Official Ticket Marketplace of the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic History
Joining the NBA in the 1989 expansion era, the Magic struggled for three years until picking center Shaquille O'Neal first in the 1992 draft. The Magic finished at .500 in the 1992–93 season, barely missing the playoffs. Then, with only a slim chance in the 1993 draft lottery, the team won the rights to pick No. 1 again. They used their selection, Chris Webber, in a trade to obtain guard Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and future picks.
O’Neal and Hardaway led the Magic to 50 wins in the 1993–94 season and then 57 victories, as well as a trip to the NBA Finals, the following year.In the 1995–96 campaign, the Magic won a franchise-record 60 games in what would be O'Neal's last season in Orlando. They made it to the Eastern Conference finals against the Chicago Bulls.
Over the next 10 years, the Magic made the playoffs five times under the leadership of coach Doc Rivers and Hall of Fame guard Tracy McGrady, who earned two scoring titles and the 2001 Most Improved Player award during his tenure. The 2006–07 season saw Orlando start a run of six consecutive postseason appearances, as star center Dwight Howard blossomed and the Magic surrounded him with young talent and savvy veterans.
The Magic reached the second round of the playoffs in 2008 behind Howard and forwards Hidayet "Hedo" Türkoğlu and Rashard Lewis. The following season, with trade acquisition Rafer Alston filling in for injured point guard Jameer Nelson and sharpshooter J.J. Redick taking on a more prominent role, the team won 59 games and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics and the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. It earned the Magic a second trip to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Following Howard’s trade to the Lakers in 2012, the Magic began a decade-long rebuilding process while developing notable talents like Victor Oladipo, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vučević. The Magic’s luck seemed to improve after reaching playoff contention once again in 2019 and 2020, and landing top draft picks such as Mo Bamba, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero.
Orlando Magic Team Info
Conference: Eastern
Division: Southeast
Year Founded: 1989
Team Colors: Blue, Black, Silver
Team Rivals: Miami HEAT, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors
Orlando Magic at Kia Center
The Orlando Magic play their home games at Kia Center, a gleaming, world-class arena that affords fans amenities such as ample seat space, excellent sight lines, spacious concourses, and unique food and drink options. The arena opened in 2010 and is notable for its 180-foot tower that serves as a beacon on the downtown skyline. Upon its opening, Kia Center boasted the largest scoreboard in the NBA, measuring 42 feet and weighing 40 tons.