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Orlando Magic: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By James D. Tillman III

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Aaron Gordon (Arizona) poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Aaron Gordon (Arizona) poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 09, 2016; Springfield, MA, USA; Shaquille O’Neal speaks at the Springfield Symphony Hall during the 2016 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 09, 2016; Springfield, MA, USA; Shaquille O’Neal speaks at the Springfield Symphony Hall during the 2016 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Shaquille O’Neal (C) — No. 1 pick in 1992 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Magic):  295 GP, 27.2 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.8 BPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 3.0 TOV, 58.1 FG%, 54.6 FT%

The Magic didn’t have much success during their first three seasons in the NBA. In fact, they won a total of just 80 games during that stretch.

In need of a game-changer, the Magic selected Shaquille O’Neal with the top overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft.

While O’Neal’s presence wasn’t enough to catapult the Magic into the playoffs, things were finally starting to look up for a franchise that didn’t have much success prior to his arrival.

During his rookie campaign, Shaq posted averages of 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per outing en route to being named Rookie of the Year and earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team.

The Magic eventually became a conference powerhouse, making it to the playoffs in each of the next three seasons. This includes a Final appearance in 1995. During his four years in Orlando, O’Neal averages included 27.2 points (on an efficient 58 percent shooting), 12.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per outing.

In spite of the success the team was enjoying, the organization and its franchise center were unable to reach a long-term deal. As a result, O’Neal eventually signed with the Lakers in the summer of 1996.

Alongside with Bryant, the duo led the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000-02.

Next: Chicago Bulls - Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

From the moment he put on a Magic uniform, O’Neal was an unstoppable force as the numbers indicate. Furthermore, not only is O’Neal the franchise’s top draft pick, he also deserves to be considered one of the greatest big men to ever play the game.

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