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Orlando Magic: 25 Best Players To Play For The Magic

By Phil Watson

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 11: A general view of Amway Center during the game between the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center on December 11, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 11: A general view of Amway Center during the game between the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center on December 11, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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Basketball: NBA Playoffs: Orlando Magic Anfernee Penny Hardaway (1) in action vs Chicago Bulls Jud Buechler (30) and Bill Wennington (34) at United Center. Game 3. Orlando, FL 5/12/1995 CREDIT: John Biever (Photo by John Biever /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X48304 )
Basketball: NBA Playoffs: Orlando Magic Anfernee Penny Hardaway (1) in action vs Chicago Bulls Jud Buechler (30) and Bill Wennington (34) at United Center. Game 3. Orlando, FL 5/12/1995 CREDIT: John Biever (Photo by John Biever /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X48304 ) /

player. 38. <strong>How acquired:</strong> Trade, Golden State Warriors, June 30, 1993.. PG-SG. 1993-99. Anfernee Hardaway. 4

The Orlando Magic got their point guard when they acquired the rights to No. 3 overall pick Anfernee Hardaway out of Memphis State on draft night in June 1993, along with first-round picks in 1996, 1998 and 2000, from the Golden State Warriors for the rights to top overall selection Chris Webber.

Hardaway was an All-Rookie performer in 1993-94 and became an All-Star shortly thereafter, earning four straight bids (1995-98) as well as three All-NBA nods. Additionally, Penny was third in the MVP voting in 1995-96.

ORL_04_HARDAWAY
ORL_04_HARDAWAY /

He was fifth in the NBA in steals in 1995-96 (166) and 1998-99 (111) and helped lead the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals.

In the four-game loss to the Houston Rockets in the Finals, Hardaway averaged 25.5 points, 8.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 43.0 minutes per game on .500/.458/.913 shooting.

A devastating knee injury early in the 1997-98 season changed the course of Hardaway’s career, however, as he lost much of his trademark explosiveness in the wake of the injury.

In August 1999, Hardaway was traded to the Phoenix Suns for forwards Pat Garrity and Danny Manning and first-round picks in 2001 and 2002.

In six seasons in Orlando, Hardaway averaged 19 points, 6.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 37.2 minutes per game, shooting .472/.311/.766.

Hardaway continued to have knee problems and in January 2004 was dealt to the New York Knicks.

He was traded back to the Magic in February 2006 with forward Trevor Ariza for guard Steve Francis, but Orlando waived him two days later.

After sitting out a season in retirement, Hardaway attempted a comeback in 2007 when he signed with the Miami Heat, but after playing in just 16 games, he was waived in December 2007 and retired for good.

Next: T-Mac Erupted Upon Arrival In The Magic Kingdom

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