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, or Shaq, is a celebrated American former professional basketball player and current sports analyst on Inside the NBA. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is considered among the greatest basketball players and centers in the history of the sport.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1985: Michael Jordan Voted All-Star Starter as Rookie

In 1985, Michael Jordan was the first rookie since Shaquille O'Neal was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year, to be voted an All-Star starter.

1989: Record-Breaking Rebounds

In 1989, during his senior year at Robert G. Cole High School, Shaquille O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds, showcasing his dominance in high school basketball.

1992: Rookie of the Year

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career.

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

On November 20, 1993, Shaquille O'Neal recorded the first triple-double of his career against the New Jersey Nets, with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.

1993: Debut Album Shaq Diesel Released

Beginning in 1993, Shaquille O'Neal began to compose rap music and released five studio albums and one compilation album. His 1993 debut album, Shaq Diesel, received platinum certification from the RIAA.

1993: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance during his first season in the league.

1993: Breaking Backboards

In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports, prompting the league to increase their strength for the following season.

1994: FIBA World Championship MVP

In 1994, O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, leading Dream Team II to a gold medal.

1994: Selection to Dream Team III

In 1994, O'Neal was selected as one of two players from the 1994 FIBA World Championship roster to be named to the Dream Team III.

1994: Led NBA in Scoring

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average.

1994: Release of Shaq Fu: The Return

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal released his rap album "Shaq Fu: The Return", featuring the song "Biological Didn't Bother" where he expressed his feelings about his biological father.

1994: Playoffs with Magic

In 1994, teamed with Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

1995: NBA Finals with the Magic

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, showcasing his dominance in the league.

1995: Featured on HIStory Album

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal was featured alongside Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's album HIStory.

1995: First Three-Point Shot

In 1995, during the 1995-96 NBA season with the Orlando Magic, Shaquille O'Neal made his first and only three-point shot.

1995: NBA Season

O'Neal became a free agent after the 1995-96 NBA season.

1996: Declined International Competition

After his experience in 1996, O'Neal declined to play in future international competitions.

1996: Gold Medal at the Atlanta Olympics

In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics with Dream Team III.

1996: Swept by Chicago Bulls in Eastern Conference Finals

In 1996, despite a strong regular season, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic were swept by Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In the summer of 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was part of the gold medal-winning United States Olympic basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics.

1997: Starred in Steel

In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons, the protagonist in the film Steel, becoming one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture.

1998: Lakers Instability and Personnel Changes

In 1998, the Lakers experienced instability due to personnel changes, including the trade of Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones to satisfy O'Neal's demand for a shooter. These changes impacted the team's dynamics during the season.

November 10, 1999: Ejection in Game Against Houston Rockets

On November 10, 1999, in a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal after O'Neal blocked a layup by Barkley.

1999: Anger over FIBA AmeriCup Snub

In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger at being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, calling it a "lack of respect".

1999: MVP Award

In 1999, Shaquille O'Neal won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance.

1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Head Coach

In 1999, prior to the 1999–2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach. Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal.

1999: Lakers' Playoff Sweep and NBA Title

In 1999, the Lakers finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31–19 record and made the playoffs, but they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson, in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Spurs would go on to win their first NBA title in 1999.

March 6, 2000: Career-High 61 Points on 28th Birthday

On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 123–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Others born on this day/year

December 8, 2000: Missed 11 Free Throws

On December 8, 2000, Shaquille O'Neal missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics, setting a record for futility in free throw shooting.

2000: NBA Title

In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2000: Forwent Olympics

In 2000, O'Neal forwent an opportunity to participate in the Olympics, stating that two gold medals were enough.

2000: MVP Award and All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the 1999-2000 regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) and also won the scoring title while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. He was also selected for the All-Defensive Team (second-team).

2000: Triple Award Winner

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was recognized as the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP.

2000: First Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2000: Phil Jackson Challenges O'Neal

In 2000, the Los Angeles Lakers' new head coach Phil Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal, telling him "the [NBA's] MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired."

2001: NBA Title

In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2001: Appeared in Music Video

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe" and also in P. Diddy's video for "Bad Boy for Life", the video for Aaron Carter's "That's How I Beat Shaq".

2001: Second Championship with Lakers

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, further solidifying his legacy.

2001: Appeared in Aaron Carter's Single

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal was featured in Aaron Carter's hit single "That's How I Beat Shaq". Shaq also appears in the music video for the release.

2001: Most Games Played

In 2004–05 season with the Miami Heat O'Neal played in 73 games, his most since 2001 season.

January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls. He punched center Brad Miller after an intentional foul, resulting in a melee. O'Neal was suspended for three games without pay and fined $15,000.

2002: NBA Title

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2002: Declined to play in FIBA World Championship

In 2002, O'Neal chose not to play in the FIBA World Championship.

2002: Third Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers completed a three-peat, winning their third consecutive NBA championship.

2003: Lakers Failed to Reach the Finals

At the end of the 2002-2003 season, the Lakers had fallen to the fifth seed and failed to reach the Finals in 2003.

2003: Recruitment of Karl Malone and Gary Payton

For the 2003–04 season, O'Neal assisted in the recruitment efforts and personally persuaded Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join the Lakers, each forgoing larger salaries for a chance to win an NBA championship.

July 14, 2004: Trade to Miami Heat

On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a future first-round draft choice. He changed his jersey number to 32 and promised to bring a championship to Miami.

2004: Rejected Olympics Offer

In 2004, O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the Olympics.

2004: Trade to Miami Heat

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat amidst a feud with Kobe Bryant, beginning a new chapter in his NBA career.

