The Orlando Magic have announced they will retire Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, marking a historic moment for the franchise as Shaq becomes the first player to receive this honor. The retirement ceremony is set to take place on February 13th, during a post-game event at the Kia Center, following the Magic's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This special occasion coincides with the Magic's celebration of their 35th season.
Shaquille O'Neal, who was drafted first overall by the Magic in 1992, spent four memorable seasons with the team, where he established himself as a dominant force in the NBA. During his tenure with the Magic, O'Neal was named an NBA All-Star four times and received numerous accolades, including NBA Rookie of the Year. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team once and the All-NBA Third Team twice. O'Neal's contributions were instrumental in propelling the Magic into the spotlight, earning him a place in both the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins praised O'Neal's impact, noting that Shaq was pivotal in putting the Orlando Magic on the map and taking the franchise to new heights. In recognition of his legacy, O'Neal's No. 32 jersey will be permanently displayed in the rafters of the Kia Center, serving as a lasting tribute to his remarkable career with the Magic