Miami Heat is retiring Shaquilee O’Neal jersey this Thursday in a halftime celebration at American Airlines Arena. O’Neal had a short but very meaningful time with the Heat winning one NBA championship in 2006.
This Thursday night game is the game against Los Angeles Lakers, which was O’Neal’s team before joining Miami Heat in 2004. During the halftime, as Lakers led 60-53, the Heat held a ceremony to retire O’Neal’s jersey on the rafter.
The ceremony was preceded by the arrival of his mom into the stadium as reported by CBS Sports. Miami Heat president Pat Riley then delivered speech to address the impact the 7’1” center had during his time in Miami. Later on, Riley pranked him by pouring a card which they made during the 2006 championship written “15 strong.”
O’Neal had a short four-year career in Miami during 2004 to 2008. They won one championship ring in 2006 in a very memorable game to defeat Dallas Mavericks after trailing two games behind.
Prior to his jersey retirement ceremony, Udonis Haslem who played with him during the 2006 championship title jokingly said that he is still waiting for O’Neal to deliver his promise. According to report from Miami Hearld, Haslem said O’Neal promised to give him a Bentley car when they won the 2006 championship and he has been waiting for a decade.
Meanwhile his former teammate Wade, who is now playing for Chicago Bulls posted an image of them celebrating the 2006 NBA championship in his Instagram.
Watch the jersey retirement ceremony during the halftime game between Los Angeles Lakers against Miami Heat below: