Shaquille O’Neal #32 Orlando Magic Jersey To Be Retired, First In Franchise History

Shaquille O’Neal hung up his Dunkman’s greater than a decade in the past, however the NBA legend continues to be making historical past … the Orlando Magic simply introduced they’re retiring the Massive Fella’s 32 jersey, the primary time they’ve ever raised a quantity to the rafters!

51-year-old O’Neal obtained phrase of the respect whereas he was on the air with buds Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson … when the Corridor of Famer acquired a “phone call” from Magic CEO Alex Martins.

“On behalf of the DeVos family and myself and all of us here at the Orlando Magic, we want to congratulate you as we make you the first jersey number retired in the history of the Orlando Magic. You had a great career here at the beginning of your career and we had some great times!” Martins mentioned to Shaq.

In fact, the Magic picked O’Neal with their first decide within the 1992 NBA Draft … and Shaquille did not disappoint in his quick stint with the staff, making them related, and even main them to the NBA Finals in 1995, the place they misplaced to the Houston Rockets.

He averaged over 27 factors, and almost 13 rebounds, and three blocks a recreation in Orlando.

Shaq in the end determined to go away Florida for an enormous payday in Los Angeles … the place he received 3 NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Group Chairman Dave DeVos additionally spoke about Shaq’s affect on the group, on and off the hardwood, in addition to the local people.

“Through his dominating play, larger-than-life personality, and generous contributions to The City Beautiful, Shaquille O’Neal had a transformational impact on this team and this town. Our family and the entire franchise couldn’t be more pleased for Shaquille to receive this well-deserved honor, further cementing his enduring legacy here in Orlando as we collectively look back on his tremendous accomplishments in a Magic uniform.”

Maybe probably the most meaningful congratulations got here from O’Neal’s “number one fan,” his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, who despatched her son a heartfelt message.

The jersey retirement goes down on February 13.