Legendary NBA star Shaquille O'Neal believes that Orlando
Magic retiring his jersey is a bigger deal for him compared to how his jersey
has been retired by the other franchises.
The 51-year-old’s jersey number 32 was officially retired by Magic to honour his services for the franchise.
O'Neal was recently quoted in a report where he stated that
his jersey retiring from Magic was a bigger deal as he became the first player
from the franchise whose jersey was retired.
“Out of all the ceremonies, this is the most exciting,"
he said. "Orlando, only being here four years, going to the Finals once,
going to the ceremony... At LSU, I knew it was going to happen... the Lakers, I
kind of forced it to happen because I wanted my name to be up there.
“Orlando, me playing here four years, going to the Finals
once, going to the ceremony and seeing it and nobody else having a jersey... I
never thought this day would happen. It means a lot, a lot of great players
have played here including Penny Hadaway, Vince Carter, Grant Hill, Penny
Hardaway Jr., T-Mac... To be the first is definitely an honor."
O'Neal spent four seasons with the Magic where he
contributed more than 8,000 points. His best season with the franchise was in 1993-94
where he registered 2,377 points.