Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shaquille O'Neal
Discover the career path of Shaquille O'Neal, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Shaquille O'Neal, nicknamed "Diesel", is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1-inch and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over a 19-year career. He is a four-time NBA champion and considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers ever.
2 days ago : Shaquille O'Neal to Pay Funeral Costs For Georgia Girl Killed After Bus Stop Fight
Shaquille O'Neal is paying for the funeral of 12-year-old Jada West, who died after a fight at her bus stop in Villa Rica, Georgia. West collapsed and passed away days later. The news has gained national attention.
1985: Michael Jordan All-Star Starter
In 1985, Michael Jordan was voted an All-Star starter.
1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic
In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the NBA draft, launching his professional basketball career.
1992: O'Neal's Rookie Season
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the first time since O'Neal's rookie season in 1992–93 that he did not participate in the playoffs.
November 20, 1993: First Career Triple-Double
On November 20, 1993, against the New Jersey Nets, Shaquille O'Neal recorded his first career triple-double, with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.
1993: Breaking Backboards in First NBA Season
During his first NBA season in 1993-94, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports on two occasions, prompting the NBA to increase the brace strength and stability of backboards for the following season.
1993: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. He was also the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.
1994: Third Season in NBA
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal continued his NBA career.
1994: Improved Scoring Average
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal improved his scoring average to 29.4 points and led the NBA in field goal percentage at 60%.
1994: Shaq Fu: The Return Released
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal voiced his feelings of disdain for his biological father, Joe Toney, in the song "Biological Didn't Bother" on his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return.
1994: Named to Dream Team III
Shaquille O'Neal was one of two players, with Reggie Miller, from the 1994 FIBA World Championship roster to also be named to Dream Team III.
1995: Making One Three-Point Shot
During the 1995-96 NBA season with the Orlando Magic, O'Neal made the only three-point shot of his entire career.
1995: NBA Free Agent
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal became a free agent after the NBA season.
1995: Led NBA in Scoring
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average while playing for the Orlando Magic.
1995: Leads Magic to NBA Finals
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, marking a significant milestone in his career and the team's history.
1996: Declined Further International Competition after the Olympics
After his experience at the 1996 Olympics, Shaquille O'Neal declined to participate in further international basketball competitions.
1996: Finished Season with the Magic
In 1996, Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Magic finished with a regular season record of 60–22.
1996: Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics
In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. He was upset with coach Lenny Wilkens for playing David Robinson more minutes in the final game.
1996: Joined the US Olympic Basketball Team
In the summer of 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the United States Olympic basketball team and won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. During this time, controversies arose in Orlando regarding his contract and role on the Magic.
1998: Lakers Finished the Season 61-21
In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds, and the Lakers finished the season 61–21.
March 6, 2000: Career-High 61 Points on 28th Birthday
On March 6, 2000, which was his 28th birthday, Shaquille O'Neal scored a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 123–103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. This was the last NBA game in which a player scored 60 or more points without a 3-pointer until December 13, 2023.
2000: First NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, alongside Kobe Bryant.
2000: Declined Participation in the 2000 Olympics
Shaquille O'Neal declined the opportunity to participate in the 2000 Olympics, explaining that two gold medals were enough for him.
2001: Second Consecutive NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, continuing their dominant run.
2002: Third Consecutive NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal won his third consecutive NBA championship as a Laker, solidifying the team's dynasty.
2002: Declined to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship
Shaquille O'Neal chose not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
July 14, 2004: Traded to Miami Heat
On July 14, 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a future first-round draft choice.
July 14, 2004: Trade to Miami Heat and Jersey Number Change
On July 14, 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat. He changed his jersey number from 34 (Lakers) to 32, which he previously wore for the Magic.
2004: Traded to Miami Heat
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
2004: Rejected Offer to Play in the 2004 Olympics
Shaquille O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the 2004 Olympics.
August 2005: Signs 5-Year Extension with the Heat
In August 2005, Shaquille O'Neal signed a 5-year contract extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million.
April 11, 2006: Second Career Triple-Double
On April 11, 2006, Shaquille O'Neal recorded his second career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors, with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists.
2006: Reaching 25,000 Career Points
During the 2006-07 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone. However, 2006 was also the first season in his career where his scoring average dropped below 20 points per game.
