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, known as Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is widely considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers of all time.

Sections (7)

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

1992: Rookie Season

In 1992, O'Neal started his rookie season.

1992: Drafted into the NBA

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the NBA draft.

1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 1st overall pick in the NBA draft.

1993: Appeared in NBA Jam

In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Jam.

1993: Debut Album Release

In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal released his debut rap album, "Shaq Diesel", which received platinum certification from the RIAA.

1994: Dream Team III Selection

In 1994, O'Neal was selected as one of two players (along with Reggie Miller) from the 1994 roster to be named to Dream Team III.

1994: Appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal made several appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including at the Bash at the Beach pay per view where he presented the title belt.

1994: Release of Shaq Fu: The Return

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

1994: Magic Make Playoffs

In 1994, teamed with Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with a record of 50–32 and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

1994: Leads NBA in Scoring

In the 1994-1995 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average.

1995: Three-Point Shot

During the 1995-96 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal made one three-point shot while playing with the Orlando Magic. This was one of only 22 attempts during his entire career.

1995: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals, facing the Houston Rockets.

1995: Appeared in Pepsi Commercials

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in several Pepsi commercials, including one that parodied shows like I Love Lucy, Bonanza, and Woody Woodpecker.

1995: Guest Appearance on Michael Jackson's 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: NBA Season

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

1996: Decline of International Competition

Following the 1996 Olympics, O'Neal declined to participate in further international competitions.

1997: Animated version of himself in Johnny Bravo

In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in the Johnny Bravo animated series, specifically in the episode titled "Back on Shaq."

1998: Lakers Finish Season

In 1998, The Lakers finished the season 61–21, first in the Pacific Division, and were the second seed in the western conference during the 1998 NBA Playoffs.

November 10, 1999: Ejection with Charles Barkley

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after a physical altercation that began with O'Neal blocking Barkley's layup.

1999: MVP Vote Short

In 1999, O'Neal was one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman, then of CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson.

1999: Phil Jackson Hired

In 1999, prior to the 1999-2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach.

1999: Coaching and Playoff Changes

In 1999, the Lakers experienced further changes with the firing of coach Del Harris, replaced by Kurt Rambis. The team finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31-19 record but were swept in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs.

March 6, 2000: Career-High Scoring Game

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

2000: First NBA Title

In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant, utilizing Jackson's triangle offense, began their successful run, leading the Lakers to their first of three consecutive titles.

2000: Opting Out of 2000 Olympics

In 2000, O'Neal declined to participate in the 2000 Olympics, stating that two gold medals were sufficient.

2000: MVP Award and All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, narrowly missing a unanimous vote, and was also selected for the All-Defensive Team (second-team).

2000: Began Training in Mixed Martial Arts

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) at Jonathan Burke's Gracie Gym, learning boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling.

2000: First NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2000: Jackson's Challenge to O'Neal

In 2000, after being hired, Phil Jackson challenged O'Neal, suggesting the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him.

2001: Fouling Out in NBA Finals

During Game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out after backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000-2001 Defensive Player of the Year, leading to O'Neal's criticism of Mutombo's alleged flopping.

2001: Second NBA Title

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

2001: Second NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

2001: Featured in Aaron Carter's Hit Single

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

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2001: Most Games since 2001

In 2004-2005 season, O'Neal played in 73 games, his most since the 2001 season, where he also averaged 22.9 points a game along with 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in a brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls, resulting in a three-game suspension and a $15,000 fine after punching center Brad Miller.

2002: Third NBA Title

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant, utilizing Jackson's triangle offense, led the Lakers to their third consecutive title. O'Neal was named MVP of the NBA Finals all three times.

2002: Skipping 2002 FIBA World Championship

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

2002: Voice actor in Quest for the Code

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in Quest for the Code as a voice actor.

2002: Participated in Motorcycle Mania 2

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, requesting a custom motorcycle from Jesse James.

2002: Animated version of himself in Static Shock

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in the Static Shock animated series, specifically in the episode titled "Static Shaq."

2002: Third NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal won his third consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2002: Controversy and Allegations

In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Kings' center Vlade Divac of flopping.

2003: Recruitment Efforts

For the 2003-04 season, O'Neal assisted in the Lakers' recruitment efforts, persuading Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join the team for a chance to win a championship, despite lower salaries. He later yelled at Jerry Buss, the owner of the Lakers, 'Pay me'.

2003: Appeared in NBA Jam

In 2003, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Jam.

2003: Lakers Fail to Reach Finals

In 2003, after a slow start, the Lakers finished the season as the fifth seed and did not reach the NBA Finals.

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. O'Neal changed his jersey number from 34 to 32 and promised to bring a championship to Miami.

2004: All-Star and MVP Runner-up

In 2004, O'Neal made his 12th consecutive All-Star Team, made the All-NBA 1st Team, won the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award, and narrowly lost the 2004-05 MVP Award to Steve Nash.

2004: Rejection of 2004 Olympics Offer

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

2004: Featured in NBA Live 2004, NBA Ballers, Backyard Basketball, and NBA Inside Drive 2004.

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Ballers, NBA Live 2004, Backyard Basketball and on the cover of NBA Inside Drive 2004.

2004: Trade to Miami Heat

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.

