NBA on TNT: Shaquille O’Neal Claims He Was Victor Wembanyama Before Spurs Rookie’s Birth

It is a historic night in the NBA. While the league gets ready for action, some news coming out of the Orlando Magic front office took the spotlight. More than 20 years after drafting him, the team is finally ready to commemorate the legacy of Shaquille O’Neal. And, it is doing so in a truly historic fashion. Despite their 35-year-long history in the league, the Magic don’t have a single jersey retired by them. Until now, that is. While discussing the importance and what the moment means, it was a rather out-of-left-field comparison by the big man that caught everyone’s eye.

Upon hearing the news, the first marquee addition to the franchise was visibly moved. While having a jersey retired is a legendary feat in and of itself, becoming the first player in the franchise’s history to do so is rarefied air.

Speaking about the importance of the moment, O’Neal was understandably emotional on the TNT set. But, in typical Shaquille fashion, he would bring some hilarity to the segment. “You know what’s funny? Couple of years ago, they did the Ring of Honor, I thought I was getting my jersey retired. So, when I went there I’m waiting – they took me to the top floor, there’s the wall, they did the thing and then it’s the press conference. I’m like, ‘That’s it?  I thought I was getting my jersey retired.’ They said, ‘We don’t do that here.'” 

Then, he would offer a rather unique comparison. “I was Victor Wembanyama before him.” Upon questioning from Charles Barkley, he would explain the similarities. “You both come in, they expect you to turn things around. You have a lot of pressure, a lot of hype coming in.” 

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Reflecting on his time there, Shaq would showcase his gratitude to the people responsible for making his time a success.

Shaquille O’Neal reminisces about his time in Orlando

Even though he won 4 Championships throughout his career, 3 with the Los Angeles Lakers, his time in Orlando was truly magical. “I would like to thank the Duhal family. I wish the old man was still alive. He meant a lot to me, him and his family. Bryant Hill, G Scott, Nick, and all those guys. Penny Hardaway, you know we had a lot of great times.”

Then, he would explain his trajectory with the team. “So, our first year, I think we went 41 and 41. I think we had a 19-20 game better than the year before. Then the next year, got substantially better. Then, the 3rd year, we got Horace Grant, and we made it to the Finals, where we got swept by Kenny [The Jet Smith].”

“It was a great four years there. I just wanted to come in, and you know, make a name for yourself. Also, gotta thank guys like Charles, Magic [Johnson], and Michael [Jordan]…I was still that 18-year-old kid that wanted to be like Charles Barkley.”

And, the Magic gave him that opportunity. “So, when I got drafted by Orlando, I was finally where I wanted to represent. I would like to thank the city of Orlando, the Orlando Magic organization…I wish my father was here, I know they would have been proud.” 

A historic honor for a historic player, one that even had his mother beaming with pride, it is a joyous day for the Diesel, Shaquille O’Neal.

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