Orlando Magic

Jim Hewitt approached Pat Williams about bringing an NBA team to Orlando.⁠[1]

The NBA awarded Orlando a franchise on April 22.⁠[2]

The team debuted against the New Jersey NetsBrooklyn NetsThe Brooklyn Nets are an NBA basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City, playing at Barclays Center.Open the full entry on November 4.⁠[1]

Rich DeVos and his family purchased the team in September, becoming its new owners.⁠[3]

The Magic selected Shaquille O’NealShaquille O’NealShaquille O’Neal (born March 6, 1972), known as Shaq, is an American former professional basketball player, sports analyst, entrepreneur and musician. A center and four-time NBA champion, he later pursued television, brand licensing and restaurant businesses. He serves as president of Reebok Basketball and commissioner of DUNKMAN.Open the full entry first overall. He went on to win NBA Rookie of the Year in 1993.⁠[4]

On draft day, Orlando traded Chris Webber for Anfernee Hardaway and future picks.⁠[1]

Orlando reached its first playoffs.⁠[1]

O’Neal helped Orlando reach the NBA Finals for the first time.⁠[4]

Orlando lost the Finals 0–4 to the Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe Houston Rockets are an NBA basketball team playing at Toyota Center in Houston. Founded in San Diego in 1967, the franchise moved to Houston in 1971.Open the full entry.⁠[1]

Tracy McGrady joined the Magic in 2000 and won NBA Most Improved Player the following year. He became a leading scorer in Orlando and won consecutive league scoring titles.⁠[5]

Orlando used the first overall pick on high-school player Dwight Howard. He became a central figure in the team’s frontcourt and won three consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.⁠[6]

Howard helped the Magic return to the NBA Finals.⁠[6]

Orlando lost the Finals 1–4 to the Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an NBA basketball team based at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The club originated in Minneapolis in 1947.Open the full entry.⁠[1]

The arena now known as Kia Center opened in downtown Orlando as the Magic’s new home.⁠[7]

Howard was traded to the Lakers.⁠[8]

Selected Paolo Banchero first overall.⁠[1]

Banchero won Rookie of the Year.⁠[9]

On December 20, the team’s home arena changed its name from Amway Center to Kia Center.⁠[10]

Unveiled a star-themed logo and uniforms.⁠[11]

Acquired Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies.⁠[12]

Lost to the Pistons after leading 3–1.⁠[13]

Sean Sweeney was named head coach.⁠[14]

Kia Center is in downtown Orlando at 400 West Church Street.⁠[7]

Orlando Magic: Official website: https://www.nba.com/magic/ (opens in a new window).⁠[15]

Orlando Magic: X: https://x.com/OrlandoMagic (opens in a new window).⁠[16]

Orlando Magic: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandomagic/ (opens in a new window).⁠[17]

Orlando Magic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoMagic (opens in a new window).⁠[18]

Orlando Magic: YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is Google’s video-sharing and creator platform, founded in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim and acquired by Google in 2006. Built around video uploading, viewing, and creator earnings, the platform has developed Shorts, YouTube Music, Premium, YouTube TV, and products for children, and is headquartered in San Bruno, California, United States.Open the full entry: https://www.youtube.com/NBAOrlandoMagic (opens in a new window).⁠[19]