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Orlando Magic: All-Time Starting Five

By James D. Tillman III

Basketball: Orlando Magic Shaquille O'Neal (32), Anfernee Penny Hardaway (1) and Dennis Scott (3) in huddle during timeout during game vs Chicago Bulls at Orlando Arena. Orlando, FL 1/26/1995 CREDIT: Ben Van Hook (Photo by Ben Van Hook /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X47773 )
Basketball: Orlando Magic Shaquille O'Neal (32), Anfernee Penny Hardaway (1) and Dennis Scott (3) in huddle during timeout during game vs Chicago Bulls at Orlando Arena. Orlando, FL 1/26/1995 CREDIT: Ben Van Hook (Photo by Ben Van Hook /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X47773 ) /
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PHOENIX – DECEMBER 11: Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic drives the ball past Louis Amundson #17 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 11, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – DECEMBER 11: Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic drives the ball past Louis Amundson #17 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 11, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Power Forward: Rashard Lewis

The Magic acquired Rashard Lewis via a sign-and-trade deal with the Seattle Supersonics in 2007.

Being that Lewis was coming off three consecutive seasons in which he averaged more than 20 points per contest, the Magic were hopeful that he and Howard could create a formidable one-two punch in the years to come.

"“We set out at the start of free agency to get a big-time player, someone who could score the basketball,” then general manager Otis Smith said via ESPN. “We targeted that guy and we got that guy.”"

The bad news is Lewis didn’t quite live up to the six-year, $110 million contract, as his production decreased in each of his three-and-half seasons in Orlando.

From a positive standpoint, Lewis was a double-digit scorer throughout his tenure with the Magic and his overall averages include a respectable16.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.

Furthermore, despite the fact that he should have been at the small forward spot, Lewis effectively played the role of a stretch four, knocking down 40 percent of his attempts from three-point range.

A case could be made for Horace Grant (11.3 points, 8.2 rebounds per contest in 411 games) to be included in this lineup as he was an integral part of the team that advanced to the Finals in 1995.

However, Lewis was more of a versatile scorer than Grant, thus the reason for his inclusion at the 4 spot.

Next: Point Guard

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