Step Back in Time: A Comprehensive Guide to the 1995 Orlando Magic Finals Roster

In the spring of 1995, the Orlando Magic made their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance, seeking to become the first team since the 1966 and 1967 Boston Celtics to win back-to-back championships. With a roster featuring a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, the Magic looked poised for a championship run. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Bobby Hussman, the team hoped to build on their previous year's success and prove themselves as a legitimate title contender. The 1995 Orlando Magic roster was full of exciting young players and experienced veterans, all working together to bring a championship to Orlando.

The Magic's roster featured several key players who would go on to have successful careers in the NBA. The most notable of these players was Shaquille O'Neal, who was in just his fourth season in the league. Shaq, the dominant center, had already established himself as one of the league's most dominant players, earning five All-Star selections and three All-NBA team nods. In his first three seasons with the Magic, he averaged 23.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Another crucial component of the roster was Penny Hardaway, the dynamic point guard who was in his fifth season with the Magic. Penny, as he was commonly known, was a two-time NBA All-Star and had led the league in assists per game three times. He averaged 18.6 points, 8.1 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game during the 1994-95 season.

The Magic also had a strong supporting cast, led by Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott, and Anthony Bowie. Anderson, the veteran shooting guard, had been a key contributor to the team's recent success, and opponents would rarely dare to leave him open beyond the three-point line. Dennis Scott, the free agent signing from the Philadelphia 76ers, provided the Magic with a reliable scoring punch off the bench, while Anthony Bowie brought athleticism and defensive tenacity to the backcourt.

1. 1993 NBA Defensive Rookie of the Year, Nick Anderson, played shooting guard.

2. Small forward Dennis Scott came off the bench, starting for just one game that season. Nick Anderson played a little bit of both positions as well, but was more of a shooting guard.

3. Trevor Ruffin (2 games), Dennis Scott and Doe Browning played some SF.

The point guard was Renaldo Major and Antonio Daniels.

1. Anthony "Sentinel" Browning

2. Carlton Rose, a talented center who would see little playing time.

3. C Sheldon Shelton joined the team off waivers during the season, only however to be waived at the start of the playoffs in eye opening fashion, albeit so quietly at that.