Shaquille O’Neal — the greatest free agent acquisition in Miami Heat history per Pat Riley — will have his number 32 jersey retired by the franchise on December 22. From the official announcement:
MIAMI, FL – The HEAT announced today that they will retire Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey in a special halftime ceremony on December 22nd at AmericanAirlines Arena when the HEAT take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The ceremony, which will be hosted by HEAT Television Play-By-Play Announcer, Eric Reid, will include a video presentation and the raising of the No. 32 retirement banner to the rafters of the Arena. O’Neal and HEAT President, Pat Riley, are also scheduled to address the fans. In addition, TV broadcast partner, FOX Sports Sun, will air the entire ceremony live on the local television broadcast. O’Neal will become the third HEAT player to have his jersey retired, joining HEAT greats Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway.
O’Neal is the Heat’s leader in career field goal percentage (.596). Led by Shaq and Dwyane Wade, the Heat won their first championship in franchise history in 2006.
O’Neal has already had his number 34 retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. O’Neal won three championships with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
