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After spending 10 seasons helping a young franchise grow into a contender, Nick Anderson became one of the most popular players in Orlando Magic history. Recently, Anderson - the team's first-ever draft choice and all-time leading scorer - rejoined the Magic as a member of the organization's community relations department and now takes part in a variety of community outreach efforts.
Anderson, the 11th overall selection out of the University of Illinois in the 1989 NBA Draft, played 10 seasons for the Orlando Magic from 1989-99. In 692 career regular season games with Orlando, he averaged 15.4 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 2.8 apg. and 1.45 stlpg. Anderson ranks as the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 10,650 points. He also stands as the Magic's all-time leader in games played (692), field goals made (4,075), steals (1,004), field goals attempted (8,976), three-point field goals attempted (2,480) and minutes played (22,440).
Anderson may best be remembered for one of the greatest moments in Magic history -- stealing the ball from Michael Jordan during the closing seconds of Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, allowing Orlando to win the contest and eventually move on to the NBA Finals. This past season Anderson was the first honoree as part of the Magic's "Commitment to the Past" program, a multi-season effort aimed at embracing Magic history and the team's former players. Anderson won the inaugural Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award in 1995-96.
On Tuesday, August 22, Nick Anderson chatted live on orlandomagic.com - reconnecting with the fan base that supported him through his years in the NBA. Nick discussed his Magic glory days, this year's Magic squad and much more. Check out what Nick had to say.
Bill(Orlando): Welcome Back!! Its about time! Hows it feel to be back?
Nick Anderson: It feels really great. This is my home, I never wanted to leave in the first place. It's great to be back, my mom is here, my brothers and sisters..and of course..the Magic organizatoin, so it's great to be back, it's a family reunion.
Keneil (Toronto): Hey Nick, I remember you as a sharp shooting 3 point shooter. why did you retire after 10 seasons...i thought you still have some fire arm in you
Nick Anderson: Actually, I played my first 10 years in Orlando, then I played two years in Sacramento, then I played with the Grizzlies, so it was a 13 year total. I never really officially retired, young guys came in and I became a mentor to some young guys...like Shane Battier and Pau Gasol...their rookie year in Memphis. That was a great experience, working with those two young men. Pau has established himself, both his inside and outside game. And Shane's on the Rockets now...is a very smart player....knows what to do on the court. So, I worked with guys like that in my last few years after leaving Orlando.
Jarrid (Memphis): What do you feel is the difference between playing in Orlando and playing anywhere else?
Nick Anderson: Playing in Orlando, it felt more like home, being around people I know and the familiar faces. It was a great situation for me...not to take anything away from other cities I played in. But the ownership here in Orlando is outstanding. Like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz said, "There's no place like home."
karun (tampa): Can you compare Shaq to Dwight Howard?
Nick Anderson: Obviously, we can't compare them in size, 'cause there is a great difference there (Laughing). But they do have a similar tenacioius attitude. Dwight is tenacious, even for a young player, he has a chip on his shoulder. So that is a similarilty. Shaq has Dwyane Wade now too, so that helps. One thing I need to add about him....Dwyane Wade played one year at my high school in Chicago before transferring to the suburbs.
Joachim (Jena/Germany): Hello Nick Anderson!
What was your biggest moment of your NBA career? For me it was the blocked fadeaway shot against Michael Jordan in the conference finals 95. I´ve never seen anyone blocking MJ´s go to move before and it was awesome.
Thanks for the great seasons whith the magic!
Nick Anderson: The biggest moment of my NBA career had to be reaching the NBA Finals. Most people would say the block or steal on Michael Jordan, I can't argue with that too much. But for me, it was reaching the NBA Finals. It was very special, something I'll never forget. We lost to Houston, but getting to the Finals was the biggest highlight of my career.
Michael (Pataskala, Ohio): Yourself and Dennis Scott were my favorite players growing up. Your 1-2 punch was amazing and fun to watch. Who do you see the Magic having as their 1-2 punch this season?
Nick Anderson: We have a healthy Jameer Nelson, so that is a positive. And Dwight Howard is a dominant young player. He is still so young, but he can contribute right now. Block shots, defend, rebound and score. So, those two guys would be the Big Two. In fact, I think this year Dwight Howard becomes an NBA All-Star. He was knocking on that door last year, but I think he walks through that door this year. He will be an impact player in this league.
Nemanja (Orlando): Hey Nick. What's up man? I just have 1 question, if the team had a couple of injuries, would/could you step in and help out on something like a 10-day contract or 2? That would be so awesome, to see you in a Magic uniform 1 more time.
Nick Anderson: Ha-ha (Laughing) It's possible, I'm in pretty good shape. I'm working with a trainer, named Rasheed Shabazz, he's from Atlanta. I stay in good shape. I can't say I'm in NBA condition, but I'm in pretty good shape. I'd have to get into training camp and see what happens. I'm one of those guys who doesn't want to retire and pick up that big belly..that beer belly. I try to keep it tight.
Renato (Orlando): Hey Nick, I'm happy to see you back home where you belong. What's the one thing you are looking forward to do the most now that you're back in town? Good luck.
Nick Anderson: Just being involved with the people who gave me an opportunity to play professional basketball. People like Pat Williams, Brian Hill....the GM Otis Smith. I also look forward to giving back to the community of Orlando here. It all starts with the fans. I made lots of fans here in Orlando and I'm looking forward to working with them again. There are some great people here in Orlando, who stuck with me through the good times and bad times...and I want to return that.
Mike - Oak Ridge, NJ: Nick, Glad you are finally back with the Magic. Where in the organization do you see yourself heading in the future? Would you like to be part of the coaching staff, a scout, etc? Thanks and welcome back!
Nick Anderson: All doors are open with Nick Anderson. I helped coach during some pre-draft camps and that was fun. I have the utmost respect for coaches...not just NBA coaches...but coaches in general. Getting players ready to compete. I respect coaches. Basketball Operations is interesting too. From scouting up to the top, all options are open with Nick Anderson.
Nick Anderson: Thanks to all the NBA fans who followed my career. They say out of sight, out of mind, but I really appreciate all the support, from even before my NBA days. I had a nice time chatting with you today and I look forward to doing it again in the future. Thanks.
