The Orlando Magic are still searching for that elusive first NBA Championship, but they’ve assembled a core of young players who they believe can help take them there.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the pillars for the Magic roster, though they’ve got other young talents waiting in the wings.
However, Orlando’s come close to a title a couple of times in the past thanks to some former superstars.
Dwight Howard got the franchise back to the Finals in 2009, while Shaquille O’Neal did the same before him.
Magic fans also got the pleasure of watching Penny Hardaway who was one of the more promising guards in the league.
Hardaway unfortunately suffered several injuries that slowed him down but Brian Shaw believes he would’ve been in the GOAT conversation via Podcast P with Paul George.
“I think Penny Hardaway would’ve been in the discussion especially if he would have had a long career,” Shaw said. “15 to 18 years in the NBA I think he’d be in the discussion about being the GOAT. He was that talented.”
Why Penny Hardaway could have been in the GOAT discussion pic.twitter.com/TYyZLlBJfN
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) February 21, 2024
Hardaway’s early days often get compared to those of Michael Jordan and he’s a player that legends like Kobe Bryant emulated.
Shaw got a chance to see Hardaway and some of the other NBA greats up close and so his comments shouldn’t be taken lightly.
His blend of size, scoring and court vision was a sight to behold and he could legitimately do anything on the floor.
The GOAT conversation is a never-ending one that will always cause a heated debate among fans, though Hardaway should still get an honorable mention when it comes up.
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