Should Orlando retire Penny's #1?

[PeroAntic]

Watching that scrub Isaac wear Penny's shirt fills me with rage. I don't care about the lack of silverware, that shirt is one of the most iconic shirts in history. For a team like the Magic that has zero success in their history, might as well put it up there, because it was the closest they had to a golden age.

[SouBeachTalents]

McGrady > Penny

[AngelEyes]

They should retire #1 for Penny and McGrady. T-Mac had no team success with the Magic but they never surrounded him with much talent and outside of Shaq he was probably the most dominant player they ever had, at least on offense.

[Ben Simmons 25]

The Magic shouldn't retire anyone's number.

If they're going to force the issue, it should be Shaq. That's it.

Instead, long ago, they retired the fans via the number 6... 6th man... the fans... they retired their own fans. Clowns.

[smoove1986]

yes the should and it's actually a disgrace that they have not already retired the 1. mcgrady had the better peak but penny was the ****ing 1st face of a new franchise.

[scuzzy]

should retire their franchise and move to Seattle

[Kblaze8855]

Id say yes but teams get salty when you leave. Which is what happened. People just forget the details....


Penny Hardaway got what he wanted Thursday and was traded to the Phoenix Suns, ending his fading star career in Orlando and completing the breakup of a Magic team that went to the NBA Finals just four years ago.
After a final day of reconsidering their options and trying to talk Hardaway into staying, the Magic finally made the trade and acquired Danny Manning, Pat Garrity and two first-round draft picks.

Hardaway, who will be paid $86 million over the next seven years, joins Jason Kidd in what could be one of the most formidable backcourts in the NBA.

Coach Danny Ainge called Hardaway "the most skilled all-around player in the game. All of a sudden I really believe this puts us as one of the elite teams in the NBA."

It was a major coup for the Suns, who had no room under the salary cap to go after free agents, let alone one the stature of Hardaway.

The Magic tried to work out a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors and a few other teams, but all dropped out of the bidding by the middle of the week.

For the Magic, it marked the end of an era. Just a few years ago, the team looked like it would be an enduring Eastern Conference powerhouse when its roster included Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal.

Instead, the Magic will plunge into a massive rebuilding without a single star left. The Magic have 10 first-round draft picks over the next five years.

"Clearly the goal for the franchise is to win a world championship, even though this might not happen next year," general manager John Gabriel said. "The trade of Penny Hardaway sets us for the launch of a new era and a new team."

"I believe it's the best thing for (Penny) to get a fresh start."

"I have nothing against Orlando. I came to Phoenix and fell in love with Phoenix," Hardaway said Thursday night. "I thank the Magic for going through with the deal because they didn't have to. They saw the same thing I saw; it's time for me to just move on and start a new career. I wanted to do it here in Phoenix."

Hardaway had made it clear to the Suns that they were his first choice, and when Phoenix agreed to pay him the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement it was only a matter of getting Orlando to agree to the trade.

The deal "ranks right up there with any acquisition we've ever made. He's a marquee guy," Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said.

Hardaway opted out of the finl three years of his contract and became a free agent this summer, but only Chicago, the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto had anywhere near the money available to land him. He made it clear to Magic officials over the past few days that he did not want to return as Orlando -- especially new coach Doc Rivers -- tried in vain to get him to change his mind.


The Magic have not even retired Shaqs jersey have they?

They do have the #6 retired for the fans though(The sixth man).

[Ben Simmons 25]

yes the should and it's actually a disgrace that they have not already retired the 1. mcgrady had the better peak but penny was the ****ing 1st face of a new franchise.

Uh, no... that was Shaq, you dipshit.

Just don't make such overwhelmingly idiotic yet indescribably confident statements next time, ok?

If you were any more wrong, my head would explode.

[Kblaze8855]

THe fans liked Penny more than Shaq though. I remember the paper down there did a poll and Shaq got destroyed by Penny. Granted....the fans also picked coach Hill over Shaq if they had to keep one.

Orlando fans were just kinda....stupid.

[Ben Simmons 25]

THe fans liked Penny more than Shaq though. I remember the paper down there did a poll and Shaq got destroyed by Penny. Granted....the fans also picked coach Hill over Shaq if they had to keep one.

Orlando fans were just kinda....stupid.

