Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 to be Retired by Orlando Magic in Honor of Legacy
Orlando Magic announced the retirement of Shaquille O’Neal’s iconic No. 32 jersey on February 13, making him the first player in the franchise’s history to receive this prestigious tribute. The ceremony, set to take place at the Kia Center following the Magic’s game against Oklahoma City, will be aired on TNT, where O’Neal has been a familiar face on the “NBA Tip-Off” show.
O’Neal, selected as the No. 1 pick in the 1992 NBA draft by the Magic, spent his initial four professional seasons in Orlando. He swiftly etched his legacy, earning NBA Rookie of the Year in 1993 and propelling the team to their inaugural NBA Finals appearance in 1995. His impact on and off the court resonated deeply, solidifying his place as a franchise icon.
Orlando Magic CEO, Alex Martins, expressed gratitude towards O’Neal for elevating the team to unprecedented heights, emphasizing his enduring influence within the organization. O’Neal reciprocated appreciation, acknowledging the pivotal role played by the late Rich DeVos, the original owner of the Magic, who brought him to Orlando.
O’Neal’s No. 32 joins the exclusive retired jersey collection of NBA franchises, alongside the Los Angeles Lakers, who retired his No. 34 jersey in April 2013, and the Miami Heat, retiring his No. 32 jersey in December 2016. His illustrious career saw championship triumphs with the Lakers and the Heat, amassing a total of four titles.
This momentous honor adds to O’Neal’s array of accolades, including inductions into the Magic Hall of Fame in 2015, the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, and selection to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. The retirement ceremony will celebrate O’Neal’s unparalleled impact, immortalizing his legacy within the storied history of the Orlando Magic.
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