He played 12 years and retired at 31. In those 12 years he was 1st team all-nba 9 times(should be 10 as somehow Gus Williams made it over him in 82). He won 3 MVP’s and finished top 3 in MVP 9 times. He was a 5 time NBA champ and 3 time Finals MVP.

Then year he retired he averaged 19/7/13 and finished 2nd to Jordan in MVP and lost the finals to Jordan. He had won MVP the 2 years prior at 29 and 30. He was no question still a top 2-3 player in the league. How much did he have left?

Only 3 players have more than 10 1st team all-nba seasons(LeBron, Kobe, Malone). Only MJ and LeBron have 10 or more top 3 MVP finishes. I think Magic is likely in both of those groups if he doesn’t have to retire.

That Lakers team was old and probably done, but I believe Barkley once said he was almost traded to the Lakers before Magic retired. What if that happens and Magic doesn’t retire? What if Magic/Barkley steal the 93 title from MJ?

I think Magic is 3rd best all time anyways, but I think he’d have top 3 all time locked down if doesn’t retire early and maybe could be in some arguments for top 2 if certain things happen(another title or mvp).