Magic pay tribute to Dwight Howard

Kim Klement/USA TODAY

The Magic are celebrating their 25th Anniversary season this year. It has included several "Legends Nights" where all-time great Magic players like Tracy McGrady and Anfernee Hardaway have reutnred to orlando to receive accolades from the Orlando crowd.

It has also included short video tributes for former Magic players involved with current NBA teams. These short video tributes have honored the likes of Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue (a Magic point guard in 2004) and Zaza Pachulia (a Magic center in 2005). It also included short videos for J.J. Redick, Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter, key cogs to the Magic's glory years four and five years ago.

Would it also include Dwight Howard?

The answer is: Yes.

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The reaction went as expected too. Magic fans booed the video even as the Magic played along and tried their best to keep up the appearance that they could honor someone who eviscerated the franchise just two years ago.

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Howard was booed lustilly by those in attendance every time he touched the ball. But it was done with considerably less venom than it was last year when Howard visited with the Lakers.

Next year, it will probably be less angry and the process of healing will begin. And one day, maybe, Howard will be right and the fans will forgive him.

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About Philip Rossman-Reich

Philip Rossman-Reich is the managing editor for Crossover Chronicles and Orlando Magic Daily. You can follow him on twitter @OMagicDaily

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