Their decision to withdraw the “32” of Shaquille O’Neal announced by Orlando Magic. The ceremony will take place on February 13 after the home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This will be the first time in their history that they have decided to hang up a player’s jersey, while it will be the third time for the veteran center, after “32” in the Miami Heat and “34” in the Los Angeles Lakers, while it was just the second with a similar achievement in NBA history after Wilt Chamberlain.
“I want to thank the DeVos family, the city of Orlando and the organization. I wish Richard and my father were still with us who would be very proud. We spent four very nice years there“, were the words of “Shaq” on TNT’s NBA show in which he is co-host. The American center was selected with the first pick by Orlando in the 1992 Draft and stayed until 1996 before moving to the Lakers. In 295 regular season games he averaged 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.8 blocks. He was named Rookie of the Year, voted a four-time All-Star, and was on the All-NBA Second Team (1994-95) and All-NBA Third Team (1993-94, 1995-96).
“Through his dominant play, his down-to-earth personality, and his generous contributions to the city, Shaquille O’Neal has had a transformative impact on this team and this city. Our family and the entire organization could not be more pleased that he received this well-deserved honor, further enhancing his lasting legacy here in Orlando as we collectively look back on his tremendous accomplishmentssaid Magic president Dan DeVos.
O’Neill was introduced to “Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame” in 2016 and was part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
Editor: Makis Theotokatos
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
