Shaquille O'Neal to Be Inducted into Orlando Magic Hall of Fame
While he only spent four seasons with the franchise, Shaquille O'Neal was the first foundational star of a then-neophyte Orlando Magic organization. A little less than 20 years after he left for the bright lights of Los Angeles, the Magic have decided to honor O'Neal by inducting him into the team's Hall of Fame.
"The Orlando Magic are honored to recognize those who have made significant contributions to our history,’’ Magic CEO Alex Martins said in a statement. "Shaq made a tremendous impact on our franchise during his time with us and we are thrilled to recognize him as our third inductee into the Magic Hall of Fame. He carries on a great legacy of those who made the greatest contribution to the rich history of the Orlando Magic.’’
The franchise plans on honoring O'Neal at a private ceremony on March 27 before honoring him again later that night before Orlando's game against the Detroit Pistons. He is the third member of the Magic Hall of Fame, joining guard Nick Anderson and team founder/senior vice president Pat Williams.
O'Neal, who retired after the 2010-11 season, was drafted by the Magic No. 1 overall out of LSU in 1992. He'd instantly breathe life into the franchise, bringing down basket stanchions with dunks and emerging as part of the NBA's most exciting young duo with Penny Hardaway.
Shaq made four All-Star teams and was selected to an All-NBA team three times, averaging 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. The Magic made the playoffs in three of those four years, including an NBA Finals run in 1995.
The future Hall of Famer left Orlando in free agency in 1996, eventually winning four NBA championships and taking home a Most Valuable Player award in 2000. He played for the Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics in addition to the Magic.
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