![]() ![]() He was then named an All-Star, a feat last achieved by Michael Jordan. When 7-1 Shaquille O’Neal hit the court with the Orlando Magic, the team was able to clinch an unexpected 41-41 record. Yet, the team took a surprising turn for the better thanks to the number one draft pick in 1992. The following year, the Orlando Magic were sold to Amway for a whopping $85 million, though the team posted another poor season record (21-61) as a result of persistent injuries. However, the team ended its first season with a less than impressive 18-64 record.īy the 1990 season, the team had returned with a vengeance with the assistance of Most Improved Player, Scott Skiles, and All-Rookie First-Team nominee, Dennis Scott. Under the leadership of head coach Matt Guokas, the brand new Orlando Magic captured a surprising victory over the 1988 Champions, the Detroit Pistons, in an exhibition game. The winning name, the Magic, was inspired by the nearby Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom. The team owners allowed the locals in Orlando to select the team name. For a cool $32.5 million, the Orlando Magic were born. There was a good amount of pushback, as another Florida basketball team, the Miami Heat, were also trying to make an entry into the NBA. The two planned to bring professional sports to the Orlando area in the form of an NBA franchise. Hewitt linked up with the then-General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, Pat Williams. Back in 1985, an Orlando businessman by the name Jim L.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |