During his playing days, Dennis Scott made a name for himself as one of the better shooters in the NBA. He was also a big reason why the Orlando Magic had a lot of success in the 1990s, as they emerged as a serious title contender, with a young but experienced core.

However, despite their formidable lineup with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway also in the fold, they never won a title and even got swept in the NBA Finals back in 1995. The current commentator for NBA TV admitted, in an interview with Pro Basketball Hall-of-Fame, that he can still feel the sting of failing to bring a championship to Orlando.

“My hair just stood up on my arms,” Scott told an audience member who asked how much falling short in 1995 hurt. “It still hurts to this day because . . . I want all of you to understand this. If a guy sits in this chair and says he doesn’t play basketball to win, I bet you he is lying to you. Making the money is fine. Don’t get me wrong. Taking care of my family and taking care of my kids, that’s great. But the reason we play this game is to win. It still hurts. Do you know why? I never made it back to another Finals. When you see LeBron James go to seven straight Finals, I don’t care if you like him or not, you must respect that.”

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Scott earned the nickname 3-D for his ability to shoot consistently from way beyond the arc. Together with Nick Anderson, they formed arguably the best shooting duo in the NBA that time, and were perfect compliments to O’Neal and Hardaway, as they stretched the floor and allowed them to play their natural games.

The Georgia Tech product decided to hang up his sneakers for good in 2000, following a 12-year career, seven of them with the Magic.

Some of the honors he received while playing was being named to the All-Rookie First Team in his first season, and used to hold the single-game record for most three-pointers made with 11, which he made in April of 1996.

He is truly one of the best players to ever wear the Magic’s colors, and even if he did not win a title with them, he will be remembered for his efforts for the franchise, as he always gave his best to win night in and night out.