1992–93 Orlando Magic season

The 1992–93 NBA season was the Magic's fourth season in the National Basketball Association.[1] This season held a lot of promise as LSU center Shaquille O'Neal was drafted first overall by the Magic in the 1992 NBA draft.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Meanwhile, the Magic signed free agent Donald Royal during the off-season.[8][9][10] There were predictions that O'Neal would become the next dominant center in the NBA.[11][12] Shaq became an instant superstar with merchandising that rivaled only Michael Jordan.

1992–93 Orlando Magic season
Head coachMatt Guokas
ArenaOrlando Arena
Results
Record41–41 (.500)
PlaceDivision: 4th (Atlantic)
Conference: 9th (Eastern)
Playoff finishDid not qualify

Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionWKCF
Sunshine Network
RadioWDBO
< 1991–92 1993–94 >

The Magic started to show improvement winning eight of their first eleven games, but then lost six straight afterwards in December, as the team acquired Steve Kerr from the Cleveland Cavaliers.[13][14][15] The Magic continued to play .500 basketball with a 24–23 record at the All-Star break.[16] However, the team had various problems with injuries as Dennis Scott only played 54 games due to calf and Achilles injuries,[17][18][19] and second-year center Brian Williams missed most of the season due to clinical depression, including a suicide attempt, only playing just 21 games.[20][21][22][23] The Magic finished fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 41–41 record,[24] and lost a tie-breaker for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference to the 8th-seeded Indiana Pacers.[25][26][27][28]

O'Neal averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game, as he was named Rookie of the Year.[29][30][31][32] He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, was selected for the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, which was his first ever All-Star appearance,[33][34][35][36][37] and also finished in seventh place in Most Valuable Player voting.[38][39][40][41] In addition, Nick Anderson finished second on the team in scoring averaging 19.9 points, and contributed 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, while Scott averaged 15.9 points per game, Scott Skiles provided the team with 15.4 points and 9.7 assists per game, and Royal contributed 9.2 points per game off the bench.[42]

Following the season, Kerr signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls,[43] while Williams was traded to the Denver Nuggets,[44][45][46] head coach Matt Guokas resigned after four seasons coaching the Magic,[47][48][49] and Terry Catledge retired.

Draft picks

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RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalitySchool/Club Team
11Shaquille O'NealC  United StatesLSU

Roster

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1992–93 Orlando Magic roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.NameHeightWeightDOBFrom
SG25Anderson, Nick6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)205 lb (93 kg)1968–01–20Illinois
SG14Bowie, Anthony6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)190 lb (86 kg)1963–11–09Oklahoma
PF33Catledge, Terry6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)220 lb (100 kg)1963–08–22South Alabama
PG11Green, Litterial6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)185 lb (84 kg)1970–03–07Georgia
PG2Kerr, Steve6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)175 lb (79 kg)1965–09–27Arizona
C34Kite, Greg6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)250 lb (113 kg)1961–08–05BYU
C32O'Neal, Shaquille7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)300 lb (136 kg)1972–03–06LSU
SF5Royal, Donald6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)210 lb (95 kg)1966–05–22Notre Dame
SF3Scott, Dennis6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)229 lb (104 kg)1968–09–05Georgia Tech
PG4Skiles, Scott6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)180 lb (82 kg)1964–03–05Michigan State
SF40Tolbert, Tom6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)235 lb (107 kg)1965–10–16Arizona
PF31Turner, Jeff6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)230 lb (104 kg)1962–04–09Vanderbilt
PF8Williams, Brian6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)260 lb (118 kg)1969–04–06Arizona
PF42Wright, Howard6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)220 lb (100 kg)1967–12–20Stanford
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)

Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured

Roster
Last transaction: April 8, 1993

Regular season

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Shaquille O'Neal was drafted as the 1st overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. During that summer, prior to moving to Orlando, he spent a significant amount of time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.O'Neal had an exceptional rookie season, as he helped the Magic win 20 more games than the previous season, with the team ultimately missing the playoffs by virtue of a tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers. O'Neal averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game for the season and was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year. O'Neal played in the All-Star game and scored 14 points. On two occasions during that season, each during a nationally televised game, O'Neal dunked the ball so hard that he broke the backboard support units.[citation needed]

Season standings

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W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-New York Knicks6022.73237–423–1823–5
x-Boston Celtics4834.5851228–1320–2119–9
x-New Jersey Nets4339.5241726–1517–2414–14
Orlando Magic4141.5001927–1414–2715–13
Miami Heat3646.4392426–1510–319–19
Philadelphia 76ers2656.3173415–2611–3011–17
Washington Bullets2260.2683815–267–347–21
y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot
#
Team W L PCT GB
1c-New York Knicks6022.732
2y-Chicago Bulls5725.6953
3x-Cleveland Cavaliers5428.6596
4x-Boston Celtics4834.58512
5x-Charlotte Hornets4438.53716
6x-New Jersey Nets4339.52417
7x-Atlanta Hawks4339.52417
8x-Indiana Pacers4141.50019
9Orlando Magic4141.50019
10Detroit Pistons4042.48820
11Miami Heat3646.43924
12Milwaukee Bucks2854.34132
13Philadelphia 76ers2656.31736
14Washington Bullets2260.26838
z – clinched division title
y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot

