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NBA: Who is the best duo from each franchise’s history

By Christopher Jeter

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best duo from Orlando Magic: Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway

Before the Thunder, no expansion/relocated team had as much draft luck as the Orlando Magic.

Entering the league in 1989, the Magic’s first three seasons went as expected for a young franchise, but the team’s substandard performance eventually earned them the number one pick in the 1992 Draft Lottery.

The Magic used that pick to select LSU behemoth Shaquille O’Neal, who singlehandedly pulled the team to .500 in his rookie season. Even though they barely missed the postseason, their 41-41 record was a cause for optimism.

That feeling probably shot through the roof when Orlando won the number one pick again in 1993 despite having the lowest odds to win. However, the Magic didn’t take the consensus top pick in that draft, Chris Webber. Instead, they traded down to number three and snagged Memphis point guard Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway to pair with their superstar big man.

From there, the Magic shot up the Eastern Conference standings, as Shaq and Penny led the Magic to three-straight 50-win seasons and an NBA Finals appearance. But the fun didn’t last.

In the midst of all this winning, O’Neal felt underappreciated, but the fans, the media, and the team wanted to market Hardaway as the franchise star despite Shaq being the better player. Seeking to be “the man” elsewhere, O’Neal took his talents to L.A.

Not long after, Hardaway’s health began to deteriorate. After playing in 82 games in two of his first three seasons, he never played in more than 60 during the rest of his time in Orlando, prompting the team to trade him to the Phoenix Suns for spare parts. All told, the three-year Saq and Penny run produced .199 WS/48, but it will always feel like they left a lot on the table.