The Curse of the Big Aristotle

In 1997 the history of professional basketball was changed inexplicably.

It was that summer when Shaquille O'Neal left the Magic Kingdom in Orlando and leaped across the nation to the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. It was that summer that the Los Angeles Lakers became a championship contender while the Orlando Magic were left to pick up the pieces.

It was that summer that the Curse of the Big Aristotle was born.

Ever since Orlando won that fateful Draft Lottery in 1992, the team's history would forever be tied with O'Neal's. He led the Magic to their first and only NBA Finals three years later (where they were swept by the defending champion Rockets).

His departure left a gaping 7-foot-1, 300-plus pound hole in Orlando's front line. The Magic were forced to watch from the sidelines as the Lakers won title after title while they slipped into mediocrity and irrelevancy.

It was at this moment that Orlando became somewhat of a laughing stock -- making questionable moves (trading Ben Wallace), poor draft choices (Reece Gaines) and poor free agent decisions (Grant Hill).

It was at this moment the Curse of the Big Aristotle began.

The time after O'Neal's departure was not horrible for the franchise. Orlando has made the playoffs in seven years in the 12 years since Shaq left. But the team did not make it past the first round until last season.

Between then there were successful years, unsuccessful years and mediocre years.

While the curse may be broken, its effect on the Magic fan will not be forgotten. An indelible print on the franchise forever.

This blog is dedicated to the culture of the Orlando Magic. As the team enters its 20th anniversary, it is trying to find the Magic Generation.

I am part of that generation. These are our (my) stories.

The Magic have been part of my life since I was born 20 years ago and I have been going to games ever since I can remember. While I am at school now away from Orlando and Florida, I keep a close eye on how the team is doing and the perception of the team away from the City Beautiful.

I hope my experience and commentary will add a new perspective on the Magic.

Welcome to the Curse of the Big Aristotle...