Record vs. opponents

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1992–93 NBA records
TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEAUTAWAS
Atlanta2–23–22–20–51–12–02–32–01–12–21–11–13–13–22–01–32–21–33–10–21–11–12–01–12–02–2
Boston2–23–11–33–12–02–01–32–01–12–21–11–13–12–22–04–01–43–24–10–22–01–11–10–20–24–1
Charlotte2–31–32–31–32–01–14–12–00–20–51–11–12–23–12–02–21–33–14–00–21–12–01–11–11–14–0
Chicago2–23–13–22–32–01–13–12–00–25–02–00–23–14–12–04–01–33–12–21–12–02–00–22–02–04–0
Cleveland5–01–33–13–22–01–13–22–01–14–01–12–02–24–12–02–21–32–24–02–00–21–11–11–11–13–1
Dallas1–10–20–20–20–21–51–10–41–41–10–41–30–20–21–40–20–21–11–10–40–40–40–51–30–51–1
Denver0–20–21–11–11–15–11–13–12–31–12–21–30–21–13–21–11–10–21–11–31–33–11–41–32–32–0
Detroit3–23–11–41–32–31–11–10–21–13–21–11–11–32–21–13–12–23–13–10–21–12–00–20–20–24–0
Golden State0–20–20–20–20–24–01–32–02–20–22–31–42–01–13–11–10–21–11–11–40–54–13–11–43–11–1
Houston1–11–12–02–01–14–13–21–12–22–04–03–12–01–14–21–11–11–12–02–21–34–04–11–34–11–1
Indiana2–22–25–00–50–41–11–12–32–00–21–11–12–22–31–13–11–32–23–11–11–12–01–12–00–23–1
L.A. Clippers1–11–11–10–21–14–02–21–13–20–41–13–20–22–04–00–22–01–11–13–22–33–20–41–42–22–0
L.A. Lakers1–11–11–12–00–23–13–11–14–11–31–12–30–21–13–10–20–21–12–00–53–23–22–21–41–32–0
Miami1–31–32–21–32–22–02–03–10–20–22–22–02–02–22–02–30–53–21–30–21–11–11–11–10–22–3
Milwaukee2–32–21–31–41–42–01–12–21–11–13–20–21–12–21–10–41–32–22–20–20–21–10–20–20–21–3
Minnesota0–20–20–20–20–24–12–31–11–32–41–10–41–30–21–11–10–20–20–20–41–31–31–40–41–41–1
New Jersey3–10–42–20–42–22–01–11–31–11–11–32–02–03–24–01–11–33–23–21–10–22–01–11–11–14–1
New York2–24–13–13–13–12–01–12–22–01–13–10–22–05–03–12–03–12–25–01–11–12–02–01–11–14–1
Orlando3–12–31–31–32–21–12–01–31–11–12–21–11–12–32–22–02–32–23–20–22–02–00–20–21–14–0
Philadelphia1–31–40–42–20–41–11–11–31–10–21–31–10–23–12–22–02–30–52–30–20–21–10–21–10–23–1
Phoenix2–02–02–01–10–24–03–12–04–12–21–12–35–02–02–04–01–11–12–02–03–25–03–12–33–12–0
Portland1–10–21–10–22–04–03–11–15–03–11–13–22–31–12–03–12–01–10–22–02–35–02–22–32–21–1
Sacramento1–11–10–20–21–14–01–30–21–40–40–22–32–31–11–13–10–20–20–21–10–50–52–21–42–21–1
San Antonio0–21–11–12–01–15–04–12–01–31–41–14–02–21–12–04–11–10–22–02–01–32–22–23–13–31–1
Seattle1–12–01–10–21–13–13–12–04–13–10–24–14–11–12–04–01–11–12–01–13–23–24–11–32–22–0
Utah0–22–01–10–21–15–03–22–01–31–42–02–23–12–02–04–11–11–11–12–01–32–22–23–32–21–1
Washington2–21–40–40–41–31–10–20–41–11–11–30–20–23–23–11–11–41–40–41–30–21–11–11–10–21–1

Game log

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Player statistics

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Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG% Field-goal percentage 3P% 3-point field-goal percentage FT% Free-throw percentage
 RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game
 BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per game

NOTE: Please write the players statistics in alphabetical order by last name.

