NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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ORLANDO, UNITED STATES: Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal (L) takes control of a Magic rebound from Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning (R) during the first period of their NBA game at the Orlando Arena 28 February. AFP PHOTO Tony RANZE (Photo credit should read TONY RANZE/AFP/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic: Shaquille O’Neal, No. 1, 1992 NBA Draft

The man and legend, Shaquille O’Neal, was the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, a still young franchise looking for a star and an identity. O’Neal wasted no time establishing himself as a star in the league, winning Rookie of the Year as well as making the All-Star team. O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, and the Magic made the playoffs in 1994, but were bounced by the Indiana Pacers. The next season, the Magic won 57 games, won their first playoff series in franchise history, and worked their way to a Finals berth where they would eventually lose to the Houston Rockets.

They finished second in the league the following season, but couldn’t overcome Michael Jordan and the 72-win Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. Shaq would leave Orlando as a free agent that offseason, signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Shaq’s size and quickness made him an unstoppable force around the basket. While his work ethic and offseason were reportedly less than ideal, he was unquestionably one of the greatest big men to ever play the game. Shaq left on acrimonious terms with the franchise, but there has not been a player that has had a bigger impact on a franchise than Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic.

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