The Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey on a night full of emotion and excitement, honoring one of their greatest legends. O’Neal became the first player ever to have his jersey retired by the franchise in their 35-year history. The event happened after the Magic’s 127-113 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Most spectators waited after the game to see O’Neal’s jersey lifted to the rafters, a rare occurrence in today’s NBA.
Shaquille O’Neal Joins Elite Company Following Jersey Retirement
“Never Forget Where You Come From”: O’Neal Reflects on the Honor
In 1992, Orlando selected O’Neal as their first overall draft pick. He was also the franchise’s first All-Star, Rookie of the Year, and All-NBA performer. He established Orlando as a basketball powerhouse during his four seasons with the organization. The Magic struggled mightily before drafting O’Neal, going just 70-176 in their first three campaigns. However, his presence transformed them into contenders by earning postseason spots in three seasons. In 1994-95, he guided Orlando to a 57-25 record and a trip to the NBA Finals. The following season, they went 60-22 and set a franchise record for wins that still lives on.
Addressing the audience, O’Neal expressed his appreciation for the honor.
“There’s an old saying: Never forget where you come from,” he said. “And my professional career began here. I’ve lived here for the majority of my life. The supporters have been welcoming. The people have been quite welcoming. I never thought this day would come.”
O’Neal Joins Elite Company
O’Neal is now only the third player to have his jersey retired by three franchises. The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat have previously recognized him in the same way. The only other members of the highly regarded three-seed club are basketball legends Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich. O’Neal’s former Magic teammates, including Penny Hardaway, Dennis Scott, and Nick Anderson, attended the occasion. O’Neal made sure to welcome Anderson to the platform, pointing out that he should have been the first to retire his No. 32 Magic jersey.
“There’s no one more deserving to be the first than Shaq,” Magic CEO Alex Martins stated. “Shaq placed the Orlando Magic on the map, And the cornerstone for his Hall of Fame career began right here in Orlando.”
Rookie Paolo Banchero, who led Orlando with 23 points and 10 assists on Tuesday, was one of O’Neal’s most passionate supporters. Banchero described the atmosphere as playoff-like and expressed optimism that it would become the norm.
“No Place Like Home”: O’Neal’s Gratitude for Orlando
O’Neal was humorous and nostalgic during the postgame ceremony, recalling his early days in Orlando. This included arriving in town wearing Mickey Mouse ears and staying at an airport hotel with his entire family before Scott convinced him to buy a home.
A reflective O’Neal took in the moment his No. 32 jersey was lifted to the rafters amid a stunning fireworks show.
“There’s no other place I would have wanted to start my career,” he told the excited crowd. “Orlando will always have a special place in my heart.”
Despite leaving Orlando in 1996 to join the Lakers, O’Neal is still ranked sixth on the Magic’s all-time scoring list. His impact on the organization in just four seasons sealed his place as their first legend.
The Last Word
For a player who believed his controversial Magic retirement would cost him, having his No. 32 jersey raised was a memorable experience. It demonstrated how important O’Neal was to Orlando in its early years. O’Neal’s jersey retirement serves as a reminder to fans of one of the game’s greatest superstars.
