shaquille O’neal -C

As a poet once might have said, had he been an NBA fan, “Tis better to have had Shaq and lost than never to have had Shaq at all.”

No matter what you think of Shaq Diesel now, he was the hands down best player (at this point, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, D12) to ever have passed through Orlando.

Although, now he’s been reduced to getting odd haircuts to stay in the postseason limelight, Orlando Magic fans hopefully have had enough time to heal from the ugly separation and appreciate the highlights he brought the city.

Shaq played for Orlando from 1992-1996 and averaged just over 27 points per game, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks.

Dwight Howard- C

Yes, No. 12 at No. 2, if for no other reason than the 2000 watt smile.

Seriously, Dwight Howard was exactly what the magic needed when they needed it: A young, positive-energy player with integrity and an almost limitless upside.

For a franchise that has always prided itself on a positive community image and impact, his no-baggage attitude and awesome work ethic was and is a perfect fit. He is only now starting to realize some of his potential and optimistically will be great for years to come.

Is this postseason unduly affecting our feelings on the Daily Double?

Eh, ask us in five years.

In his first five years in the league, Howard has improved every year, this year averaging 13.8 rebounds per game, 2.9 blocks, and 20.6 points.

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway G/F

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