The Orlando Magic announced earlier this week that the team intends to retire Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey. O’Neal will become the first player ever to have his jersey retired in franchise history.
The jersey retirement ceremony will take place on February 13 during a post-game ceremony. It comes as part of the celebration of Magic’s 35th anniversary as an NBA franchise.
Orlando Magic drafted O’Neal as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. O’Neal spent four years with the franchise, winning NBA Rookie of the Year, making three All-Star teams, and becoming an NBA scoring champion during that time. He also led the Magic to its first NBA Finals appearance during the 1994-95 season.
“When someone asks who was the first player to officially put the Orlando Magic on the map, the answer is simple — Shaquille O’Neal,” said Magic’s Chief Executive Alex Martins in a statement. “He took this franchise to new heights, both on and off the court, and his legacy is still felt within our organization today.”
Shaquille O’Neal will become only the second player in NBA history after Wilt Chamberlain to have his jersey retired by the three different franchises he played for. O’Neal previously received the same honor from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.
