Shaquille O’Neal’s four-season tenure with the Orlando Magic ended almost two decades ago, but the club will induct the superstar into their Hall of Fame on Friday night.
When the Magic selected O’Neal as No 1 pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, they aimed to rebuild and re-launch the team.
The Magic went on to become a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, O’Neal turned into one of the most prominent players in the history of the game.
Because of his achievements in a Magic uniform the franchise felt it was appropriate to honour a player, who they believe, put the club’s name on the international map.
And, one of O’Neal’s most significant contributions for the Magic was leading the team to the 1995 NBA Finals against the Hakeem Olajuwon-led Houston Rockets.
The seven-foot centre, who retired after the 2010-11 season, excelled in the Finals, but the Rockets still managed to sweep the Magic.
“The Orlando Magic are honoured to recognise 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 recognise 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.”
During O’Neal’s tenure with the Magic, the club made the playoffs in three of those four years.
O’Neal, who played 295 games for Orlando over the course of four seasons, is the third member of the Magic Hall of Fame, joining guard Nick Anderson and team founder/senior vice president Pat Williams.
Anfernee Hardaway, who was selected third pick in 1993 draft – and Dennis Scott were both honoured during the team’s 25th anniversary celebrations in the 2013-14 season.
The decision to honour O’Neal has generated some mixed reaction from a section of Magic fans.
O’Neal will also be honoured in front of the fans during the Magic’s home game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
