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Orlando Magic retired its star participant Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey Tuesday night time, making it the primary jersey retirement within the group’s historical past. The transfer is a part of Magic’s celebration of its thirty fifth anniversary.
It introduced on Twitter, alongside an outdated video of him being drafted, with the caption, “#32 is the primary participant in Magic historical past to have his quantity retired. Thanks, @SHAQ.”
In keeping with NBC Sports activities, Shaq addressed the viewers, stating, “You realize, there’s an outdated saying: Always remember the place you come from. And my skilled profession began right here. I’ve been residing right here largely all my life. The followers have been hospitable. The individuals have been very, very hospitable. I by no means thought today would occur.”
The publication famous that the Orlando Magic, who had a 70-176 file, gave the impression to be an enlargement membership all through their first three seasons of play.
The Magic gained the NBA Draft Lottery in 1992 and used the No. 1 decide to pick Shaq out of LSU. All the pieces modified after that. Shaq guided the Magic to a.500 file as a rookie whereas taking part in alongside sharpshooters Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott. Shaq and Penny Hardaway had the Magic within the NBA Finals by his third season.
Certainly, Shaq was Orlando’s first in lots of respects, in accordance with AP Information. First No. 1 general draft decide. First rookie of the 12 months. First participant to make an All-Star workforce in a Magic uniform. First All-NBA choice. And the primary big-name star to give up the franchise.
Shaq averaged 27.2 factors, 12.5 rebounds, and a pair of.8 blocks over 295 video games whereas taking pictures 58.1 % from the sector throughout his 4 years in Orlando, per DailyMail.
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