Sharpshooter Dennis ‘3D’ Scott is the 12th inductee of the Magic Hall of Fame. The Magic honoured him ahead of hosting and beating the New York Knicks last night. Dennis joins a star studded list that includes Head Coach Brian Hill, along with Magic team mates in Nick Anderson, Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal.
The Magic Hall Of Fame
The Magic introduced the ‘Orlando Magic Hall of Fame’ to honour and celebrate the players, coaches and executives who have represented Orlando and had a major impact during the team’s history. The inductees are determined on their overall contributions to the team and organisation both on and off the court. Consideration for the Hall of Fame is measured by the years of service, impact on the community and the overall character of the individual.
The Magic do not retire jersey numbers, being one of three teams in the NBA (alongside the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors) which have not raised one to the rafters. The exception is the Number 6 jersey, being retired “For the Fans”.
Dennis ‘3D’ Scott – A Special Career
Dennis was drafted by the Magic 4th overall in the 1990 NBA Draft. Before declaring for the Draft Scott completed 3 seasons of college with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, reaching the Final Four before being drafted.
Scott, a 6-foot-8 small forward, played for the Magic between 1990 and 1997. On moving he played in Dallas, Phoenix, New York, Minnesota and Vancouver. 3D retired in 2000.
Earning the nickname “3-D” due to his ability to consistently make three-point field goals, Scott helped revolutionise the game. By being one of the best 3-point proponents and a volume shooter during the 1990’s he helped trailblazer the skill. This was at a time when the long ball was in its infancy with regard to volume.
Scott still holds the Magic record for three-point field goals made in a season with 267 makes (1995-96 season). He also had 11 made 3-point field goals (recorded on the 18th April 1996), another record he still holds for the team. Both of these accomplishments were at the time NBA records.
His crowning moment as a member of the Magic was defeating the Indiana Pacers in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals by 4 games to 3 to win the Eastern Conference Championship, scoring 17.6 points whilst shooting an impressive 43% from downtown. Unfortunately the Magic would go on to lose to the Rockets in the NBA Finals.
Scott’s name is frequently seen amongst the Magic’s top 10 rankings, and can be found in 1st place for 3 point field goals made with 981, 4th place for 3 point field goal percentage with 40.3%, 8th in games played with 446 and 10th in Career points with 6,603. He finished with career averages of 12.9 points per game, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 28.6 mins per game.
A Media Career Post Playing
Dennis has remained in the world of professional basketball. If you are a regular in watching the NBA you will see Dennis on your screen, working as a commentator for Turner Sports. Scott previously served as the General Manager for the Atlanta Vision in the American Basketball Association.
Magic Hall Of Fame Inductees
Scott joins some illustrious names as the 2023 inductee into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame:
- Nick Anderson and Pat Williams – 2014
- Shaquille O’Neal – 2015
- Richard DeVos – 2016
- Penny Hardaway and Jim Hewitt – 2017
- Tracy McGrady – 2018
- David Steele – 2019
- Darrell Armstrong – 2020
- Brian Hill and John Gabriel – 2022
- Dennis Scott – 2023
You can visit each inductee’s plaque in the Fan Experience on the Terrace Level at the Amway Center.
We at Orlando Magic UK have been very fortunate to have four of the Magic Hall Of Famers join us on our podcast; Penny For Your Thoughts. You can catch the episodes for Nick Anderson, Davis Steele, Darrell Armstrong and Brian Hill for some memorable stories.
Congratulations ‘3D’ on a well deserved honour.
Co-written by Geraint Jones and Paul Bacon
