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Who's the Most Hated Player in Orlando Magic History?

  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The folks at SB Nation NBA have asked team bloggers to weigh in on the question of who the most hated player in the history of the franchise they cover is. The Orlando Magic have some obvious candidates, but before I submit my reply, I wanted to survey the team's fans on the issue.

In light of recent events, Dwight Howard might be the clearest choice, as he wavered on his commitment to the Magic before ultimately requesting a trade and then landing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Shaquille O`Neal was the first Magic center to leave Orlando for Tinseltown, and though he did so 16 years ago, the wound still stings, especially since he left as a free agent rather than in a trade.

Tracy McGrady, too, begged out of Orlando, which granted his wish. The Magic got pennies on the dollar in return for the two-time scoring champion.

Grant Hill is another candidate for this dubious honor, though his case isn't as strong as those of the above-named players. As discussed in this post, injuries beset Hill's Magic career, which spanned seven seasons at a maximum salary. When he became a free agent in 2007, he chose to sign with the Phoenix Suns instead of re-signing at a relative discount with the Magic, which some fans believe he ought to have done as a show of goodwill.

Vote for one of these players, or name your own, in the poll below.

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