Shaq opens up about retired Magic shirt: “More special…”

What Shaquille O’Neal is one of the biggest names in the history of NBA, everyone already knows this. With great spells for several teams, the most notable were for Orlando Magic, Miami Heat It is Los Angeles Lakers. However, the former pivot revealed that he enjoyed retiring his shirt more for the franchise that selected him in the Draft. Applauded by the crowd Orlandoat Floridahad his number 32 shirt retired this past Tuesday, the 13th.

“Of all the ceremonies, this is the most exciting. Orlando, staying here for four years, going to the NBA Finals once and winning ceremony. At LSU (university), I knew it was going to happen. But with the Lakers, I kind of forced it to happen because I wanted my name up there.”stated Shaq.

Even though the team was only created in 1989, no other player who played there had their shirt retired. The only one was number 6, because of the fans and, since last year, because of Bill Russell, which every team in the league did. So, Shaq was the first athlete who actually achieved the honor.

“At Magic, playing for four years and going to the Finals once, winning ceremony and no one else can wear the number. I never thought I would reach this day. It means a lot as a lot of great players played here including Penny Hardaway, Vince Carter, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady. But being the first is an honor.”commented the former pivot.

In 1992/93, at the age of 20, Shaq began his NBA career with the Magic, winning the best rookie award and was called up to the All-Star Game still a newbie. Two years later, he played in his first final, against Houston Rocketswhich ended up sweeping the team with jersey number 32. Only two other players had their jerseys retired by three teams in the NBA: Wilt Chamberlain (Golden State WarriorsLos Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers) It is Pete Maravich (Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz It is New Orleans Pelicans).