Shaquille O’Neal was Orlando’s first in several respects. First overall draft pick. The Magic’s first All-Star selection. First rookie of the year. First All-NBA selection. And the first big-name star to quit the franchise.
O’Neal never expected the Magic to raise his jersey to the rafters of their arena. But he was mistaken, and on Tuesday night, Orlando retired O’Neal’s No. 32, marking another first for the organisation and its first star. The Magic, who are in their 35th season, drafted O’Neal first overall in 1992. They’d never retired a player’s number before, but believed the anniversary season was the proper time. O’Neal is the third player to have his jersey retired by three organisations, behind Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Lakers have all retired Chamberlain’s jersey number 13. The Atlanta Hawks retired Maravich’s No. 44, while the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans retired his No. 7 — despite the fact that he never played for either teams. His number is retired in New Orleans, where he played for the Jazz and attended LSU.