Shaquille O'Neal was the No. 1 overall pick of the Orlando Magic in 1992 and, along with Penny Hardaway, led the team to new heights and an NBA Finals appearance early in his career.
O'Neal's high-profile departure after the 1995-96 season and eventual agreement to join the Los Angeles Lakers may have left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and Magic officials alike.
But it looks like all that's under the bridge is water.
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Shaquille O'Neal of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait in London on October 29, 1993. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
O'Neal becomes the first player in Magic history to have his jersey number retired. In Orlando, he wore No. 32. The ceremony will be held on February 13th.
Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey has been retired by all NBA teams, but the legendary center never played in Orlando.
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“If you ask me who was the first player to officially put the Orlando Magic on the map, the answer is simple: Shaquille O'Neal,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said in a news release. Stated.
“He took this franchise to new heights on and off the court, and his legacy is still felt within our organization today. On behalf of the DeVos family, we honor No. 32 in the league's rafters. We are excited to honor Shaquille by raising the “Kia Center,'' a place where it will remain forever. ”
Shaquille O'Neal smiles after being inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame at the Amway Center on March 27, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
O'Neal was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1992-1993 and was an All-Star in each of his four seasons. Despite the return of Michael Jordan, he helped Orlando overcome the mighty Chicago Bulls.
In Orlando, he averaged 27.2 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
“It was a great four years there,” O'Neal said on TNT. “I just wanted to come in and make a name for myself. … I want to thank the city of Orlando and I want to thank the Orlando Magic organization. I really appreciate it.”
He added that he was especially grateful to the late Rich DeVos for bringing him to Orlando.
Shaquille O'Neal (32) of the Orlando Magic plays against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Since O'Neal left, three other Magic players have worn No. 32 — Jeremy Richardson (2008-2009), Justin Harper (2011-12) and CJ Watson (2015-2017). )is.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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