https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/812122429434626049
Shaquille O’Neal spent only three and a half seasons with the Miami Heat organization but he made a significant impact. In 205 games, the Big Aristotle averaged 19.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game and, more importantly, the Heat claimed their first championship with O’Neal playing alongside Dwyane Wade in 2006. To show love for his efforts, the Heat retired O’Neal’s jersey on Thursday night in advance of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Unsurprisingly, the franchise pulled out all the stops.
First, O’Neal’s mother arrived at midcourt while being transported by a mini-truck.
https://vine.co/v/50nqemQLQLx
Then, Pat Riley addressed both O’Neal and the assembled masses.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/812122727234473984
The best moment of Riley’s speech involved a prank in reverse on O’Neal as payback for past transgressions in a similar way.
https://vine.co/v/50nb5xh60au
Finally, O’Neal took to the microphone and delivered what everyone assumed would be an entertaining address. He did not disappoint, because Shaq never disappoints when he’s given a live mic and the chance to entertain a crowd.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/812124189930815489
In the end, it was a splendid ceremony that paid tribute to one of the most influential figures in both Miami Heat history and the lengthy history of the NBA. Fittingly, it ended with O’Neal unleashing one of his trademark phrases in the form of “can you dig it?” and the crowd rejoiced.
Shaq might be remembered for his days in Los Angeles and Orlando, but he earned this one, too.