Magic Success 'All Starts With Paolo', Says Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal gave his opinion on the current Orlando Magic after having his number retired on Tuesday night.

The Orlando Magic is currently in the playoff picture, but Shaquille O'Neal knows that the team can be even higher than that.

The Magic legend had his No. 32 jersey retired after the team's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. After the ceremony, Shaq shared some of his thoughts on the current state of the team in an interview.

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"Right now, we're in the sixth spot, so hopefully we can win a few games, move up and get some type of home court advantage," Shaq said. "Probably need one or two more pieces to really get to that next level. But they play hard, they can compete and they can go pretty far, they just have to believe it. But it all starts with Paolo."

Paolo Banchero is averaging 23 points per game on much better shooting percentages than his rookie year. His spectacular season has led to the young forward being named an All-Star for the first time in his career, and he will play in the game on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

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If Banchero continues to improve year after year like he has from his rookie year to this season, the Magic will be in prime position to make noise year after year. Also, the young star could start in the All-Star Game in the future and be one of the faces of the league. 

Banchero and the rest of the Magic will be back in action tonight against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET in the Kia Center.