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3FG%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG

Awards and honors

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Transactions

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References

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  1. ^ 1992-93 Orlando Magic
  2. ^ Araton, Harvey (June 25, 1992). "BASKETBALL; Draft Sticks to Program Until the 5th Pick, That Is". The New York Times. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  3. ^ "After Big Men Go First, Locals Go in First Round: NBA Draft: Miner Goes to Heat at No. 12. Lakers Take Peeler. Clippers Select: La Salle's Woods with Their First Pick". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 25, 1992. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  4. ^ Wojciechowski, Gene (June 25, 1992). "Miner Didn't Realize Heat Would Be on Like This: NBA Draft: USC Star Waits Longer Than Expected Before Miami Makes Him the 12th Overall Selection. UCLA's Murray Goes to San Antonio, Pepperdine's Christie to Seattle". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  5. ^ Aldridge, David (June 25, 1992). "O'Neal, Mourning 1-2". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  6. ^ "1992 NBA Draft". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  7. ^ Povtak, Tim (August 7, 1992). "Done Deal: Shaq Signing Today". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  8. ^ Cooper, Barry (July 19, 1992). "Magic May Restructure Deals to Sign O'Neal". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  9. ^ "Transactions". The New York Times. August 26, 1992. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  10. ^ "Magic Will Pay Bowie More Than Anderson". Orlando Sentinel. September 13, 1992. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  11. ^ Moran, Malcolm (May 18, 1992). "The Top Pick Is Going to Disney World". The New York Times.
  12. ^ Cooper, Barry (September 21, 1992). "Shaq Wows Fans in Magic's Game". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  13. ^ "Cavs, Magic to Swap Guards". The Baltimore Sun. Orlando Sentinel. December 1, 1992. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  14. ^ "Cavs Trade Kerr to Orlando". United Press International. December 3, 1992. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  15. ^ "Magic Trades Draft Pick for Cavaliers Guard Kerr". Tampa Bay Times. December 4, 1992. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  16. ^ "NBA Games Played on February 18, 1993". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  17. ^ "Scott Out 10 Days". United Press International. February 8, 1993. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  18. ^ "Magic". Orlando Sentinel. February 9, 1993. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  19. ^ Povtak, Tim (March 18, 1993). "Headliners". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  20. ^ "Brian Williams Says He Attempted Suicide Last Month". Los Angeles Times. Staff and Wire Reports. November 27, 1992. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  21. ^ "Magic Forward Says He Tried Suicide". Chicago Tribune. Orlando Sentinel. November 27, 1992. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  22. ^ "Ex-Terp Williams of Magic Says He Attempted Suicide". The Baltimore Sun. Orlando Sentinel. November 27, 1992. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  23. ^ Cotton, Anthony (December 3, 1992). "Not All Fun, Games for Rodman, Brian Williams". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  24. ^ "1992–93 Orlando Magic Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  25. ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Pacers Wheel In, Keep Both Magic and Pistons Out". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 25, 1993. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  26. ^ "NBA ROUNDUP: Pacers Edge Out Magic for Last Berth". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. April 25, 1993. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  27. ^ "Magic Win, But Pacers Make Sure Shaq Will Sit". Deseret News. Associated Press. April 25, 1993. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  28. ^ "Heat Loss, Tiebreaker Leaves Magic with Scores to Settle". Sun Sentinel. May 2, 1993. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  29. ^ "O'Neal Wins NBA Rookie of the Year". United Press International. May 6, 1993. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  30. ^ "O'Neal Shatters Rookie Vote". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 7, 1993. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  31. ^ "O'Neal "Just Doing His Job", Wins Rookie of the Year". Deseret News. May 7, 1993. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "NBA & ABA Rookie of the Year Award Winners". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  33. ^ "Manning Gets All-Star Berth: Pro Basketball: He Is Selected for the First Time. The Lakers and Celtics Are Shut Out for the First Time Since Game Began". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. February 10, 1993. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  34. ^ Sorensen, Mike (February 19, 1993). "Life at the Top of the NBA Has Put Jordan Under Considerable Scrutiny". Deseret News. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
  35. ^ Freeman, Mike (February 22, 1993). "PRO BASKETBALL; The West Prevails in Serious Showdown". The New York Times. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  36. ^ "1993 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com. NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  37. ^ "1993 NBA All-Star Game: West 135, East 132 (OT)". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  38. ^ "NBA MVP". The Baltimore Sun. May 26, 1993. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  39. ^ "MVP Voting". Tampa Bay Times. May 26, 1993. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  40. ^ "1992–93 NBA Awards Voting". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  41. ^ Orlando Magic (1989-Present)
  42. ^ "1992–93 Orlando Magic Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  43. ^ "4 Players Added to Bulls' Roster". Chicago Tribune. September 30, 1993. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  44. ^ "Nuggets Aquire [sic] Williams". United Press International. August 19, 1993. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  45. ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Nuggets-Magic Trade". The New York Times. August 20, 1993. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  46. ^ "For Williams, Nuggets Is Find". Orlando Sentinel. October 30, 1993. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  47. ^ "Magic Promote Hill to Head Coach". United Press International. June 30, 1993. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  48. ^ Cooper, Barry (July 1, 1993). "Guokas Up and Out; 'Penny' In". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  49. ^ Landman, Brian (July 1, 1993). "Guokas Steps Down, Hill Steps Up as Magic Coach". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 5, 2023.