2004: Loss to Pistons and Demand for Trade

In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. Following the series, O'Neal was angered by comments made by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and the departure of coach Phil Jackson, leading him to demand a trade.

March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal Title

On March 2, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation.

June 2005: O'Neal offers to pay for George Mikan's funeral expenses

In June 2005, following the death of Hall of Fame center George Mikan, Shaquille O'Neal, acknowledging Mikan's influence, offered to cover all funeral expenses for his family.

August 2005: Signed 5-Year Extension with the Heat

In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million. This was viewed as a willingness to take a pay cut to secure his services for the long term.

December 8, 2005: Sworn in as Miami Beach Reserve Officer

On December 8, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve officer, electing for a private ceremony. Shortly after, he witnessed a hate crime and helped police track down the offenders, leading to their arrest.

2005: Ankle Injury and Coaching Change

In the second game of the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Upon O'Neal's return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over as head coach.

April 11, 2006: Second Career Triple-Double

On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his second career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists.

September 2006: Participated in Police Raid

In September 2006, Shaquille O'Neal, who had been made an "honorary deputy," took part in a raid on a home in rural Bedford County, Virginia. O'Neal was not qualified as a SWAT officer.

2006: Declined Invitation for US Roster

In 2006, O'Neal, although initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, he eventually declined the invitation.

2006: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal and Erick Dampier, who he had previously mocked, met in the NBA Finals.

2006: Fourth Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, adding to his impressive list of accomplishments.

2006: Jordan Farmar Draft

In 2006, the Lakers used the draft choice they obtained from the Miami Heat in the trade for O'Neal to select Jordan Farmar.

2006: NBA Playoffs and Career Milestone

In 2006, the Miami Heat were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs, marking the first time in 50 years that a defending champion was swept. During the 2006 season, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone, but his scoring average dipped below 20 points per game for the first time.

2007: Rough Start to the Season

In 2007, O'Neal had a difficult start to the season, experiencing career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His offensive role diminished, and he struggled with fouls.

2007: Playing for the Miami Heat

In 2007, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat, averaging 14.2 points per game, before being traded to the Phoenix Suns.

2007: Regular Season and Playoffs with the Suns

In 2007, O'Neal played regular season games averaging 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Phoenix Suns. The Suns aimed to limit Tim Duncan but were eliminated by the Spurs in the playoffs.

2007: Shaq's Big Challenge Premieres

In 2007, Shaq's Big Challenge, a reality show on ABC hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, premiered. In the show, he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.

2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns

Midway through the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking another shift in his NBA journey.

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during a practice, leading to Riley's decision to trade O'Neal.

February 2008: Acquisition by the Phoenix Suns

In February 2008, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

February 20, 2008: Suns Debut Against the Lakers

On February 20, 2008, O'Neal debuted with the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points.

December 25, 2008: Missed 5,000th Free Throw

On December 25, 2008, Shaquille O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming only the second player in NBA history to reach this mark, alongside Wilt Chamberlain.

2008: Improved Season with the Suns

In 2008, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds, leading the Suns to a 23-18 record.

2008: Declined Invitation for US Roster

In 2008, O'Neal, although initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, he eventually declined the invitation.

2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns (Continued)

Shaquille O'Neal's trade to the Phoenix Suns continued into the 2008 season.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against the 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.

March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard. O'Neal also commented on flopping in the NBA.

June 25, 2009: Traded 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.

2009: Career Lows During Season

During the 2009 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 playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and the Suns considered trading him to cut costs.

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP

In 2009, O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and was named co-MVP along with Kobe Bryant.

2009: Attended Sportscaster U. Training Camp

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal attended the Sportscaster U. training camp at S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Additionally, he studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Conservatory.

2009: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

In the 2009-2010 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, teaming up with LeBron James.

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.

August 10, 2010: Introduction by the Celtics

On August 10, 2010, O'Neal was introduced by the Boston Celtics and chose the number 36.

December 20, 2010: Conducted Boston Pops Orchestra

On December 20, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall.

2010: Plays for Cleveland Cavaliers

Shaquille O'Neal played for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2010-2011 season before playing for the Boston Celtics and eventually retiring.

June 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement via Social Media

On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter after 19 years of playing professional basketball.

June 3, 2011: Official Retirement Press Conference

On June 3, 2011, O'Neal held a press conference at his home in Orlando to officially announce his retirement.

2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, marking his involvement in team ownership.

2014: Cole High Retires No. 33

In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his achievements and contributions to the school's basketball program.

January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Reserve Officer

On January 20, 2015, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force.

2015: Shareef's High School Basketball Highlights

In 2015, Shareef O'Neal was highlighted as a 6-foot-7-inch freshman power forward with a different playing style than his father, known for his athleticism and shooting range.

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy

In December 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of Clayton County, Georgia Sheriff's Department.

2016: Lip Sync Battle Performance

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal lip synced the B-52s song "Love Shack" on the television show Lip Sync Battle.

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October 23, 2021: DJ Diesel at Electric Daisy Carnival

On October 23, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel on the bassPOD stage at the 2021 Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

July 4, 2022: DJ Diesel at Jersey City 4th of July Festival

On July 4, 2022, Shaquille O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the Jersey City 4th of July Festival with Flo Rida.

2022: Departure from Sacramento Kings Ownership

In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal concluded his tenure as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.

June 7, 2023: First Single as DJ Diesel Released

On June 7, 2023, Shaquille O'Neal released his first single as DJ Diesel from his debut album Gorilla Warfare, titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage.