Orlando Magic
The Magic of Orlando
The Orlando Magic are an American professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. The Magic compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. The franchise was established in 1989 as an expansion franchise. Notable NBA stars such as Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Dwight Howard have played for the club throughout its history. As of today, the franchise has played in the NBA playoffs 19 times in 37 seasons, and twice went to the NBA Finals, in 1995 and 2009, losing to the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.
- Teams Involved
- Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic
- Conference
- Eastern Conference
- Division
- Southeast Division
- Rivalry Origin
- Late 1980s / Early 1990s
- Peak Era
- Mid-1990s to Mid-2000s
- Defining Event
- Shaq O'Neal Trade (1996)
- Status
- Active Divisional Rivalry
Lore & Background
The Magic were created after Orlando businessman Jim L. Hewitt approached Philadelphia 76ers general manager Pat Williams in September 1985 about bringing an NBA team to Orlando. Williams became the front man of the investment group after leaving the 76ers. On June 19, 1986, they announced their intention to seek an NBA franchise. A contest in the Orlando Sentinel yielded the name 'Magic,' chosen from 4,296 entries, alluding to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. The franchise was awarded in 1987 as part of a four-team expansion alongside the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Magic hired Matt Guokas as their first coach and selected 12 players in the 1989 expansion draft. The team's first season was 1989–90, and they won the first pick in the 1992 NBA draft, selecting Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal left Orlando as a free agent in the 1996 off-season to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with anticipation in Orlando during a pivotal playoff night. Shaq stepped onto the hardwood, eyes locked on the center court logo that once bore his name. The crowd roared, not just for their team, but for the drama of the return. As the ball tipped and the first whistle blew, the rivalry wasn't just about points; it was about legacy, loyalty, and who truly owned the Sunshine State.
Reader's Guide
The Magic play their home games at the Orlando Arena (O-Rena). Their first season game was on November 4, 1989, against the New Jersey Nets. The franchise's first victory came two days later against the New York Knicks. The team's inaugural record was 18–64. Key early players included Nick Anderson, Reggie Theus, Scott Skiles, Terry Catledge, Sam Vincent, Otis Smith, and Jerry Reynolds. The Magic reached the NBA Finals in 1995 and 2009, losing both times. The franchise was purchased by the DeVos family, founders of Amway, on September 19, 1991.
Did You Know?
- The Magic's name was chosen from 4,296 entries in a contest, with 'Magic' submitted by 11 people.
- Shaquille O'Neal left Orlando as a free agent in 1996 to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, not via a trade to Miami.
- The Magic and Miami Heat have never met in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
- Scott Skiles set an NBA single-game assists record of 30 on December 30, 1990.
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