The large guy – Shaquille O’Neal – is about to be honored in a giant way!
The Orlando Magic recently announced that they can be retiring their first jersey in franchise history, and that jersey belongs to Shaq!
Shaquille O’Neal’s Orlando Magic Jersey No. 32 Will Be First In Franchise History To Be Retired
The previous NBA star discovered the exciting news while on TNT’s “Contained in the NBA” on Thursday night when Magic CEO Alex Martins sent a video to O’Neal that was aired throughout the broadcast.
“When someone asks who was the primary player to officially put the Orlando Magic on the map, the reply is easy – Shaquille O’Neal,” Martins said in a press release. “He took this franchise to latest heights, each on and off the court, and his legacy continues to be felt inside our organization today.”
O’Neal achieved many accomplishments as a member of the Magic. He was named an NBA All-Star 4 times during his time on the Magic, in addition to named to the All-NBA Second Team once, All-NBA third team twice, named within the All-NBA Rookie First Team in 1992-93, and was the NBA Rookie of the 12 months.
He still ranks because the franchise leader in several categories. He was also inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2015, elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, and was named to the NBA’s seventy fifth Anniversary Team in 2021.
NBA on TNT dropped into the comment section of the Magic’s Instagram post announcing O’Neal‘s jersey being retired in February to say, “No person deserves it greater than the Big Fella.”
Many fans commented about how long it took for his jersey to be retired.
“Painfully long overdue,” one person wrote. One other added, “Must have done this years ago.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s Mom Sent Him A Special Message
O’Neal also got a special message from one of the vital necessary people in his life after the announcement of his Magic jersey’s upcoming retirement.
“Congratulations, Shaquille, on the retirement of your jersey with the Orlando Magic. In fact, that is your primary fan saying congratulations to you,” O’Neals mom, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, said.
“I can remember back after they called your name, Orlando Magic with the primary pick, and so they called Shaquille O’Neal. We were all so joyful for you, in addition to excited. I even have to let you know, you made us all proud with all of that joy and excitement you delivered to the Orlando community.”
She concluded by saying that “this award and this recognition is well deserved” and that she’s very pleased with him.
“So, we wish you to enjoy it. So pleased with you,” she said. “And we pray that you just proceed to enjoy life and don’t ever forget the memories. God bless you, my son.”
A special message for @SHAQ from his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal ♥️ pic.twitter.com/MxfMaurpAh
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 5, 2024
That is O’Neal’s third jersey to be retired. He also had his No. 34 L.A. Lakers jersey retired, in addition to his No. 32 Miami Heat jersey.
O’Neal’s Magic jersey can be retired on Feb. 13 in a ceremony throughout the Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game.
