Shaquille O’Neal became the first player in Orlando Magic franchise history to have his jersey retired. The Magic hung O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey into the rafters of the Kia Center in the postgame ceremony, as Orlando fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 127-113.
“You know, there’s an old saying: never forget where you come from,” O’Neal said.
“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.”
#32 ??
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 14, 2024
the first player in Magic history to have his number retired
thank you @SHAQ! 🪄 pic.twitter.com/EvfxCuTQAX
O’Neal was Orlando’s No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft and was named Rookie of the Year when he led his squad to a 41-41 record. Three seasons later, O’Neal racked up a trip to the Finals and a franchise-best of 60 wins in a single season.
Currently, he is sixth on the Magic’s all-time scoring list and third on their top rebounders. He averaged 27.2 points and 12.5 rebounds in his four seasons in Orlando.
Later on, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers after the 1996-1996 season and got three rings there. The superstar parted ways with L.A. and took his talents to South Beach for a fourth title. O’Neal also played for the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics before his retirement in 2011.
The most DOMINANT player to ever step on the basketball court.
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 13, 2024
Tonight, @SHAQ will be the first player in history to have his jersey retired by the @OrlandoMagic. pic.twitter.com/KCDZyk7kGJ
O’Neal’s No. 34 was also retired by the Lakers and his No. 32 was retired by the Miami Heat. He is the third player alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich to have three franchises hang his jersey in the rafters.
“It means that every franchise you played for, they enjoyed you,” O’Neal said. “The fans enjoyed you. The people enjoyed you. They appreciated your hard work.”
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
