Shaquille O'Neal vs. Dwight Howard: Who Is The Greatest Player In Orlando Magic History?

In the rich tapestry of Orlando Magic history, two titans stand tall, casting shadows of greatness across different eras. Shaquille O'Neal, the dominant force of the '90s, and Dwight Howard, the powerhouse of the 2000s, have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As we embark on a journey to compare and contrast these iconic figures, this article aims to dissect their contributions, triumphs, and statistical achievements in their time with the franchise.

In a head-to-head analysis, we delve into categories such as Total Win Shares, Player Efficiency Rating (PER), All-Defensive, and All-NBA Teams to determine who emerges as the Greatest of All Time for the Orlando Magic. Join us as we navigate through Orlando’s history to unveil the legends – Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard.

NBA Championships

Shaquille O’Neal: 0

Dwight Howard: 0

Shaquille O'Neal played for the Orlando Magic from 1992 to 1996. During this period, the Magic reached the NBA Finals in the 1994-1995 season but fell short of winning the championship. Therefore, Shaq did not secure an NBA Championship with Orlando.

Dwight Howard was with the Orlando Magic from 2004 to 2012. Similar to Shaq, Howard guided the Magic to the NBA Finals in the 2008-2009 season but did not capture the championship. Consequently, Dwight Howard did not win an NBA Championship during his tenure with the Orlando Magic.

Advantage: Even

Finals MVP Awards

Shaquille O’Neal: 0

Dwight Howard: 0

Neither Shaquille O'Neal nor Dwight Howard won the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award during their respective tenures with the Orlando Magic. While both players had impactful performances in the regular season and the playoffs, the Finals MVP honor was not part of their achievements with the Magic.

Shaquille O'Neal, despite leading the team to the NBA Finals in the 1994-1995 season, did not capture the Finals MVP award during his time in Orlando. Dwight Howard, on the other hand, also reached the NBA Finals in the 2008-2009 season but fell short of winning the Finals MVP.

Advantage: Even

MVP Awards

Shaquille O’Neal: 0

Dwight Howard: 0

During their respective stints with the Orlando Magic, neither Shaquille O'Neal nor Dwight Howard won the NBA Most Valuable Player award. Despite putting up impressive performances, the MVP honor eluded both players during their time with the team.

Although Shaq was a dominant force on the court during his Orlando years, he did not secure the MVP award during that period. Howard stood out as one of the league's premier defensive players with the Magic, leading the NBA in rebounds and blocks in multiple seasons. Nevertheless, he did not clinch the MVP award while playing for Orlando.

Both players left a significant impact on the history of the Orlando Magic, but the MVP accolade remained elusive for them during their time with the team.

Advantage: Even

Defensive Player Of The Year Awards

Shaquille O’Neal: 0

Dwight Howard: 3 (2009, 2010, 2011)

Shaquille O'Neal did not secure the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award during his time with the Orlando Magic. While Shaq was a dominant force on both ends of the court, the DPOY accolade was not part of his achievements with the Magic.

Dwight Howard, known for his exceptional defensive skills, won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three times during his tenure with the Orlando Magic. He received the honor for the consecutive seasons of 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011. Howard's shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and overall defensive impact were key factors in earning him the DPOY recognition

Advantage: Dwight Howard

Scoring Titles

Shaquille O’Neal: 1 (1995)

Dwight Howard: 0

Shaquille O'Neal, during his tenure with the Orlando Magic, exhibited an imposing scoring presence, yet the elusive NBA Scoring Title got to him one time during those years, in 1994-1995 as he averaged 29.3. Due to his ability to dominate in the paint and contribute significantly to the team's offensive output, Shaq secured the league's scoring crown while wearing the Orlando jersey once.

In a different vein, Dwight Howard, known for his defensive prowess and rebounding skills, did not clinch any NBA Scoring Titles. Howard's impact on the court was notably felt on the defensive end, and while he made significant offensive contributions, the distinction of being the league's top scorer eluded him during his Orlando tenure.

Advantage: Shaquille O’Neal

All-Star Selections

Shaquille O’Neal: 4 (1992-1996)

Dwight Howard: 6 (2007-2012)

During his impactful years with the Orlando Magic from 1992 to 1996, Shaquille O'Neal showcased his dominance on the court, earning a spot in the All-Star Game in each season with the team. The towering center's imposing presence and scoring ability made him a perennial selection, accumulating a total of 4 All-Star appearances during his tenure in Orlando.

