Orlando Magic co-founder was the first to believe in its potential

Orlando Magic co-founder was the first to believe in its potential
Jimmy Hewitt

Orlando Magic was not even on the NBA map when co-founder Jimmy Hewitt believed in the franchise’s potential. As Hewitt passes away, let’s take a look at this small teams announcing itself on the biggest stage of the sport. During the 1995 NBA Finals, Magic was the team everyone was rooting for. Led by Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway, Magic progressed and blossom stage after stage. 

From being merely an airport to reach to Disney, to becoming a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, Magic has seen the days of struggle and has put those behind it. For the Magic, that man — that first believer — was Jimmy Hewitt. It was through his will and determination that he sold the NBA on Orlando and made the Magic a reality. He truly believed before anyone else would and converted the city, its residents and the NBA into believers. 

Jimmy Hewitt dies at age of 79 

“Jimmy Hewitt is the reason the Magic and professional sports exist in Orlando,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said in a statement released by the team. “It was Jimmy’s belief, perseverance, community spirit and vision that ‘Orlando is the place to be,’ which brought NBA basketball to Orlando and Central Florida. He is truly the founding father of the Orlando Magic and for that we will be eternally grateful. He was like a father to all Magic fans and we will miss him dearly.” 

FS Video

The quote from Martins’ statement: “Orlando is the place to be,” is a now-legendary quote and a prescient one from Hewitt. 

Hewitt convinced so many in this community to dream big. And sold this plucky little citrus town with a theme park nearby to others. Soon, they too were believers. 

Hewitt was all about that belief in his hometown. Anyone who interacted with him could feel the confidence and optimism radiating from him. He was personable and unwavering in his belief in this city. 

He dreamed an impossible dream. But he believed in it first. And that was the first step to making Magic. 

Also Read: Kendrick Perkins lauds Lakers and takes a dig at Clippers