Shaq will be the first Orlando Magic player to have his jersey retired. Shaquille O’Neal was surprised with the jersey retirement via Alex Martins, CEO of the Orlando Magic, and his pal Ernie Johnson during Inside the NBA.
“When someone asks who was the first player to officially put the Orlando Magic on the map, the answer is simple — Shaquille O’Neal,” Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “He took this franchise to new heights, both on and off the court, and his legacy is still felt within our organization today. On behalf of the DeVos family, we are excited to honor Shaquille by raising No. 32 into the rafters of the Kia Center, where it will remain forever.”
Shaq has previously retired jerseys with the Los Angeles Lakers (No. 34) and Miami HEAT (No. 32). He was the No. 1 overall pick by the Magic in 1992 and spent his first four seasons with the franchise, becoming rookie of the year, four-time All-Star, and led the team to their first NBA Finals in 1995.
“It was a great four years there,” Shaq said during Inside. “I just wanted to come in and just make a name for myself. … I’d like to thank the city of Orlando, like to thank the Orlando Magic organization. Appreciate you very much.”
The retirement ceremony will be Feb. 12 when the Magic take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game, retirement and Inside the NBA will be on TNT.
