 The Orlando Magic officially entered the NBA as an expansion
franchise in 1989. Led by 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, and Jerry Reynolds. In the club's
first draft in 1989, the Magic chose Nick Anderson with the 11th pick in
the first round.
The club's first game was on November 4, 1989, at the Orlando Arena
(O-Rena). Despite playing a hard-fought game, the visiting New Jersey
Nets won 111-106. The Magic's first victory came 2 days later, as the
Magic pounded the New York Knicks 118-110.
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Orlando Magic Basketball |
