Four-time NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway has been viewed as an inspirational player for dozens over the years during his time with the Orlando Magic in the mid-1990s.
Hardaway is credited with changing the appearance of a prototypical point guard given his 6-foot-7 frame and ability as a passer and leader on the floor. Hardway was an All-Star in each of his first four seasons in the NBA and helped lead the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995.
Charlotte Hornets rookie P.J. Washington is among those players that was inspired by Hardaway growing up. Washington commented on a post by SLAM Magazine on Instagram of some of the top playmakers in NBA history with Hardaway earning his vote.
Of course, Hardaway was on track to become perhaps one of the greatest point guards in NBA history but his career was derailed by a string of knee injuries that ultimately prevented him from reaching that potential.
Hardaway averaged 19 points, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 369 games with the Magic.
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