Jim Hewitt Founding Ownership
The owner who steered the Magic through their magical rise to NBA prominence in the nineties.
Jim Hewitt stands as a pivotal transitional figure in the Orlando Magic's ownership history, serving as the team's principal owner from 1994 to 2003. While the franchise was originally founded by the Hirsch family and led by founder George Zucker, it was Hewitt who took the helm during the team's most dynamic era of young talent acquisition. His tenure is defined by the strategic construction of a roster that would eventually launch two future Hall of Famers into superstardom.
- Role
- Principal Owner
- Tenure Start
- 1994
- Tenure End
- 2003
- Key Acquisition Strategy
- Drafting Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway
- Arena
- Orlando Arena (later TD Waterhouse Centre)
- Status
- Former Owner
Lore & Background
The era under Hewitt was characterized by a distinct Orlando identity: fast-paced, athletic basketball that captivated fans nationwide. The construction of the new arena, which opened in 1989 but saw its full potential realized during this period, became a fortress for the team. However, the tenure also faced significant challenges, including the trade of Shaquille O'Neal to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, a move that marked the beginning of a difficult transition period for the franchise as they attempted to rebuild around Hardaway.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Orlando Arena was thick with anticipation on a humid Florida night in 1995. Jim Hewitt watched from the luxury suite as Shaquille O'Neal dominated the paint, his massive frame silhouetted against the bright arena lights. The crowd roared, a sound that echoed off the newly painted blue and orange walls. It was a moment of pure validation for the ownership group; the gamble on young talent had paid off beyond their wildest dreams. As the final buzzer sounded on another victory, Hewitt knew this was just the beginning of an unprecedented run for his team.
Reader's Guide
The final years of Hewitt's ownership were marked by instability and frequent coaching changes as the Magic attempted to find a new identity. By 2003, when Hewitt sold the team to the Hirsch family again (via the Magic Investment Group), the franchise was in a state of flux, setting the stage for the next chapter in Orlando basketball history.
Did You Know?
- Jim Hewitt purchased a controlling interest in the Magic from founder George Zucker and his partners in 1994.
- The era under Hewitt saw the Magic reach their first NBA Finals appearance in 1995, falling to the Houston Rockets.
- Shaquille O'Neal's trade to the Lakers occurred during Hewitt's ownership, marking a significant shift in the team's direction.
- Hewitt sold the franchise back to the Hirsch family and other investors in 2003 after nearly a decade of ownership.