At the recent Fanatics Fest in New York, Orlando Magic Legend Penny Hardaway Hardaway shared with GQ Sports his dream list of the greatest basketball players of all time. Surprising few who remember his prowess on the court, Hardaway boldly placed himself among basketball’s elite, including his former teammate Shaquille O’Neal.
“Can I put myself on that list? I would say myself, Shaq, MJ, Bron and Kobe,” Hardaway said in the interview. That statement may sound like a confident statement, but it’s backed up by a career that, while marked by injuries, has shown undeniable genius.
Penny Hardaway’s Early Dominance and Injury Toll
Hardaway, drafted third overall by the Magic in 1993, quickly established himself as a force in the league. He was named to the All-NBA First Team twice in his first three seasons and was a close contender for MVP voting during that span. His dynamic style of play and versatility on the court captivated fans and analysts alike, suggesting a trajectory toward basketball immortality.
However, a series of injuries, beginning with a serious knee injury in the 1996 playoffs, abruptly halted Hardaway’s rise. These setbacks significantly hampered his performance and progression in the years that followed. Despite these obstacles, he maintained a respectable presence in the NBA over his 14-season career, averaging 15.2 points, 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game.
Shaquille O’Neal, Hardaway’s teammate during his most productive years in Orlando, has often commented on Penny’s potential and their synergistic play. In a comment on The Big Podcast earlier this summer, O’Neal addressed the often-cited comparison between Hardaway and Bryant.
“They ask me all the time, they say, ‘Who’s better, Penny or Kobe?’ And I always say, Penny. [Hardaway] it was kobe [Bryant] “Before Kobe. … They act like they don’t understand what I’m talking about,” O’Neal remarked, emphasizing the high regard in which Hardaway was held.
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Hardaway’s Legacy Amid Unfulfilled Potential
These reflections highlight not only Hardaway’s influence during his time with the Magic, but also the potential lost due to his untimely injuries. While his career didn’t reach the pinnacle of accolades or longevity enjoyed by contemporaries like Bryant and Jordan, his moments of brilliance on the court remain an important part of NBA history.
The fact that Hardaway has ranked among legends like Jordan, James and Bryant is not only a testament to his self-belief, but also a nod to what could have been. While his career has lacked some of the accolades others have achieved, Hardaway has had periods of dominance that continually remind fans and peers of a star whose genius was ultimately overshadowed by circumstances beyond his control.