The Orlando Magic are still on the hunt for their first NBA Championship, but they have assembled a group of young players who they believe can lead them to success. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the mainstays of the Magic roster, but they also have other talented young players waiting in the wings. Despite their current pursuit, the Magic have come close to winning a title in the past, thanks to the contributions of former superstars. Dwight Howard took the team to the Finals in 2009, while Shaquille O’Neal accomplished the same feat before him. Magic fans also had the pleasure of witnessing the skills of Penny Hardaway, who was considered one of the most promising guards in the league. Unfortunately, Hardaway’s career was plagued by injuries that hindered his progress. However, Brian Shaw, in a recent podcast, expressed his belief that Hardaway would have been in the conversation for the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) if he had a long and successful career. Shaw stated, “I think Penny Hardaway would’ve been in the discussion, especially if he would have had a long career. 15 to 18 years in the NBA, I think he’d be in the discussion about being the GOAT. He was that talented.” Hardaway’s early years in the league are often compared to those of Michael Jordan, and he is a player who legends like Kobe Bryant looked up to. Shaw, who had the opportunity to witness Hardaway and other NBA greats up close, believes that his comments should be taken seriously. Hardaway’s combination of size, scoring ability, and court vision was truly remarkable, and he was capable of excelling in all aspects of the game. The debate about the GOAT will always spark heated discussions among fans, but Hardaway should still be given an honorable mention when the topic arises.
According to the Source thecoldwire.com