7 Basketball Players who Played for Suns and Magic
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Suns and the Magic.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “Shaq,” was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His career spanned from 1992 to 2011, featuring stints with several teams including the Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics.
His career achievements include four NBA Championships (three with the Lakers and one with the Heat), three NBA Finals MVP awards, a regular-season MVP award in 2000, and 15 All-Star game appearances. O’Neal’s career totals include 28,596 points, 13,099 rebounds, and 2732 blocks.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Beyond his playing career, O’Neal has also had a successful run as a sports analyst, businessman, and even a DJ.
O’Neal Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Lakers, Magic, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics)
- MVP (Lakers)
- All-Star (Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
Grant Hill
Grant Hill played in the NBA from 1994 to 2013. Hill’s career started off with significant promise when he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the third overall pick. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league, earning co-Rookie of the Year honors.
In Detroit, Hill was a five-time All-Star and was known for his all-around game. However, his career was hampered by a severe ankle injury that he suffered during the 2000 playoffs. This injury would plague him for several years, significantly affecting his time with the Orlando Magic, to which he was traded in the summer of 2000.
In the latter part of his career, Hill experienced a career resurgence with the Phoenix Suns, becoming a key veteran presence. He finished his career with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2013. Despite his injury struggles, Hill was recognized for his contributions to the game and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Hill Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Pistons, Suns, Magic, Clippers)
- Rookie of the Year (Pistons)
- All-Star (Pistons, Magic)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pistons)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pistons, Magic)
Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson is remembered by most for his incredible athleticism, particularly his dunking ability. He was selected 5th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA Draft.
Richardson spent the first six seasons of his career with the Warriors, where he became a fan favorite due to his high-flying dunks and scoring ability. He twice won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2002 and 2003, showcasing his athleticism on the national stage.
Richardson also had successful stints with the Bobcats, Suns, Magic, and 76ers throughout his 14-year career. His best statistical season came in 2005-2006 with the Warriors, where he averaged 23.2 points per game. He was particularly known for his three-point shooting, finishing his career with over 1600 made threes.
Richardson Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Warriors, Hornets)
Vince Carter
Vince Carter is renowned for his extraordinary leaping ability, scoring prowess, and longevity in the league. He was selected fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1998 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he quickly emerged as a star.
Carter was a sensation in Toronto, earning the nickname “Vinsanity” for his remarkable athleticism and spectacular dunks. His performance in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, where he showcased a variety of stunning dunks, remains one of the most memorable in NBA history.
Throughout his career, Carter earned eight All-Star selections. Remarkably, he played 22 seasons in the NBA, retiring after the 2019-2020 season with the Hawks. His longevity, combined with his high-flying playing style and scoring ability, ensured his place as one of the most entertaining and respected players in NBA history.
Carter Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Raptors)
- All-NBA (Raptors)
- All-Star (Raptors, Nets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors, Nets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets)
Marcin Gortat
Marcin Gortat was selected as the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Over his NBA career, Gortat averaged close to a double-double in points and rebounds. He also became known for his shot-blocking ability.
Gortat’s NBA career took off when he was traded to the Orlando Magic, where he served as a valuable backup to Dwight Howard. He later became a starting center for the Washington Wizards, where he spent several seasons and played a key role.
Among his career highlights, Gortat played in the NBA Finals with the Magic in 2009, although they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. He also represented Poland in international competition.
Gortat Key Stats
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Suns, Wizards)
Ish Smith
Ish Smith was drafted as the 17th pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Development League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Though he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut later that year with the Houston Rockets.
Primarily known as a journeyman point guard and a valuable role player, Smith’s quickness and ability to distribute the ball have been his standout attributes.
Over his NBA career, Smith has played for an incredible 13 different teams, including the Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Pistons (and that’s barely over half!).
Smith Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Pistons, Wizards)
Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 NBA Draft. In his early career with the Suns, Lopez provided reliable depth at the center position, known for his rim protection and rebounding.
His time in Phoenix was followed by a successful stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a full-time starter and was appreciated for his defensive efforts and hard screens.
Lopez then had brief but impactful spells with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, providing a steady inside presence and veteran leadership. In recent years, Lopez has continued to bounce around with multiple teams with varied levels of success.
