The Orlando Magic’s founding was something of a miracle.
The city of Orlando was a small town known mostly for its theme parks, its yearly golf tournament and bowl games and its orange groves. It was hardly a bustling metropolis in the center of the state. There were boosters who believed in Orlando’s long-term growth, but it was always a long shot — read Pat Williams’ book Making Magic for the full story (a must-read for all Magic fans).
Fast forward 35 years later, the Magic are a thriving franchise with a deep history.