2006: Fourth NBA Championship with Miami Heat
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, further cementing his legacy as a dominant force.
2006: Jordan Farmar Selected in NBA Draft
In the 2006 NBA draft, the Lakers used the first-round draft choice obtained in the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat to select Jordan Farmar.
2006: Initial Interest and Eventual Decline for 2006-2008 US Roster
Shaquille O'Neal was initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, but eventually declined the invitation.
2007: Rough Start to the 2007-08 Season
During the 2007-08 season, O'Neal experienced a rough start, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role in the offense diminished as he attempted only 10 field goals per game, versus his career average of 17. Also, O'Neal's streak of 14 straight All-Star appearances ended in 2007.
2007: Averaging 12.9 Points and 10.6 Rebounds in Regular Season Games
During the 28 regular season games of 2007, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, which qualified him for the playoffs. He was traded in part to limit Tim Duncan during a potential series against the Spurs.
2007: Playing for Miami Heat in 2007-08 season
In the 2007-08 season, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. During those 33 games, which occurred in 2007, he started all games and averaged 14.2 points per game.
2007: Traded to Phoenix Suns
Midway through the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns, adding another team to his NBA journey.
February 2008: Altercation with Pat Riley and Trade Decision
In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with Heat coach Pat Riley over Riley ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice. O'Neal poked Riley in the chest, and Riley slapped his finger away, leading Riley to soon after decide to trade O'Neal.
February 2008: Acquired by Phoenix Suns
In February 2008, the Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. The Heat had a record of 9-37 at the time.
February 20, 2008: Suns Debut
On February 20, 2008, O'Neal made his debut for the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers. He scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the game, which the Lakers won 130-124.
2008: Improved Performance in the 2008-09 Season
During the first half of the 2008-09 NBA season, O'Neal's performance improved, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, contributing to the Suns' 23-18 record.
2008: Plays for Phoenix Suns
In 2008, Shaquille O'Neal played for the Phoenix Suns after being traded mid-season.
2008: Declined to play in the 2008 US Preliminary Roster
Shaquille O'Neal eventually declined an invitation to the 2008 US Preliminary Roster.
February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against the Toronto Raptors
On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a game against the Toronto Raptors, marking his 49th career 40-point game. The Suns beat the Raptors 133-113.
March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic
On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard, leading to comments about his age and role. O'Neal also discussed the double-teaming strategy used against him, and reacted to coach Van Gundy's accusations of flopping.
June 25, 2009: Trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers
On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round draft pick. O'Neal stated his goal was to "Win a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.
2009: Averaging career lows
During the 2009–10 season, O'Neal averaged career lows in almost every major statistical category, largely due to splitting Center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
2009: Missed Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team
In 2009, O'Neal missed the NBA playoffs for the first time since his rookie season in 1992-93 and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. The Suns also notified O'Neal of a potential trade to cut costs.
2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and emerged as co-MVP along with Kobe Bryant.
2009: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2009-2010 season, teaming up with Lebron James.
February 25, 2010: Right Thumb Injury
On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury during a game against the Boston Celtics, requiring surgery on March 1.
August 4, 2010: Signed by the Boston Celtics
On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal to a two-year contract at the veteran minimum salary of $2.8 million.
August 10, 2010: Introduced by the Celtics
On August 10, 2010, O'Neal was introduced by the Boston Celtics and chose the number 36.
2010: Plays for Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2010, Shaquille O'Neal played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
June 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement via Social Media
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter, thanking fans for 19 years of support.
June 3, 2011: Official Retirement Announcement
On June 3, 2011, O'Neal held a press conference at his home in Orlando to officially announce his retirement from professional basketball.
2011: Injuries and Limited Playoff Appearance
Throughout the 2011 season, O'Neal missed games due to injuries and played limited minutes in the playoffs as the Heat eliminated the Celtics.
2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his involvement in the NBA beyond playing.
September 2016: O'Neal Reflects on the 2009-10 Season
In September 2016, O'Neal reflected that had he not been injured in 2010, the Cavaliers would have won a championship.
2022: Departure from Sacramento Kings Ownership
In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal ended his tenure as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, concluding his involvement with the team's ownership.
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