| The Orlando Magic officially entered the NBA as an | | | | result that The Magic became the NBA’s most |
| expansion franchise in 1989. A contest sponsored by | | | | improved franchise, as they improved by 20 games. |
| Orlando Magic team officials and the local Orlando | | | | O'Neal was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star |
| Sentinel newspaper allowed the community to suggest | | | | starter since Michael Jordan in 1985, as well as |
| names for their new franchise. The contest, which | | | | becoming the NBA Rookie of the Year for the |
| drew 4,296 submitted entries, subsequently announced | | | | 1992-1993 season. Despite Shaquille O'Neal's presence, |
| that the committee chose 'The Magic' to be the new | | | | The Magic missed the 1993 NBA Playoffs because |
| name of the Orlando franchise in the NBA. | | | | they were tied with the Indiana Pacers for the eighth |
| The Orlando Magic play in the Southeast Division of | | | | and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with |
| the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball | | | | the Pacers holding the tiebreaker. |
| Association (NBA). The team is currently coached by | | | | Amway Arena has served as home to the Orlando |
| Stan Van Gundy, and has had such notable NBA stars | | | | Magic since their inception, but it was originally known |
| as Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee “Penny” | | | | as Orlando Arena during the first ten years. In |
| Hardaway, Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady on its books | | | | December 2006, the naming rights were purchased by |
| throughout its young history. | | | | network marketing company Amway for four years. |
| Curiously, The Magic are one of only five teams in the | | | | The Amway Arena is one of several facilities owned |
| entire NBA, along with the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, | | | | and operated by the City of Orlando all under the |
| Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, to ban the wearing | | | | name of “The Orlando Venues”, and is also the |
| of headbands by its players during games. | | | | home field of the Orlando Predators of the Arena |
| During the 1991-1992 season, the Magic suffered with a | | | | Football League and the Orlando Sharks of the Major |
| shortage of healthy players and the team struggled | | | | Indoor Soccer League. Although it was only opened in |
| through a 17-game losing streak and finished the | | | | 1989, the Amnway Arena is already one of the oldest |
| season with a 21-61 record. However, they still | | | | arenas in the country and is within easy walking |
| managed to sell out all 41 home games. | | | | distance of many shops, bars and hotels in Orlando. |
| The Magic's history was changed on May 17, 1992, | | | | Despite having never won the national championship, |
| when the franchise won the first pick in the 1992 NBA | | | | The Magic has made it to the playoffs for almost half |
| Draft Lottery. The Magic selected big-man Shaquille | | | | of their existence, recording nine playoff appearances |
| O'Neal from Louisiana State University. O'Neal, a 7 foot | | | | in 19 years). Rest assured, however, that this team of |
| 1 inch center, made an immediate impact on The | | | | magicians have a few tricks up their sleeves yet. |
| Magic, leading the club to a 41–41 record, with the | | | | |