Yeah, they were complete ****ing retards... and the Sentinel... why the **** would they ever even run that poll about paying him... absolute dipshits.

I don't remember a Shaq vs Penny poll... it was a should we pay Shaq poll. Is he worth the money poll...

Shaq just used it as an excuse though... his agent was hellbent on him going to LA... and that's it. There's nothing more to it. The rest was bullshit scenery for the public. Shaq and his agent wanted LA PERIOD.

I hope the guy that posted that poll killed himself, regardless. **** that guy.

[Smoke117]

THe fans liked Penny more than Shaq though. I remember the paper down there did a poll and Shaq got destroyed by Penny. Granted....the fans also picked coach Hill over Shaq if they had to keep one.

Orlando fans were just kinda....stupid.

:biggums:

[Kblaze8855]

Im sure it didnt help being offered less money. Thats what Shaq said at least. That they didnt offer to match the LA money till it was announced he was leaving.

[sick_brah07]

as an Orlando fan from the age of 6

No one deserves it really... maybe Nick Anderson a tiny bit but no one really. Everyone ditched when things got tough or weren't quite right. If Penny stuck around and committed after his serious injuries I could see a case for him but that's really it.

Dwight Howard for career achievement but that will be in the next 6 or 7 years as the fans are still bitter about how things went.

Shaq got us royally so no.

the number 6 thing is stupid

[Ben Simmons 25]

I legitimately hope that guy killed himself. I'm not kidding.

[smoove1986]

Uh, no... that was Shaq, you dipshit.

Just don't make such overwhelmingly idiotic yet indescribably confident statements next time, ok?

If you were any more wrong, my head would explode.

shaq only played 4 seasons for orlando and left while orlando hat a legit shot at the championship you fat ****ing moron. penny become the 1st real face of the franchise after shaq left. if you are too dumb or too young to talk about 90s magic, than just shut the **** up u ugly virgin. thanks :facepalm

[Kblaze8855]

It was 91% of the fans saying Shaq wasnt worth a max contract too. 91%...on the very DAY he was supposed to decide. The GM was pissed off:


"Not the type of thing that you want to come out on the day that your franchise player is about to sign or not re-sign," said Gabriel, the Magic's vice president for basketball operations and player personnel.

"I really wonder why that came out on the day it did. I wanted to call to find out why, but I didn't really want to ask the question. Shaq is a kid who wanted to be accepted and appreciated. Maybe it's a factor. I don't know."

[Ben Simmons 25]

Im sure it didnt help being offered less money. Thats what Shaq said at least. That they didnt offer to match the LA money till it was announced he was leaving.

This is revisionist history. I followed the situation closely at the time and well after.

They wanted LA. That was it. The rest was scenery. Shaq will tell you a different story based on the day. It was always LA.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1996-08-18-9608170390-story.html

[AngelEyes]

shaq only played 4 seasons for orlando and left while orlando hat a legit shot at the championship you fat ****ing moron. penny become the 1st real face of the franchise after shaq left. if you are too dumb or too young to talk about 90s magic, than just shut the **** up u ugly virgin. thanks :facepalm

Shaq may have only played 4 years on Orlando but he was still clearly the first face of the franchise.

[PeroAntic]

Penny left when he was on a major decline. Shaq left before reaching his prime. There is a difference, the second one hurts more. Therefore its logical that Penny is remembered more fondly. Not to mention the guy revolutionized the position basically. Absolutely unique player with literally no weaknesses

[Ben Simmons 25]

shaq only played 4 seasons for orlando and left while orlando hat a legit shot at the championship you fat ****ing moron. penny become the 1st real face of the franchise after shaq left. if you are too dumb or too young to talk about 90s magic, than just shut the **** up u ugly virgin. thanks :facepalm

Shaq was the first face of the Magic, you stupid ****ing mouthbreathing retarded 90 IQ having mother****er.

[Kblaze8855]

This is revisionist history. I followed the situation closely at the time and well after.

They wanted LA. That was it. The rest was scenery. Shaq will tell you a different story based on the day. It was always LA.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1996-08-18-9608170390-story.html


Entirely possible he always wanted out. Im just saying ive seen it said he didnt get the biggest offer from Orlando till he was already out. Apparently they would pay him the 120+ million...but didnt send that offer till he was out the door.

But again....thats what Shaq said on some show a while back.

