Orlando Magic Team

The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team that is located in Florida. It is amongst the seven teams that are a member of the Atlantic Divison of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and is presently coached by Stan Van Gundy. It was originally established in 1989 as an expansion team that featured several outstanding players namely Shaquille O'Neal, Hardaway, McGrady and Howard. Presently they play in the Amway Arena and are the sole major team of Orlando wearing blue, white and silver colored uniforms. The franchise has 10 playoff appearances in almost nineteen years to its credit.
Upon the teams debut in NBA Matt Guokas was the first coach for the team whereas its general manager was Pat Williams. Magic became a member of NBA as a result of the two-year expansion of four teams. Of these The Heat and the Hornets began playing in 1988-89 season, whereas Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves became a member the following year.
The team performed continuously well in the initial five years after its inclusion in NBA. They acquired several players amongst which they acquired Nick Anderson in 1989, Dennis Scott in 1990 and Shaquille O'Neal as the centre in 1992. The addition of guard Anfernee Hardaway came in 1993. These talented young players led the team to the 1995 NBA Finals. It is believed that the acquisition of Shaquillle O'Neal as a result of the 1992 draft changed the fortune of the team.
O'Neal performed exceptionally well and led the franchise to a record of 41-41 record. With the combination of O'Neil and Anfernee Hardaway the team remained a dominant force in the NBA and went on to compile its first 50 wins at a record 50-32. It was the teams' first playoff appearance and it was raked as the second seed in the Eastern Conference of NBA. But unfortunately the teams' magic failed against the Pacers and they were defeated in the first round. It led to the acquisition of Grant Hill and McGrady in 2001-2002 season.
Together they recaptured the magic n steered the team to a 44-38 winning record. Other notable players featured by the Magic in that season were Armstrong, Miller and Pat Garrity. They started the 2003-2004 with a win but the posted 19 straight losses which is a record by an NBA team. It resulted in the dismissal of the head Coach. Assistant Johnny Davis was given a promotion and made the coach whereas the former general manager Gabriel was supplanted Weisbrod. Chris Jent took charge as the head coach after Davis's dismissal.
Hill made a comeback and played a vital part in the teams' success over opponents the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons. Owing to his outstanding performance the team planned to build the entire setup around him, Howard and Nelson for a prosperous future. To date Bo Outlaw is the only Magic player who has had the honor f wearing all the designs of the Magic jersey. He is the only player to have worn the pinstriped jersey's.
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