Credit: Orlando Magic – Twitter

Penny Hardaway Inducted Into Orlando Magic Hall of Fame

During halftime of tonight’s 112-96 win over Milwaukee, the Orlando Magic inducted one of their greatest players in franchise history into the team Hall of Fame.

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was a dynamic point guard in the 1990’s whose playstyle was extremely entertaining. Playing in Orlando from 1993-1999 and alongside Shaquille O’Neal until 1996, Hardaway helped turn the franchise into a winning one. During his rookie season in 1993-94, his immediate impact was certainly felt as the No. 3 overall pick helped lead Orlando to their first playoff birth and 50-win season. Hardaway was the runner up for Rookie of the Year behind Golden State forward Chris Webber–the player who he was traded for on draft day.

In his second season, Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal led the Orlando Magic all the way to the NBA Finals where they were swept 4-0 by the Houston Rockets. Orlando won a franchise record 57 games in 1994-95. Hardway, who averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, was named a starter in his first NBA All-Star game and was named to the All-NBA First Team.

The 6-foot-7, four-time NBA All-Star became just the fifth player in Orlando Magic history to be inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. Orlando gave him an induction trophy at halftime and got a standing ovation from the entire crowd.

https://twitter.com/orlandomagic/status/822607647681740800

Hardway spent six total seasons with Orlando, averaging 19.0 points, 6.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He then finished his career playing for the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat. After his Orlando days, Hardway was on a slow decline, as injuries haunted him and sidelined his career.

Hardaway is currently third on the team’s all-time steals list (718) and fourth in assists (2,343).

Congratulations and well deserved, Penny Hardaway!