Shaquille O’Neal impressed fans all around the globe with his classy gesture towards Nick Anderson, an Orlando Magic legend like Shaq himself. Shaq’s selfless gesture shocked many as he is often interpreted as a joker but this less known side of his personality came as a surprise for many of his fans.
Orlando Magic retired Shaq’s jersey number, making him the first player in the history of the franchise to receive such an honor. Instead of making it all about himself Shaq just used the opportunity to call up a former Orlando Magic player and honor him.
Nick Anderson, Orlando Magic’s first-ever draft pick was called up by Shaq who was Magic’s 1993 Rookie of the Year.
“It’s a real honor to be the first Orlando Magic player to get their jersey retired, although I would’ve expected to be number two,” Shaq said, via NBA TV. “You were the first superstar here in Orlando. I appreciate you for sacrificing for me. You could have {taken} the shot every time, but you threw it in {to low post}. I definitely want to come back here when your jersey gets retired.”
"It's a real honor to be the first Orlando Magic player to get their jersey retired, although I would've expected to be number two… You were the first superstar here in Orlando." 🤝
Shaq gives Nick Anderson his flowers during his jersey ceremony
(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/5LT4LCaxvQ
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 14, 2024
Shaquille O’Neal’s gesture moved Anderson and it looked hard for him to control his emotions. The crowd at Kia Center appreciated Shaq’s gesture with warm applause.
Fans react to Shaquille O’Neal’s selfless gesture towards Nick Anderson
Fans loved what Shaquille O’Neal did and were quick to express their gesture on the internet.
“The Magic need to retire more jerseys. That Ring Of Honor thing doesn’t make sense to me. Penny Hardaway, Dennis Scott, Horace Grant, Nick Anderson, Bo Outlaw, Darrell Armstrong, Scott Skiles, Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson. Take ya pick!” one fan commented on X(previously Twitter).
The Magic need to retire more jerseys. That Ring Of Honor thing doesn't make sense to me. Penny Hardaway, Dennis Scott, Horace Grant, Nick Anderson, Bo Outlaw, Darrell Armstrong, Scott Skiles, Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson. Take ya pick!
— Najeero (@Najeero) February 14, 2024
“Shaquille O’Neal makes a compelling argument. His No. 32 jersey hangs alone above the rafters for now, but the Magic’s complete story cannot be properly told without the man who served as the foundational brick of an unforgettable era of Orlando basketball.” another fan replied.
Shaquille O’Neal makes a compelling argument. His No. 32 jersey hangs alone above the rafters for now, but the Magic’s complete story cannot be properly told without the man who served as the foundational brick of an unforgettable era of Orlando basketball.
— smiler (@crysayan_love) February 14, 2024
“Respect to Shaq for showing love to Nick. Glad he got his jersey retired. Well deserved!” a fan wrote.
Respect to Shaq for showing love to Nick. Glad he got his jersey retired. Well deserved!
— 216 Kicks (@216_Kicks_) February 14, 2024
Shaquille O’Neal has always been a jubilant and free-to-go man but this side of his personality was less known. Fans on the internet agree to retire Shaq’s jersey numbers he inspires on and off the court.
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