Top Orlando Magic Cards Every Fan Needs For Their Collection

January 23, 2024 No Comments on Top Orlando Magic Cards Every Fan Needs For Their Collection
Basketball Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are a young and exciting team nowadays. Stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are hoping to lead the Magic back to elite status, after being at the bottom of the barrel. Even though the Magic lack a storied history like other NBA franchises, that doesn’t mean their cards are any less collector-worthy. They have a handful of Hall of Famers that any Magic fan would want to add to their collection, including one of the greatest centers of all-time in Shaquille O’Neal.

HobbyListings takes a look at the best cards every Magic fan needs. Did we miss any of your favorite Orlando Magic cards? Let us know in the comments below!

1. 1992 Upper Deck Shaquille O’Neal Rookie Card #1

Shaquille O’Neal’s rookie card marks the arrival of a dominant force in the NBA. Shaq was a powerhouse center who played for the Magic from 1992 to 1996. He was a three-time NBA All-Star during his time in Orlando and went on to have a legendary career, winning multiple NBA championships. Shaq was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

2. 1993 Topps Finest Refractor Penny Hardaway Rookie Card #189

1993 Topps Finest Refractor Penny Hardaway Rookie Card #189
1993 Topps Finest Refractor Penny Hardaway Rookie Card #189

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was a versatile guard-forward who teamed up with Shaq to form one of the most exciting duos in the NBA during the 1990s. He was a four-time NBA All-Star.

3. 1997 Topps Chrome Tracy McGrady Rookie Card #125

1997 Topps Chrome Tracy McGrady Rookie Card #125
1997 Topps Chrome Tracy McGrady Rookie Card #125

Tracy McGrady’s card from his early years with the Toronto Raptors showcases his rise to stardom. McGrady, who played for the Magic from 2000 to 2004, was a scoring machine and a seven-time NBA All-Star during his career. McGrady was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

4. 2004 Topps Chrome Dwight Howard Rookie Card #166

Dwight Howard was a force in the paint for the Magic, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won three consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.

5. 1994 Upper Deck Grant Hill Rookie Card #157

Grant Hill joined the Magic in 2000 and, unfortunately, injuries derailed his career while in Orlando. Despite the injuries, he was a seven-time NBA All-Star, known for his well-rounded game. Hill was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

6. Paolo Banchero – 2022 National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph Card #110

Paolo Banchero is the future of the Magic franchise, drafted first overall in 2022. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2022-23 season.

Orlando Magic: A Magical Journey Through Franchise History

The Orlando Magic, a relatively young franchise in the NBA, have nonetheless made a significant impact on the league since their inception in 1989. From their early years to iconic players, here is a captivating journey through the key events and individuals that define the Magic’s history.

Magic Beginnings (1989-1990)

  • Expansion Team: The Orlando Magic joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1989, marking a new era of basketball in Central Florida.

The Shaq and Penny Era (1992-1996)

  • Arrival of Shaquille O’Neal: In 1992, the Magic drafted Shaquille O’Neal, altering the direction of the franchise. O’Neal was a three-time NBA All-Star during his Magic tenure.
  • Penny Hardaway: Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway joined the Magic in 1993 and formed a dynamic duo with Shaq, becoming a four-time NBA All-Star.

NBA Finals Debut (1995)

  • 1995 NBA Finals: Led by Shaq and Penny, the Magic made their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. Although they fell short against the Houston Rockets, it was a massive achievement for the young franchise.

The Tracy McGrady Era (2000-2004)

  • McGrady’s Arrival: The Magic dipped their toes into free agency, signing both Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady. Even though Hill’s time with the Magic was derailed because of injuries, McGrady’s career took off, becoming a scoring sensation.

Dwight Howard Dominance (2004-2012)

  • Dwight Howard’s Rise: Dwight Howard became the face of the franchise, leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 where they lost to Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Paolo Banchero’s Time (2022-Present)

  • Rebuild Over? With the emergence of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, the Magic are looking to get back into the playoff picture for years to come.

Matt Higgins contributed to this report.

   
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