Penny Hardaway
Magic Peak (1994-96) · 1994–1996
Hardaway's strong Versatility (88) and strong Playmaking (85) define this era.
Trophy Case
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
4 consecutive selections — one of the most exciting young stars ever
1995, 1996
2 consecutive selections — one of the most exciting young stars ever
Signature Moments
Lil' Penny — The Nike Campaign
Nike created "Lil' Penny" — a puppet voiced by Chris Rock — as Hardaway's alter ego. The campaign made Penny one of the most marketable athletes in the world. His Nike Air Penny shoes were as coveted as Jordan's. For two years, Penny was basketball's future.
He had a puppet. Chris Rock voiced it. His shoes sold out everywhere. Penny Hardaway was the coolest player in basketball before injuries robbed him.
1995 Finals Run — The Magic Eliminate Jordan
Penny and Shaq beat a returning Michael Jordan in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semis and reached the Finals. Hardaway was 23 and played like a 6'7" point guard from the future — handling, scoring, defending. He was supposed to be the next Magic Johnson.
He helped beat Jordan. He made the Finals at 23. Then injuries took everything. Penny Hardaway is the cruelest "what if" of the 1990s.
Career Numbers
Assists Per Game
4.7
Peak Ppg
1995-96: 21.7 PPG, 7.1 APG — was the next Magic before knee injuries
21.7
Points Per Game
Career average across 704 games — injuries destroyed trajectory
15.2
Rebounds Per Game
4.5
Season Stats · Magic Peak (1994-96)
Engine Attributes
Fan Debate
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