Schmitz: Orlando Magic Should Retire Nick Anderson's No. 25, Ask Chris Duhon to Pick Something Else

by Evan Dunlap on Jul 12, 2010 8:00 AM EDT in News

One of the biggest takeaways from the Orlando Magic's introduction of free-agent signee Chris Duhon last week is that they let Duhon wear no. 25, which Nick Anderson, the team's first-ever draft pick and career leader in points scored, wore during his 12 seasons with the franchise. And I'm not the only one whom that news puzzled. "[I]t bothered me a little," Schmitz writes, so he caught up with Anderson, now a Magic community ambassador, to discuss Duhon's choice in jersey fashion.

Of course, this is the whole other part of the story, touchier for Anderson than even the simple unfurling of a basketball jersey. "I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'd like it one day to be hanging in the rafters," he said.

I asked Anderson if he is resigned to the fact that if the Magic haven't retired it now, they never will. "I have….I don't think it will be done," he said, matter of factly.

At least No. 25 is in play and seeing it keeps Anderson's memory alive. The guy who stole the ball from Michael Jordan will settle for that.

In separate posts last summer, Eddy and I agreed that the Magic ought to retire no. 25 to honor Anderson. In the poll attached to Eddy's post, 80% of respondents said that Anderson was a deserving candidate.

I don't think it'd kill the Magic to ask Duhon if he wouldn't mind taking a different number, and to subsequently set aside a date to retire Anderson's at the new Amway Center. He's done a lot for the team, and for its fans--who, as I noted, strongly believe he's earned the honor--so I don't see the harm in it.

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IMO

I think we should retire his #25 as well as the #1. I know that this team has had seperate falling outs with Penny, and Tracy McGrady, but if you look at the rest who have worn it, the wearers all left town with somewhat bad memories: Christie, Ariza, Maurice Williams and lately Rafer Alston.

Just my opinion.

ORL★NDO, our time will come.

by magic12ball on Jul 12, 2010 9:01 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

As a Penny/T-Mac fan I agree, but we all know it will never happen

That’s sorta the problem with retiring jerseys here. We’ve had a lot of great players come through here, but the relevant superstars all left on bad terms or the heart and hustle role players are just not that staggeringly amazing to really warrant a retired jersey.

"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS

Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.

by Wasabi Steak on Jul 13, 2010 4:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Who knows, it might give him some good luck on hitting some baskets!!

But, I agree that #25 should be retired!

by bumper64 on Jul 12, 2010 9:26 AM EDT reply actions

Agree #25 should be retired............

Nick Anderson deserve it, not only for his years in uniform but also for his loyalty and love to the city of Orlando.

by roger40 on Jul 12, 2010 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Look to 2013

I personally think that the Magic organization will retire Nick’s no. 25 to celebrate the team’s 25th anniversary.

by real thrilla on Jul 12, 2010 10:04 AM EDT reply actions

good point. great marketing.

"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.

by KingJafi on Jul 12, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I had the same thought when I saw that Duhon was wearing #25.

I’ve thought for a long time that Nick should have his number retired. He is one of my all time favorite players.

The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy

by cgsimone on Jul 12, 2010 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

yeah when i heard Duhon was wearing #25, i instantly thought of Nick…that’s why the number should be retired…that number signifies Nick Anderson to fans…

"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.

by KingJafi on Jul 12, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I think they should, as an organization, agree to retire it after Duhon leaves.

by fwedo on Jul 12, 2010 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

Without a doubt they should retire the guy’s number. He has franchise records, he’s been loyal to the team more than any Magic player, and he currently works for the organization. No brainer. It also would legitimize us as a franchise a little. I mean the Hornets, TWolves, and Heat all have retired numbers (though the Hornets and Wolves are in memory of deceased players) but we don’t.

"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.

by KingJafi on Jul 12, 2010 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Duhon should step up and ask for a number change

You want to win over fans, there’s a great way to generate a TON of goodwill instantly. Come one man, respect the 25.

by aakks on Jul 12, 2010 12:30 PM EDT reply actions

Retire the friggin No.25 already!!lol GO MAGIC!!!!!

by Micheal B on Jul 12, 2010 1:40 PM EDT reply actions

This is a non issue to me

I don’t have a problem with Anderson’s #25 being retired, but I don’t think it’s a necessity.

by eltharion_doa on Jul 12, 2010 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

I was sorta suprised they let him wear it

Jersey retiring is somewhat of an issue with the Magic. As I said, the best players left on bad terms so I dont know if ownership would let it (Keep it real Shaq and Penny in a short time meant something to this franchise) and the other guys really didnt make an impact on the league just on this team for a few short years (What would everyone else say about us retiring Darrell Armstrong or Nick Anderson’s number?)

I wish we had a ring of honor thing like the Phoenix Suns do. From what I understand its not necessarily a jersey retiring concept but more their franchise hall of fame. Barkley obviously went in there despite being in Phoenix for 4 seasons and leaving on bad terms. I could see Penny, T-Mac, Shaq, Darrell/Bo, Nick Anderson being there. Maybe certain squads like 94-95, 99-00 and 08-09. I wish we had something like that. But it would require a lot of mended bridges and I don’t see Rich DeVos being that type of guy.

"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS

Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.

by Wasabi Steak on Jul 13, 2010 4:40 AM EDT reply actions

Add Skiles, Seikaly, Catledge, Otis too that Ring too.

"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS

Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.

by Wasabi Steak on Jul 13, 2010 4:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget HoGrant

He is #4 in minutes played, #4 in field goals made, #4 in FG%, #3 in offensive rebounds, #4 in defensive rebounds, #7 in steals, and #4 in blocks for the Magic all-time.

Honor is no substitute for victory.

by The Dark on Jul 13, 2010 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions