“The guy that created all this passed away…” Shaquille O’Neal reveals why Orlando Magic retiring jersey makes him sad

The legendary center credits late stepfather Phillip Harrison for making him the player he became.

“The guy that created all this passed away…” Shaquille O’Neal reveals why Orlando Magic retiring jersey makes him sad

Shaquille O'Neal is sad his stepfather will not be there to watch his Magic jersey being retired (Image via Open Source/X)

Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal will be the first player in Orlando Magic history to have his jersey retired. The most dominant big ever to play the game, however, is not emotionally in a good shape because of someone who will not be there to watch him being etched in Magic history.

O’Neal credits his late stepfather Phillip Harrison for whatever he has accomplished in his career. O’Neal said if not for Harrison, he would have never even played in the NBA.

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As reported by People magazine, O’Neal is sad that Harrison, who passed away in 2013, would not be able to attend his jersey retirement ceremony. Speaking with People, O’Neal said;

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It actually makes me sad and I'm going to tell you why. The guy that created all this passed away about nine, 10 years ago.

O’Neal believes the man who is responsible for this achievement will not be able to watch his accomplishment.

Shaquille O’Neal also mentioned his appreciation for former Magic owner Richard DeVos. DeVos drafted O’Neal and gave him his first big payday of his life. The former LSU star is forever grateful for the opportunity DeVos gave him back in the day. DeVos will also not be present at the ceremony as he passed away in 2018.

O’Neal credits his stepfather as the one who developed him to be the player he became to be known. O’Neal feels that without his guidance, he would have been just another kid on the streets. So for both Harrison and DeVos to not be present is heartbreaking for him.

Shaquille O’Neal put the Orlando Magic on the map

The Orlando Magic was formed as an expansion franchise in 1989. They had losing seasons in the initial three years of the franchise’s existence. Then in 1992, with the first overall pick, they drafted O’Neal. That lottery pick put the Magic on the map.

Shaquille O'Neal will be the first Orlando Magic player to have his jersey retired
Shaquille O’Neal will be the first Orlando Magic player to have his jersey retired (Image via X)

O’Neal instantly turned the franchise’s fortunes around. After recording a 41-41 record in his first year, O’Neal led the Magic to three straight playoffs. The latter two times they reached the NBA finals and the Conference Finals. Such was the turnaround in play as well as O’Neal’s superstar-level charisma, that the Magic became one of the most-watched teams in the league.

O’Neal could not win the Magic a championship, but he did enough to get his jersey retired. The first in their history. But he would have liked the people responsible for this achievement to be there.

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