Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 Jersey Retired by the Orlando Magic
In a historic ceremony, the Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey on Tuesday night, honoring the player who put the franchise on the map. O'Neal, who was the team's first No. 1 overall draft pick and its first big-time superstar, thought this day might never come. However, to the delight of fans and O'Neal himself, the Magic decided that their 35th season was the perfect occasion to retire his jersey.
O'Neal's professional career began in Orlando when he was drafted by the Magic as the top pick in 1992. Throughout his time with the team, he achieved numerous milestones, including being the first player in a Magic uniform to make an All-Star team, win the Rookie of the Year award, and earn All-NBA honors. His larger-than-life presence on the court and his engaging personality off it endeared him to fans and helped establish a strong basketball culture in Orlando.
The ceremony saw many former Orlando teammates of O'Neal in attendance, including Penny Hardaway, Dennis Scott, and Nick Anderson. O'Neal even invited Anderson to join him at the lectern during the event, acknowledging the significant impact Anderson had on the franchise as well. Magic CEO Alex Martins expressed that O'Neal deserved to be the first player to have his jersey retired by the team, recognizing his role in putting the Orlando Magic on the map.
With his No. 32 jersey retired, O'Neal joins an elite group of players who have had their numbers retired by multiple franchises. Previously, his No. 34 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. O'Neal now shares this distinction with basketball legends Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.
During the ceremony, O'Neal reflected on the significance of having his number retired by multiple teams, expressing that it represents how much fans and organizations appreciated his hard work and the enjoyment he brought to the game. He recognized the rarity of such honors, as only a select few players have achieved this feat.
While O'Neal's departure from Orlando after the 1995-96 season marked a significant moment in his career, with him joining the Lakers, his impact on the Magic cannot be understated. In his four seasons with Orlando, the team experienced tremendous success, including their first playoff appearance, a trip to the NBA Finals, and a franchise-record 60 wins in his final season.
The ceremony itself was a grand affair, with O'Neal seated on a throne at center court, surrounded by a jubilant crowd. His anecdotes, such as arriving in Orlando wearing Mickey Mouse ears, added to the celebration. The jersey was raised to the rafters amid fireworks, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
For O'Neal, Orlando holds a special place in his heart. It was where he honed his skills and learned what it meant to be a professional athlete. Despite his larger-than-life persona, O'Neal spoke of his time in Orlando with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging the city as the starting point of his legendary career.
As O'Neal's No. 32 jersey now sways in the rafters of the Amway Center, it serves as a permanent reminder of his tremendous contributions to the Orlando Magic and the mark he left on the franchise. O'Neal's jersey retirement represents not only his individual achievements but also the profound impact he had on the Orlando community and the game of basketball as a whole.
