Orlando Magic Retires Shaq’s No. 32 Jersey For Their 35th Anniversary
The Orlando Magic are set to retire Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey in commemoration of the franchise’s 35th anniversary.
The Orlando Magic are set to retire Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey in commemoration of the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The official jersey retirement ceremony for O’Neal is scheduled to take place during a postgame event on Tuesday, February 13, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first player in the Orlando Magic franchise to have his number retired. This distinction further solidifies O’Neal’s legacy in the NBA, making him one of only 16 players league-wide to have received such an honor.
Notably, O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey retirement by the Orlando Magic adds to his unique achievement, joining Wilt Chamberlain as one of the only NBA players to have their numbers retired by three different teams they played for. The basketball icon previously had his No. 24 jersey retired by the Los Angeles Lakers and the No. 32 jersey retired by the Miami Heat.
During his tenure with the Orlando Magic from 1992 to 1996, O’Neal showcased extraordinary talent, participating in 295 regular-season games and achieving impressive statistics, including an average of 27.2 points per game, 12.5 rebounds per game, 2.4 assists per game, and 2.79 blocks per game. His exceptional contributions to the Magic earned him numerous accolades, such as four NBA All-Star selections, recognition on the All-NBA Second Team, and induction into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2015. O’Neal’s enduring impact on the franchise is underscored by his record-breaking statistics, holding top positions in categories like blocked shots, rebounding, free throws made, field goals made, and points scored. His remarkable career culminated in inductions into both the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
