Orlando First Jersey Retirement!

Orlando First Jersey Retirement!

On June 15, 1989, the world was introduced to the Orlando Magic. The Magic spent their first few years trying to build up an organization and a culture. Then, on June 24, 1992, the Orlando Magic drafted a man who would be a generational talent. They drafted Shaquille O'Neal. One of the greatest basketball players of all time.

In his rookie season, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 23.4 points per game, 14 rebounds per game, and 3.5 blocks per game. Earning himself an All-Star selection and the Rookie of the Year award. This was one of the most dominating rookie campaigns ever; Shaq was 7th in the MVP Race. Superman was special. He was magical, like Disney. Diesel proved to the world that magic is on the rise.

Shaq made Orlando a hot team. Because of his charisma, the media adored him. He was rapping with Biggie Smalls. He had his own video games. Talk shows invited him. He appeared in several movies. On the court, that play continued as he earned an All-NBA team every year he was there. Superman continued to prove he is a future great in the NBA and a great ambassador for the game.

In the 1994–95 season, it seemed like The Magic could make a run. They stacked the roster. They signed free agent Horace Grant, who won titles with the Chicago Bulls. Dennis Scott was a talented knock-down shooter. Along with Nick Anderson, who was one of the early stars they had. And Penny Hardaway, who became one of the best guards in the NBA. The Magic went on to beat the aging Celtics in five games. Then the Magic did the unthinkable. They defeated the Chicago Bulls, who had a returning Michael Jordan. Beating them in six games and then beating the Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, in seven games. Unfortunately, the Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, were able to sweep the Magic in four games. Despite the tough loss, the future was bright in Orlando.

Shaq and Hardaway establish themselves as two of the best players in the NBA. Both were MVP candidates. But they couldn't make a final run again. The Chicago Bulls became stronger than ever, winning three NBA championships. They lost against the Bulls in the 1996 Eastern Conference finals. Then they ran into inconveniences. Shaq was a free agent and could go anywhere. The franchise did everything to lowball Shaq, and the fans agreed with ownership. This created a huge divide between the franchise and Superman. The team also questions the importance of Shaq.

Now the debate became: Who's team is it? Penny became a superstar. Nike, the rival shoe company, signed him, aiming to take over the shoe game, which hurts Shaq's Reebok. He had one of the greatest shoe commercials of all time. Once Shaq got injured, he assumed control of the team. The organization questioned the importance of the big man, along with his fans. They started to lowball him in contract negotiations. Offering him a mediocre $55 million. That created a divide between Diesel and Orlando. They weren't offering him what he was worth. Then the Magic offered him a deal for $115 mil, which couldn't match the Lakers offer, which was $120 mil. This changed history forever.

Shaq took over LA. He now had a new sidekick in Kobe Bryant, who was an up-and-coming player straight from high school. Now, the league has opened up for the big man coming into his prime. Michael Jordan no longer played for the Bulls. Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Karl Malone were all fading away. It was open season for the Diesel, as he won an MVP and peaked in the finals. He established himself as the most dominant big man in NBA history. As for Penny Hardaway, he was dealing with an injury, and that ruined his career. Then, in the 2004 draft, the Magic found another dominating center: Dwight Howard. He will also see his jersey retired in the NBA.

Shaq is no stranger to jersey retirements. He has his number hanging up in LA, and he has a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena. He also has his number retired in Miami, where he won them their first championship. And his university, LSU, retired his number. But this was special. Orlando was where Shaq became Superman. He became one of the biggest players that the NBA has ever seen. Even though Orlando drafted Shaq, there is no doubt that both parties needed each other. Though the breakup was ugly, it is good to see all parties move on. Now, the man who made the franchise has finally gotten his number retired.

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