O’Neal’s Statement Is Good for Orlando
Shaquille O’Neal issued a statement Tuesday indicating he was receptive to playing for the Orlando Magic, which won the NBA’s draft lottery two days earlier.
“I am thrilled that Orlando Magic’s general manager, Pat Williams, was so excited and sincere about the possibility of having me on the team,” O’Neal said. “I was particularly happy to see the people of Orlando so complimentary towards me.
“I am excited about my upcoming career in the NBA. Soon, I will sit down with my family and my attorney to formulate a game plan.”
O’Neal passed up his final year of eligibility to make himself available for the NBA draft. He had said previously he wanted to play for the Lakers or Clippers.
Williams left no doubt the Magic will choose the 7-foot-1 center with the first selection in the draft, to be held June 24 in Portland, Ore.
O’Neal averaged 24.1 points, 14 rebounds and 5.2 blocked shots as a junior at Louisiana State last season.
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