The Orlando Magic have retired Shaquille O’Neal’s #32 jersey, which he wore during his time with the organization in the ’90s. Shaq becomes the first player in Orlando’s history to have his No.32 raised above the rafters of their Kia Center arena. The franchise, currently navigating its 35th season in the NBA, decided that it was the right moment to honor the player whom they chose as the #1 pick in the 1992 draft.
legendary https://t.co/Z5kVXgHC2l pic.twitter.com/nce5cIM6LN
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 14, 2024
Shaq has etched his name in the history of the Magic, becoming their first representative in an All-Star game, their first Rookie of the Year, and first All-NBA selection. O’Neal becomes only the third person in NBA history whose number has been retired by more than two franchises, joining the company of Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich. Shaq has already been honored by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat, who had previously retired #34 and #32, respectively.
In his speech, O’Neal admitted, “It’s a real honor to be the first Orlando Magic player to get his jersey retired, although I would have expected to be number 2. I always thought if they were to retire a jersey in Orlando, it should be Nick Anderson,” paying tribute to another Magic superstar.