- Magic finally retired O’Neal’s Jersey on Tuesday night
- Alex Martins, the CEO of Orlando Magic said that the NBA legend is so deserving of this honour
- The 51-year-old joined the team before its fourth season of play in the 1992 NBA Draft
Shaquille O’Neal Orlando Magic jersey has been retired in the first-ever show by team.
Magic finally retired O’Neal’s Jersey on Tuesday night making him the first player in Orlando Magic team history to do so.
After falling short against the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-113, the Magic hoisted O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey into the ceiling of the Kia Center.
Alex Martins, the CEO of Orlando Magic said that the NBA legend is so deserving of this honour.
“There’s no one more deserving to be the first than Shaq. Shaq put the Orlando Magic on the map. And the foundation of his Hall of Fame career started right here in Orlando,” ESPN quoted him.
Shaquille O’Neal Orlando Magic Jersey
The 51-year-old joined the team before its fourth season of play in the 1992 NBA Draft as its first overall choice. He led the squad to a then-best 41-41 record that season.
Shaquille O’Neal. Photo/Basketball Forever
O’Neal was voted Rookie of the Year in the 1992 NBA season He helped guide Magic to an NBA Finals appearance and a franchise-high of 60 wins in a single season by the time he left after three seasons.
He wore jersey no.32 throughout career with the Orlando Magic, from 1992 to 1996. The jersey number has become synonymous with his time with Magic and is widely recognized as his iconic number.
When Did Shaquille O’Neal Leave Orlando Magic?
Following the 1995–96 season, O’Neal left the Magic to join the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won three NBA championships. Afterwards, he played for the Miami Heat, where he won a fourth championship, the Phoenix Suns, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics until retiring in 2011.
He still ranks third in the Magic’s all-time list of rebounds and sixth in their all-time scoring chart. During his four seasons with the organization, he averaged 27.2 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
O’Neal was a member of one of the two teams in franchise history to advance to the NBA Finals. The 7-foot-1 center’s career, which culminated in a Hall of Fame career with four NBA titles and a league MVP award before he retired.
He now is into a successful career in media as he did on the court. He currently works as a commentator for TNT and was present to call the game for the network on Tuesday.
How Does Shaquille O’Neal Feel About Orlando Magic?
He has fond memories of his time with Magic and he does not shy away from saying it.
“You know, there’s an old saying: never forget where you come from. And my professional career started here. I’ve been living here mostly all my life. The fans have been hospitable. The people have been very, very hospitable. I never thought this day would happen,” he told ESPN during an interview.
Which Other Team Has Retired Shaquille O’Neal Jersey?
Shaquille O’Neal is a successful businessman. Photo/ AL.com.
Only three players in the NBA league history have had their jerseys retired by three separate clubs, including O’Neal. He had his jersey retired by the Lakers and Miami Heat which he played for after his stint with Magic in the 1996 season.
The other two are fellow NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich. O’Neal’s collegiate team, LSU, also retired his jersey. However, he says Orlando Magic is the team that impressed him most in retiring his jersey.
“Truthfully speaking, this will probably be the most impressive one,” he said.
What Does Shaquille O’Neal Do Now?
He’s a prominent analyst on the popular TNT show “Inside the NBA,” bringing his humor, insightful commentary, and larger-than-life personality to the table. The NBA legend also co-hosts “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” featuring interviews with celebrities and athletes, along with personal anecdotes and engaging discussions.
Further, he oversees is investments ranging from fitness, fast food, and manufacturing. Lastly, he is an ambassador for different sports and non-sports brands which keep him busy.
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