Shaq Inducted Into Magic Hall of Fame

Shaquille O’Neal was inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame on Friday, April 27. O’Neal was the number one overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft and drafted by the Magic. In Shaq third season, him and Penny Hardaway led the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals where they faced the Houston Rockets. Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets swept the Magic in four games.

The next season the Magic were swept again in four games against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. O’Neal spent his four seasons in Orlando and become a free agent. After that series against the Bulls, in the offseason, O’Neal decided to sign a seven-year deal worth $120 million with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. Shaq won his first title with Kobe Bryant in 2000 and the Lakers went on to three-peat. Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004 and won his fourth title with the help of Dwyane Wade in 2006.

Shaq’s kids came out to support him on his big day.

Shaq made the Magic fun to watch and one of the most exciting teams in early to mid 90’s. Shaq is the best player to ever wear a Magic uniform and maybe the Magic will eventually retire his number 32 jersey. I believe the Magic would eventually won a title with the right pieces and Penny staying healthy. The Magic didn’t capitalize against the Rockets in the Finals, then Jordan returned for a full season and went on to win his second three-peat. It almost took 20 years for Shaq and the Magic to reunite, but it was well worth the wait for him.

Photo Credit: Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel