History of Orlando Magic in Timeline

The Orlando Magic are an NBA team founded in 1989 and based in Orlando, Florida. They compete in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. Over the years, the Magic have featured notable players such as Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Dwight Howard. The team has reached the NBA playoffs 17 times in 35 seasons and appeared in the NBA Finals twice, in 1995 and 2009, where they were defeated by the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers respectively.

1971: Milwaukee Bucks advance to NBA Finals in third season

In 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the NBA Finals in their third season, becoming the fastest team to advance to the NBA Finals in league history.

September 1985: Idea to bring NBA team to Orlando

In September 1985, Orlando businessman Jim L. Hewitt approached Philadelphia 76ers general manager Pat Williams with the idea of bringing an NBA team to Orlando, Florida.

1985: Shaquille O'Neal first rookie All-Star since Michael Jordan

In 1985, Michael Jordan became the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Shaquille O'Neal.

June 19, 1986: Press conference to announce intention of seeking NBA franchise

On June 19, 1986, Jim L. Hewitt and Pat Williams held a press conference to announce their intention of seeking an NBA franchise for Orlando.

July 27, 1986: Orlando NBA franchise name announcement

On July 27, 1986, the committee announced that the new Orlando NBA franchise would be named the 'Magic'. The name 'Magic' alludes to Walt Disney World and its Magic Kingdom.

1987: Orlando Magic expansion franchise awarded by the NBA

In 1987, the Orlando Magic were one of four new expansion franchises awarded by the NBA.

June 15, 1989: Matt Guokas helps Magic select 12 players in NBA expansion draft

On June 15, 1989, Matt Guokas helped the Magic select 12 players in the NBA expansion draft.

October 13, 1989: Magic's first exhibition game

On October 13, 1989, the Magic played their first exhibition game against the Detroit Pistons and won.

November 4, 1989: Magic's first season game

On November 4, 1989, the Magic played their first season game at the Orlando Arena against the New Jersey Nets, losing 111-106.

1989: Orlando Magic franchise established

In 1989, the Orlando Magic franchise was established as an expansion team in the NBA. This marked the beginning of the team's history in professional basketball.

December 30, 1990: Scott Skiles breaks NBA single-game assists record

On December 30, 1990, Scott Skiles achieved a record-breaking 30 assists in a game against the Denver Nuggets.

September 19, 1991: DeVos family purchases the Magic

On September 19, 1991, the DeVos family, founders of Amway, acquired the Orlando Magic franchise for $85 million, with Richard DeVos becoming the owner.

May 17, 1992: Magic win the NBA draft Lottery

On May 17, 1992, the Orlando Magic won the first pick in the NBA draft Lottery.

1993: Magic miss the NBA playoffs

In 1993, despite Shaquille O'Neal's presence, the Magic missed the NBA playoffs because they were tied with the Indiana Pacers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with the Pacers holding the tiebreaker.

1993: Magic win NBA draft Lottery again and trade Chris Webber for Penny Hardaway

In 1993, the Magic won the first pick in the NBA draft Lottery again, selected Chris Webber, and traded him to the Golden State Warriors for Penny Hardaway and future draft picks.

1994: Horace Grant acquired by Orlando Magic

In 1994, the Orlando Magic acquired All-Star forward Horace Grant as a free agent from the Chicago Bulls.

1995: Orlando Magic Appear in NBA Finals

In 1995, the Orlando Magic made their first appearance in the NBA Finals. However, they were defeated by the Houston Rockets.

1995: Orlando Magic reach near top of Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division

In the 1995 season, led by O'Neal and Hardaway, the Orlando Magic achieved a near-top position in both the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division.

April 29, 1996: John Gabriel replaces Pat Williams

On April 29, 1996, John Gabriel replaced Pat Williams as general manager.

1997: Chuck Daly hired as head coach, Julius Erving joins front office

In 1997, Chuck Daly was hired as the head coach for the Orlando Magic, and Julius Erving joined the front office.

1998: Orlando Magic draft Michael Doleac and Matt Harpring

In 1998, the Orlando Magic drafted Michael Doleac and Matt Harpring with the 12th and 15th picks.

1999: Doc Rivers hired as head coach

In 1999, the Magic hired rookie-coach Doc Rivers as head coach. Penny Hardaway was traded and Rivers was named Coach of the Year.

2001: Tracy McGrady leads Magic to winning record

In 2001, Tracy McGrady led the Orlando Magic to a winning record of 44-38. McGrady made the All-NBA for the first time and made his second consecutive All-Star Team.

2002: Tracy McGrady leads Magic to a 42-40 record

In 2002, Tracy McGrady led the Orlando Magic to a 42-40 record and also led the league in scoring with 32.1 points per game.

2003: The Magic's tough season in 2003-04

In 2003, the Orlando Magic struggled, setting a franchise record with 19 consecutive losses. Doc Rivers was fired, and John Weisbrod replaced Gabriel as general manager.