[Ben Simmons 25]

Entirely possible he always wanted out. Im just saying ive seen it said he didnt get the biggest offer from Orlando till he was already out. Apparently they would pay him the 120+ million...but didnt send that offer till he was out the door.

But again....thats what Shaq said on some show a while back.

Have you ever watched the 30 for 30 on the Magic?

John Gabriel gives a detailed version of events on how this transpired. The agent didn't want him in Orlando. He never wanted him in Orlando. Gabriel gives us the detailed back and forth during his free agency. The agent wanted LA. Period.

They never gave them a chance to make a counter offer. The moment LA offered that deal, it was over. Didn't listen to another word.

It wasn't a ... LA offered 120, you guys want to do better? sort of situation... it was a... LA offered 120... cya later, sorta situation...

[AngelEyes]

Penny left when he was on a major decline. Shaq left before reaching his prime. There is a difference, the second one hurts more. Therefore its logical that Penny is remembered more fondly. Not to mention the guy revolutionized the position basically. Absolutely unique player with literally no weaknesses

How did he revolutionize the position?

[Kblaze8855]

Have you ever watched the 30 for 30 on the Magic?

John Gabriel gives a detailed version of events on how this transpired. The agent didn't want him in Orlando. He never wanted him in Orlando. Gabriel gives us the detailed back and forth during his free agency. The agent wanted LA. Period.

They never gave them a chance to make a counter offer. The moment LA offered that deal, it was over. Didn't listen to another word.

It wasn't a ... LA offered 120, you guys want to do better? sort of situation... it was a... LA offered 120... cya later, sorta situation...

I did see it. Im not sure why the Magic are to be believed more than Shaq. Both sides would want to make themselves look good.

If the Lakers beat the Magic initial offer that kinda says enough. You send your best offer on day one if you dont wanna leave any room to be beat with an offer you can top.

Its kinda like how the ABA lost Kareem. George Mikan(ABA commish) came to the meeting with a million dollar check as a signing bonus to just hand him(imagine getting a million dollar check in 1969)....but felt the meeting went well enough that he didnt need to use it. The NBA then made its offer...which the ABA could have topped...and he signed in the NBA. You dont wait to have to counter offer.

You put it all on the table if you want to be sure.

[PeroAntic]

How did he revolutionize the position?
BY showing you can be a tall pointguard AND have shooting ability AND defense AND flair/creativity. Basically by showing you can be a complete player as a pointguard

[HylianNightmare]

Should retire penny/that, shaq, Dwight and honestly. Hammer Nelson, dude stuck around for years after the rebuild and didn't complain. I thought for sure when Denver bought him out we would grand him as a veteran presence

[tanibanana]

Nope. Shaq and Dwight I agree.

[Jasper]

retire his number = absolutely YES

[sdot_thadon]

I get that Shaq was there a short period of time and the whole hard feelings over the split, but they should have retired his jersey long ago. And yes I'd love for them to retire Penny's no.1 as well. Maybe do it for both he and Tmac since they were both big for the franchise, maybe retire 1/2 for little penny just for shits and giggles :oldlol: . Jokes aside it'd be a nice gesture for a guy as beloved as Hardaway.

[bullettooth]

Instead, long ago, they retired the fans via the number 6... 6th man... the fans... they retired their own fans. Clowns.

I had to look this up, I thought you were joking:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic#Retired_numbers

:lol

[AirFederer]

Yes!

[r0drig0lac]

Isaac is not a scrub

[jbryan1984]

I absolutely think they should. He is no less than all time top 3 in the franchises history. Its sad to think about how a big a star this guy was at one time and how south his career went. But man I loved watching that mid 90s Orlando team. They were so fun to watch and one of my favorite non Cavs team. Oone of the better teams to never win a title.

[Smoke117]

I absolutely think they should. He is no less than all time top 3 in the franchises history. Its sad to think about how a big a star this guy was at one time and how south his career went. But man I loved watching that mid 90s Orlando team. They were so fun to watch and one of my favorite non Cavs team. Oone of the better teams to never win a title.

Shaq, Dwight, and Tmac are all above him. Not 3 for the Magic.

[jbryan1984]

Shaq, Dwight, and Tmac are all above him. Not 3 for the Magic.



I will argue forever that Penny was better in Orlando than McGrady. Not a better overall career but a better career in Orlando.

