The Orlando M agic is a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in Orlando , Florida . The Magic are one of seven teams in the Atlantic Divison of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The franchise plays in TD Waterhouse Center in Orlando , Florida and wear jerseys of blue, white and silver. The Magic entered the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1989. Matt Guokas was the team first coach and the team was being led by former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Pat Williams. The franchise joined the NBA as part of a four-team, two-year expansion. The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets began play the 1988-89 season, and the Magic and the Minnesota Timberwolves joined the league a year later. The Magic fared well in the NBA draft during the franchise's first five years, picking forward Nick Anderson in 1989, forward Dennis Scott in 1990, center Shaquille O'Neal in 1992, and guard Anfernee Hardaway in 1993. These young stars popularized the franchise and brought the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals. The franchise's history was changed dramatically with the 1992 Draft; the Magic selected Shaquillle O'Neal from Louisiana State University .
O'Neal made an immediate impact on the Magic, leading the club to a 41-41 record. With the combination of O'Neal and Anfernee Hardaway t he Magic became a dominant team in the NBA, compiling the first 50 win season in franchise history with a 50-32 record. The franchise was in the playoffs for the first time, ranked the second seed in the Eastern Conference. However the Magic were swept by the Pacers in the first round. The Magic then acquired Grant Hill, a perennial All-Star and McGrady, and in 2001-2002 McGrady lead the Magic to a winning record of 44-38. McGrady combined with Armstrong, Miller, and 3-point sharpshooter Pat Garrity, formed the core of the team that season. The Magic struggled in the 2003-2004, after winning its first game the Magic lost 19 games in a row, setting a franchise record. Coach Doc Rivers was fired and assistant Johnny Davis was promoted and general manager Gabriel was replaced by John Weisbrod. Davis was fired and Chris Jent was promoted to interim head coach. Bolstered by Hill's return, the Magic defeated top NBA teams such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons. The franchise hopes to build the team around Howard, Hill and Nelson for the great future of the Orlando Magic.
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