Shaquille O’Neal’s Tour of Old Stomping Grounds Turns Sour After Amenity Check: “These Kids Spoilt”

Every time Shaq is with the Orlando Magic, the team looks fancier. The team shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Shaquille O’Neal’s epic jersey retirement ahead of Inside the Magic: Shaquille O’Neal which premieres on February 29. The Superman met the youngsters on the team and explored their training facilities. It’s been three decades since Shaq’s been in the Orlando locker room. And the difference elicited a hilarious reaction from him.

“These kids spoilt,” he blurted, after seeing the luxurious locker room with walk-in closets, floating pods, nap rooms, and massage suites. The current roster of Orlando Magic has been making the most of this state-of-the-art practice facility since 2022.

When the Advent Health Practice Facility opened two years ago, the players themselves were shocked by the 130,000 sq ft. campus that was reportedly worth $70 million. Along with supporting the team, it’s a major hub of sports medicine in Central Florida.

The team’s area in the center also comes with a fully equipped kitchen to meet nutritional requirements. After practicing in either of the two full-size courts, they unwind with the altitude chamber or hydrotherapy facilities that stunned O’Neal. But some within the Orlando Magic contend that this wouldn’t have been possible without him.

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Shaquille O’Neal brought the upgrades

When the Orlando Magic drafted the LSU powerhouse, Shaquille O’Neal first overall in 1992, it was still a new team that was just established in 1989. He was leading the fledgling team from its worst season to playoffs and finals. With his stardom came a few upgrades the entire team benefited from.

On the day Magic retired Shaq’s no.32 jersey, his then-teammate said, “When Shaq showed up, brand new plane, two buses, a bus for the bags, and a bus for the players.” Before Shaq, Scott said they were traveling in crammed vans and carrying their bags. Instead of flying commercial, they got a team plane. They went from a regular hotel to the Ritz Carlton because, “You’re not putting Shaq in the regular bed.”

On the same night, several people acknowledged that Shaq made Orlando famous for not only Disneyland but also its NBA team. He gave the team that early boost in his first four seasons. They’ve taken what he started, grown from there, and enjoy a $70 million worth upgrade that left the big man himself burning with envy.

There will be more of Shaq reliving his Magical days when Inside the Magic: Shaquille O’Neal premieres on Bally Sports. Make sure you don’t miss it!

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