[PeroAntic]

Penny's significance for both Orlando and the game itself goes beyond his stats, wins or any individual or team achievement. The guy made more people fall in love with the game and become Magic fans than any one of Shaq, Dwight or TMac. He was truly unique.

[brooks_thompson]

Penny's significance for both Orlando and the game itself goes beyond his stats, wins or any individual or team achievement. The guy made more people fall in love with the game and become Magic fans than any one of Shaq, Dwight or TMac. He was truly unique.

I feel this way. My answer is 100% yes. Penny is THE reason I started watching basketball during his final Memphis State season in second grade and then switched to the NBA and the Magic his rookie year. Before Penny my basketball memory is just a few blurs of Jordan vs. Blazers and the Magic Johnson All-Star game.

[brooks_thompson]

I always had good shoes, and was comfortably middle class, but I had no clue how much basketball shoes cost back in the day. I was just obsessed with getting the new Pennys (the second ones I think). I came home from school one day and my mom had found a pair my size. When she told me they were $140, I felt awful about it. But man was I grateful and I wore those shoes everyday and played as much bball as I possibly could. I remember praying I wouldn't hit a growth spurt and grow out of them in two months.

I was never a big jersey kid, but Penny's Olympic jersey was also the only NBA jersey I ever owned. That shit cost a lot, too. Thanks, mom.

[Smoke117]

I will argue forever that Penny was better in Orlando than McGrady. Not a better overall career but a better career in Orlando.

I think Tracy Mcgrady is overrated and you are just wrong, period. Mcgrady was better during his duration and much better at his peak.

[Smoke117]

Penny's significance for both Orlando and the game itself goes beyond his stats, wins or any individual or team achievement. The guy made more people fall in love with the game and become Magic fans than any one of Shaq, Dwight or TMac. He was truly unique.

This isn't ****ing disneyland you muppet. We don't measure a players greatness by "how he made people fall in love with the game", but by his impact on the court. You silly bitch.

[Smoke117]

I always had good shoes, and was comfortably middle class, but I had no clue how much basketball shoes cost back in the day. I was just obsessed with getting the new Pennys (the second ones I think). I came home from school one day and my mom had found a pair my size. When she told me they were $140, I felt awful about it. But man was I grateful and I wore those shoes everyday and played as much bball as I possibly could. I remember praying I wouldn't hit a growth spurt and grow out of them in two months.

I was never a big jersey kid, but Penny's Olympic jersey was also the only NBA jersey I ever owned. That shit cost a lot, too. Thanks, mom.

That's a really sweet story, hon, but none of this changes the fact that Shaq, Dwight, and Tmac were all more high impact players over more or the same amount of time as Penny. Jesus fukking christ. Were talking about basketball here, not feelings.

[MrFonzworth]

This isn't ****ing disneyland you muppet. We don't measure a players greatness by "how he made people fall in love with the game", but by his impact on the court. You silly bitch.
WRONG.





Part of what goes into the GOAT rankings is off the court. Commercials, impact of feelings generated by viewers, etc. Big reason why we rank Shaq ahead of Hakeem on the ATG list.

[brooks_thompson]

That's a really sweet story, hon, but none of this changes the fact that Shaq, Dwight, and Tmac were all more high impact players over more or the same amount of time as Penny. Jesus fukking christ. Were talking about basketball here, not feelings.

I'm talking about feelings. And memories. Ones that stem from Penny Hardaway inspiring me to get into basketball. All so one day some doofus on an NBA message board can try to talk shit to me. Get over it.

[Ben Simmons 25]

As a nearly lifelong Central Floridian, you people that say Penny's number should get retired as ****ing retards. You are LITERALLY retarded.

No... it should not. Nobody in Magic history has done anything worthy of having their number retired. And if they have, the list doesn't start with Penny... and he's not even the best player that wore #1 while playing for the Magic... that was McGrady.

Penny was really good but he flat out didn't do enough in a Magic uniform to deserve his jersey to get retired... no player in Magic history has.

To the guy that said Jameer should... literally kill yourself. Your living body is a waste of resources for the rest of us.

[PeroAntic]

This isn't ****ing disneyland you muppet. We don't measure a players greatness by "how he made people fall in love with the game", but by his impact on the court. You silly bitch.
Youre a proven moron that doesnt know shit about the game beyond the numbers you read at basketballreference. stfu and get lost.