Retiring one’s jersey is one of the highest honors for a player in the NBA. To be the first in a franchise’s history to achieve such a feat is truly remarkable. However, there are very few players deserving of the honor more than Shaquille O’Neal. Despite finding his name in the rafters for the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s his first team in the NBA, Orlando Magic, that is bestowing the honor on Diesel. And, to celebrate the occasion, the crew on TNT had a special guest with them.

A family man, and a mama’s boy to boot, O’Neal was surprised when his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, joined the proceedings. Offering her token of gratitude, she couldn’t help gushing over her 7-foot soon.

“Congratulations Shaquille on the retirement of your jersey with the Orlando Magic. Of course, as your number 1 fan, saying congratulations to you, I can remember back when they called our name. ‘Orlando Magic, with the first pick and they picked Shaquille O’Neal.'”

“We were all so happy for you as well as excited. And I have to tell you, You’ve made us all proud with all of that joy and excitement you brought to the Orlando community. This award and this recognition is well-deserved. So, we want you to enjoy it. So proud of you. And we pray that you continue to enjoy life and don’t ever forget the memories. God bless you, my son.”

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As the 4x NBA Champion got emotional hearing her words, one couldn’t help but feel the same “joy” for the duo. Especially, after all, the two had to suffer while Shaq was growing up.

From the streets to the rafters – the journey of Shaquille O’Neal

Growing up, The Big Aristotle didn’t have a life of privilege. Whether it was strict parentage or even missing out on Santa traditions on Christmas, the O’Neal family struggled to make ends meet. Further, Shaq’s history as a “juvenile delinquent” didn’t help matters.

But, through determination and perseverance, the Hall of Famer found a way to flip his fortunes. The draft selection that Lucille alluded to was the beginning of that change – visual, undeniable proof that he had made it, and the journey he was about to embark on.

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Part of the journey is the end. This jersey retirement honor today is a reminder of that journey coming to an end, the culmination of a lifelong career that has seen Shaq go from undesirable to undeniable. Even though his merits to come to the NBA were secure, the Orlando Magic gave him that platform.

This gesture serves as proof that belief wasn’t dumbfounded.

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