Anfernee Hardaway

Uniquely leading the charge for a franchise that appeared capable of running the NBA’s upper tier within the very-near future, Penny Hardaway hustled his way into a defense-to-offense sequence that delivered messages both literal and poetic: once the Orlando Magic’s wheels began moving, there wouldn't be much the rest of the Eastern Conference could do. Bookmarking his Rookie of the Year runner-up campaign with highlights of every kind, Hardaway opts for high-IQ hustle on this occasion, cutting into the Indiana Pacers’ pass attempt with a perfectly-placed swipe to his teammate. Free to shift through the cracks and into a one-man fastbreak, the eventual four-time All-Star elevates with ease, soaring into a double-clutch reverse. An all-around marvel with top-of-the-NBA potential from the moment he first put on the Magic’s classic pinstripe jersey, Hardaway prospered in the form of 15 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block on February 23, 1994. The confidence-building win pushed the nascent Magic to a 31-20 record, supplying them with a victory over a team they would see once more in the 1994 NBA Playoffs.

Rookie Year

Top Shot Debut