The large man – Shaquille O’Neal – is about to be honored in an enormous manner!
The Orlando Magic just lately introduced that they are going to be retiring their first jersey in franchise historical past, and that jersey belongs to Shaq!
Shaquille O’Neal’s Orlando Magic Jersey No. 32 Will Be First In Franchise Historical past To Be Retired
The previous NBA star came upon the thrilling information whereas on TNT’s “Contained in the NBA” on Thursday night time when Magic CEO Alex Martins despatched a video to O’Neal that was aired in the course of the broadcast.
“When somebody asks who was the primary participant to formally put the Orlando Magic on the map, the reply is easy – Shaquille O’Neal,” Martins mentioned in a press launch. “He took this franchise to new heights, each on and off the court docket, and his legacy continues to be felt inside our group as we speak.”
O’Neal achieved many accomplishments as a member of the Magic. He was named an NBA All-Star 4 instances throughout his time on the Magic, in addition to named to the All-NBA Second Group as soon as, All-NBA third crew twice, named within the All-NBA Rookie First Group in 1992-93, and was the NBA Rookie of the 12 months.
He nonetheless ranks because the franchise chief in a number of classes. He was additionally inducted into the Orlando Magic Corridor of Fame in 2015, elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame in 2016, and was named to the NBA’s seventy fifth Anniversary Group in 2021.
NBA on TNT dropped into the remark part of the Magic’s Instagram publish asserting O’Neal‘s jersey being retired in February to say, “No person deserves it greater than the Huge Fella.”
Many followers commented about how lengthy it took for his jersey to be retired.
“Painfully lengthy overdue,” one particular person wrote. One other added, “Ought to have accomplished this years in the past.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s Mother Despatched Him A Particular Message
O’Neal additionally obtained a particular message from probably the most vital individuals 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. After all, that is your primary fan saying congratulations to you,” O’Neals mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, mentioned.
“I can bear in mind again once they known as your title, Orlando Magic with the primary decide, they usually known as Shaquille O’Neal. We have been all so joyful for you, in addition to excited. I’ve to let you know, you made us all proud with all of that pleasure and pleasure you dropped at the Orlando neighborhood.”
She concluded by saying that “this award and this recognition is nicely deserved” and that she’s very happy with him.
“So, we wish you to get pleasure from it. So happy with you,” she mentioned. “And we pray that you just proceed to get pleasure from life and don’t ever neglect the recollections. God bless you, my son.”
A particular message for @SHAQ from his mom, 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 additionally had his No. 34 L.A. Lakers jersey retired, in addition to his No. 32 Miami Warmth jersey.
O’Neal’s Magic jersey will likely be retired on Feb. 13 in a ceremony in the course of the Magic vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder sport.
