When Is Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Retirement? All You Need to Know About Orlando Magic’s Honor

What a pleasant evening it was for Shaquille O’Neal as he has added another huge honor to his resume. The Lakers legend had an impeccable tenure with the Orlando Magic before he joined the LA unit. To mark his greatness permanently at the Kia Center, the CEO of the Magic, Alex Martins, has decided to retire his jersey. The 59-year-old broke the news for Shaq on ‘NBA on TNT’. Hall of Fame is any athlete’s biggest honor, but for Shaq, this jersey retirement could mean more. 

It is because the Orlando Magic have never retired any other player’s jersey before. Shaq will be the first and his number ’32’ will stand at the top from February 13. Martins shared on TNT, “I hear you have been waiting for a phone call from us and the wait is over…We congratulate you, as we make you the first jersey number retired in the history of the Orlando Magic…You took us all the way to the NBA Finals. It’s finally time to put that number up in the rafters.” 

It was wholesome to watch Shaq put his head down with a long-lasting smile, as it was evident that he tried to stay humble. The studio turned all blue after Martins announced this huge honor.

This is the third franchise that will be retiring Shaq’s jersey. Los Angeles Lakers were the first to provide Shaq with this honor back in 2013. Later, in 2016, the Miami Heat retired his number ’32’. 

Shaquille O’Neal’s mother Lucile couldn’t wait to congratulate her son 

The motherly love was expected. Right after Martins announced, Lucile O’Neal spoke on the big screen, “Congratulations Shaquille, on the retirement of jersey with the Orlando Magic. Of course, this is your number one fan saying congratulations to you… I have to tell you, you made us all proud with all of that joy, excitement you brought to the Orlando community. This award and recognition is well deserved.”

Obviously, Shaq was all smiles!

Read more: Kobe Bryant Once Shut Down Reporters With 7 Word Response After Missing Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers Jersey Retirement

From getting drafted as the first pick by the Magic to getting his jersey retired by the same franchise 22 years later, Shaq has nothing left to prove. His jersey retirement ceremony will take place after the Magic’s face-off with the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 13. Shaq is already in the NBA’s top 75 and Hall of Fame. 

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Now it’s time for another jersey retirement! What are your thoughts on the above story? Share your take in the comments below.