The Orlando Magic entered the NBA as an expansion team in 1989. Over the past 30+ years, the Magic have featured some incredibly talented players. Naturally, Magic basketball cards of the team's biggest stars are highly sought-after by collectors.

In this article, we'll count down the top 5 most valuable Orlando Magic basketball cards of all time. From Shaquille O'Neal's rookie card to Dwight Howard's most coveted cards, here are the cream of the crop when it comes to Magic cardboard!

#5 - 2009 Dwight Howard Autographed Patch Auto

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $750
• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value (With Autographed Patch): $1,500

Dwight Howard will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant big men of his era. During his Magic tenure from 2004 to 2012, Howard was a beast in the paint and one of the league's top rebounders and shot blockers.

Howard's top rookie cards can sell for around $300-$500 in PSA 10 condition. However, this 2009-10 National Treasures autograph patch card has proven to be his most valuable.

With Howard's auto and an authentic Magic patch, this gem mint graded card has sold for $1,500 in online auctions. That's some nice magic for collectors!

#4 - 1992 Shaquille O'Neal Autographed Rookie Card

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,000
• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value (Autographed): $1,500-$2,000

When Shaq burst onto the NBA scene with the Magic after getting drafted 1st overall in 1992, everyone knew they were witnessing something special. Standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 300 pounds, O'Neal was an unstoppable force who averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game as a rookie.

Shaq's 1992-93 Stadium Club rookie card is his most iconic and valuable base card, worth around $750-$1,000 in PSA 10 condition. But getting O'Neal's autograph on one of his rookies can double or triple its value.

The Big Diesel doesn't have the prettiest signature. But owning a PSA 10 Shaq rookie with his auto is a huge addition for any Magic or 90s NBA card collector.

#3 - 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie

• Estimated Value: $2,500

Alright, so Kobe was never actually on the Magic. But we have to include this iconic rookie card on the list since he was originally drafted by Orlando with the 13th pick in 1996.

Of course, in one of the most lopsided trades ever, the Lakers swooped up Bryant for Vlade Divac before the Black Mamba ever played an NBA game. The rest is Hall of Fame history.

Kobe's 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractor is considered his true rookie card rather than his base Topps card. It remains one of the top basketball cards from the 90s.

This shiny Refractor is extremely tough to find in gem mint condition. PSA 10's can easily crack $2,500+. So despite the lack of Magic uniform, Kobe's refractor will always have a place in Orlando's history.

#2 - 2003 LeBron James Topps Chrome Rookie Card

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,000

Once again, we're breaking the Magic player trend. But I had to include Lebron's iconic rookie as an honorary member here.

That's because LBJ was actually drafted by the Magic 1st overall in 2003 but then immediately traded to the Cavaliers. So Orlando at least owned his rights for a brief moment!

With a legendary NBA career still going, LeBron's rookie cards remain some of the top modern basketball cards to buy. His 2003-04 Topps Chrome card is the cream of the crop.

PSA 10's can sell for $3,000+ at auction. And there's no telling how high this iconic rookie will climb as King James continues ascending the all-time scoring ladder before eventually reaching the HOF.

#1 - 1992 Shaquille O'Neal Topps Gold Rookie Card

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $20,000+

It should come as no surprise that the top slot goes to the one and only Shaq Diesel. His 1992-93 Topps Gold parallel refractor remains one of the most coveted basketball cards ever printed.

While O'Neal's base Topps rookie sells for around $1,000 in PSA 10 condition, the Gold parallel carries an exponentially higher premium. Some key reasons why:

• Extremely limited print run - Estimated at only 10-15 copies
• Iconic 90s basketball card design
• One of the top players in NBA history
• Perfect grade gem mint copies are virtually impossible to find

When auctioned, this Holy Grail Shaq rookie has fetched $20,000+ multiple times. Considering it's rarity and legendary status, its value should continue rising.

The 1992 Topps Gold Shaq stands in a class of its own as the top Orlando Magic basketball card of all-time!

Conclusion

That does it for our countdown of the top Orlando Magic basketball cards. From Shaq and Dwight's rarest to Kobe and LeBron rookies, these are the most sought-after and valuable cards for Magic collectors.

Owning one of these card gems in pristine condition represents the ultimate piece of Orlando memorabilia. But even normal collectors can appreciate their iconic status in the hobby.

Let us know if we missed any other important Magic cards that deserve a spot on this list! And as always, happy collecting!