1996–97 Orlando Magic season
Magic overcome O'Neal's departure and coaching change to reach playoffs.
The 1996–97 Orlando Magic season was the eighth for the franchise. After losing Shaquille O'Neal to free agency, the team acquired Felton Spencer, Gerald Wilkins, Derek Strong, and Danny Schayes. Spencer was traded after one game for Rony Seikaly. The Magic played two games in Tokyo against the New Jersey Nets, winning both. Despite a 45–37 record and a third-place finish in the Atlantic Division, the season was marked by the firing of head coach Brian Hill, replaced by Richie Adubato. Penny Hardaway was named to the All-NBA Third Team despite knee injuries.
Quick Facts
- Record
- 45–37
- Division finish
- Third in Atlantic Division
- Playoff seed
- Seventh in Eastern Conference
- Head coach (fired)
- Brian Hill
- Interim head coach
- Richie Adubato
- Team scoring leader
- Penny Hardaway (20.5 ppg)
- Team rebounding leader
- Rony Seikaly (9.5 rpg)
Facts from the source article.
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