In a parallel fashion, Dwight Howard, during his stint with the Orlando Magic from 2004 to 2012, solidified his status as one of the premier big men in the league. Renowned for his defensive prowess and rebounding skills, Howard earned the nod for the All-Star Game on 6 occasions.

Advantage: Dwight Howard

All-NBA Teams

Shaquille O’Neal: 4 (1992-1996)

Dwight Howard: 6 (2007-2012)

Shaquille O'Neal, during his tenure with the Orlando Magic from 1992 to 1996, earned All-NBA Team honors every season, showcasing his dominance on the court. He received First Team recognition three times and Second Team honors once, solidifying his status as one of the premier players in the league during that period.

In a parallel fashion, Dwight Howard's time with the Orlando Magic (2004-2012) was marked by consistent excellence, reflected in his multiple All-NBA Team selections. Howard secured First Team honors five times, Second Team recognition once, and Third Team accolades once, underscoring his significance as a top-tier player in the league and a key contributor to the Magic's success during his tenure.

Advantage: Dwight Howard

All-Defensive NBA Teams

Shaquille O’Neal: 0

Dwight Howard: 5 (2008-2012)

While Shaq's defensive impact was evident, he did not secure any All-Defensive Team selections during his Orlando years. The league's recognition for his defensive abilities would come later in his career, but in Orlando, O'Neal was primarily celebrated for his offensive brilliance and charismatic presence, guiding the Magic to prominence in the Eastern Conference.

In contrast, Dwight Howard's stint with the Orlando Magic featured an imposing defensive force in the paint. Howard's shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills garnered him considerable attention, leading to 5 All-Defensive Team selections. Notably, Howard earned First Team honors for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012, showcasing his consistent and dominant defensive presence in the league.

Advantage: Dwight Howard

Total Win Shares

Shaquille O’Neal: 48.3

Dwight Howard: 87.5

Dwight Howard's tenure with the Magic is marked by his remarkable on-court contributions, as evidenced by his impressive Total Win Shares of 87.5. This statistic not only cements Howard as the franchise's all-time leader in this category but also underscores the profound impact he had on both ends of the floor. His dominant presence in the paint, combined with exceptional rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, contributed significantly to the Magic's success.

On the other hand, Shaquille O'Neal, while ranking fourth in Total Win Shares for the Orlando Magic with 48.3, made an indelible mark on the franchise. Shaq's scoring prowess and physical dominance played a pivotal role in establishing the Magic as a formidable team in the Eastern Conference. Despite the lower Total Win Shares in comparison to Howard, O'Neal's impact on the team's success and his cultural significance to the Magic organization remain enduring aspects of the franchise's history.

Advantage: Dwight Howard

Player Efficiency Rating

Shaquille O’Neal: 26.6

Dwight Howard: 22.5

In the realm of Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Shaquille O'Neal stands as the all-time leader in Orlando Magic history, boasting an impressive PER of 26.6. Shaq's exceptional efficiency on the court, coupled with his dominant scoring and rebounding, solidifies his status as one of the most impactful players not only in Magic history but in the entire league.

Dwight Howard, ranking third in Magic history with a PER of 22.5, showcased his own brand of efficiency and versatility during his time with the Magic. Howard's high PER reflects his prowess on both ends of the floor, particularly his dominant defensive contributions as an elite shot-blocker and rebounder.

Advantage: Shaquille O’Neal

Final Score

Shaquille O’Neal vs. Dwight Howard 2-5

In the ultimate showdown between two giants of the Orlando Magic, the final score unequivocally favors Dwight Howard, who emerges victorious in five key categories. While Shaquille O’Neal undoubtedly laid the foundation for the Magic's competitive presence in the '90s, it's Dwight Howard who, in the 2000s, solidified his legacy as the Greatest of All Time for Orlando.

Dwight's triumph in five categories, including Total Win Shares, Player Efficiency Rating, All-Defensive Teams, and All-NBA Teams, underscores his unparalleled influence and dominance during his tenure. With a franchise-leading Total Win Shares of 87.5 and a PER of 22.5, Howard's statistical achievements place him at the forefront of Orlando Magic history.

While Shaq's impact on the Magic's competitiveness in the '90s cannot be overstated, Dwight Howard's reign in the 2000s marked a revitalization of the franchise. His status as the most influential player since Shaq departed solidifies his place as the Orlando Magic's GOAT. It's a tale of two legends, each leaving an indelible mark on the franchise, with Dwight Howard ultimately securing the title of the Greatest of All Time for the Orlando Magic.