Article by Billy Bonds
The Orlando Magic officially entered the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1989. Led by a local businessman, Jimmy Hewitt and former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Pat Williams, the Magic hired Matt Guokas as the team’s first coach. The inaugural team compiled a record of 18-64 with players including Reggie Theus, Scott Skiles (now current coach of the Chicago Bulls), Terry Catledge, Sam Vincent, Otis Smith (now current general manager of the Magic), and Jerry Reynolds. In the club’s first draft in 1989, the Magic chose Nick Anderson with the 11th pick in the first…
Continue Reading Orlando Magic – The Early Years
Tags: chicago bulls, Dennis Scott, Early, Expansion Franchise, First Victory, Fought Game, Game Losing Streak, Inaugural Team, Indiana Pacers, Jerry Reynolds, Louisiana State University, Magic, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Nick Anderson, Orlando, Orlando Arena, Orlando Magic, Otis Smith, Philadelphia 76ers, Reggie Theus, Sam Vincent, Shaquille O Neal, Years
