The big man – Shaquille O’Neal – is about to be honored in a big way!
The Orlando Magic recently announced that they will be retiring their first jersey in franchise history, and that jersey belongs to Shaq!
Orlando Magic Jersey Shaquille O’Neal No. 32 Will Be The First In Franchise History To Retire
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The former NBA star learned the exciting news while on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” on Thursday night when Magic CEO Alex Martins sent O’Neal a video that aired during the broadcast.
“When someone asks who was the first player to officially put the Orlando Magic on the map, the answer is simple – Shaquille O’Neal,” Martins said in a press release. “He took this franchise to new heights, on and off the court, and his legacy is still felt in our organization today.”
O’Neal accomplished many things as a member of the Magic. He was named an NBA All-Star four times during his time with the Magic, as well as being named to the All-NBA Second Team once, the All-NBA Third Team twice, named to the All-NBA Rookie First Team in 1992-93, and was the Rookie of the Year NBA.
He still ranks as the franchise leader in several categories. He was also inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2015, elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, and named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
NBA on TNT took to the comments section of Magic’s Instagram post announcing O’Neal’s retired jersey in February to say, “No one deserves it more than the Big Fella.”
Many fans commented on the length of time it took for his jersey to be retired.
“Too long overdue,” wrote one. Another added, “Should have done this years ago.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s Mom Sends a Special Message
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O’Neal also got a special message from one of the most important people in his life after the announcement of his upcoming Magic jersey retirement.
“Congratulations, Shaquille, on your jersey retirement with the Orlando Magic. Of course, this is your number one fan congratulating you,” said O’Neals mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal.
“I remember when they called your name, the Orlando Magic with the first pick, and they called Shaquille O’Neal. We are all very happy for you, as well as excited. I have to tell you, you make us all proud with all the joy and fun you bring to the Orlando community.
He concluded by saying that “this award and this recognition is well deserved” and that he is very proud of it.
“So, we want you to enjoy it. Very proud of you,” he said. “And we pray that you continue to enjoy life and never forget those memories. God bless you, my son.”
Special order for @SHAQ from his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal ♥️ pic.twitter.com/MxfMaurpAh
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 5, 2024
This is O’Neal’s third jersey to be retired. He has also retired jersey No. 34 LA Lakers, as well as jersey No. 32 his Miami Heat.
O’Neal’s Magic jersey will be retired on February 13th in a ceremony during the Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