2004: Loss to Pistons and Trade Demand

In 2004, after the Lakers' loss to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, coupled with comments from Lakers' management and Phil Jackson's departure, O'Neal demanded a trade, citing the team's focus on appeasing Bryant.

2004: Tension with Bryant

In 2004, leading up to the 2003-2004 season, tension between O'Neal and Kobe Bryant escalated, with Bryant criticizing O'Neal's physical condition and commitment to the team in an ESPN interview.

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, serving an honorary role on the task force to track down sexual predators targeting children online.

June 2005: Offer to pay George Mikan's funeral expenses

In June 2005, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay all funeral expenses for Hall of Fame center George Mikan, whom O'Neal considered a major influence, and the family accepted.

August 2005: Contract Extension with the Heat

In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year contract extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million.

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 and assuming a $1-per-year salary. He later helped police track down suspects in a hate crime.

2005: Ankle Injury and Coaching Change

In 2005, O'Neal injured his right ankle, missing 18 games, and subsequently, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, with Pat Riley taking over as head coach of the Heat.

2005: Reality series Shaquille on ESPN

In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal had a reality series called Shaquille on ESPN.

2005: League Leader in Field Goal Percentage

In 2005-2006, O'Neal finished the season as the league leader in field goal percentage.

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.

2006: Appeared in NBA Ballers: Phenom

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Ballers: Phenom as a current player and as a 1990s All-Star.

2006: Injury and Criticism of Phil Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury requiring surgery. Following a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, he criticized Phil Jackson, referring to him as "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson said O'Neal wasn't a hard worker.

2006: Fourth NBA Championship with Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

2006: Declined 2006 Preliminary Roster Invitation

In 2006, although initially interested, O'Neal declined an invitation to be named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.

2006: Playoff Loss and Career Milestone

In 2006, the Heat were swept by the Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs, marking the first time in 50 years a defending champion was swept in the opening round. Despite this, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone.

2006: Jordan Farmar Draft

In 2006, the Lakers used the first-round draft choice acquired in the trade of O'Neal to select Jordan Farmar.

2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns

In 2007, Midway through the 2007-2008 season Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

2007: Rough Start to Season

In 2007, O'Neal experienced a decline in performance, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role in the offense diminished, and he was plagued by fouls.

2007: Season with 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 with Phoenix Suns

In 2007, O'Neal played regular season games for the Phoenix Suns and averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, which was enough to make the playoffs.

2007: Appeared on Idol Gives Back

In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the first Idol Gives Back.

February 2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns

In February 2008, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns from the Miami Heat, who had a 9-37 record, in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

February 20, 2008: Suns Debut Against Former Team, the Lakers

On February 20, 2008, O'Neal debuted with the Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, though the Lakers won 130-124. O'Neal expressed optimism and took blame for the loss, citing lack of tune with the team.

2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns

In 2008, Midway through the 2007-2008 season Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

2008: Improved Performance with the Suns

In 2008, O'Neal improved his performance, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season, helping the Suns achieve a 23-18 record.

2008: Declined 2008 Preliminary Roster Invitation

In 2008, although initially interested, O'Neal declined an invitation to be named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against 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 won 133-113.

March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard outscored O'Neal 21-19. O'Neal joked he was "too old" to try and outscore Howard and he also made comments about flopping after being double-teamed and flopping against Howard.

June 17, 2009: Challenged Choi Hong-man to an MMA Fight

On June 17, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal challenged kickboxer and mixed martial artist Choi Hong-man to a mixed martial arts rules bout in a YouTube video.

June 25, 2009: Trade to 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. He stated his goal was to "Win a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.

July 2009: Guest Host for WWE's Monday Night Raw

In July 2009, Shaquille O'Neal served as the guest host for a live broadcast of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s Monday Night Raw, getting into an altercation with Big Show.

August 18, 2009: Shaq Vs. premiered on ABC

On August 18, 2009, Shaq Vs., a reality show featuring Shaquille O'Neal competing against other athletes, premiered on ABC.

2009: Career Lows During Season

During the 2009-10 season, O'Neal experienced career lows in almost every major statistical category, due to splitting center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

2009: Missed Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team Selection

In 2009, O'Neal missed the NBA Playoffs for the first time since his rookie season in 1992-93, and he was named to the All-NBA Third Team. The Suns notified O'Neal that he might be traded to reduce costs.

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP

In 2009, O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and shared the MVP award with Kobe Bryant.

2009: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

In the 2009-2010 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

August 4, 2010: Signing with the Boston Celtics

On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal to a two-year contract for the veteran minimum salary of $2.8 million. Celtics coach Doc Rivers agreed to the signing with stipulations about no preferential treatment or locker room issues.

August 10, 2010: Introduction by the Celtics

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

August 28, 2010: Reiterated Desire to Fight Choi Hong-man

On August 28, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi Hong-man in an interview at UFC 118 in Boston.

2010: Unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010

In 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was an unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010.

2010: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

In the 2009-2010 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to 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 his fans for their support during his 19-year career.

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 from professional basketball.

July 14, 2011: Joined TNT as an NBA analyst

On July 14, 2011, Shaquille O'Neal announced he would join Turner Network Television (TNT) as an analyst on its NBA basketball games.

2011: Final Season and Playoff Appearance

In 2011, O'Neal stated he wasn't competing with guards. He also stated he was competing against Tim Duncan and he missed games due to leg injuries, played briefly after a cortisone shot, and was limited in the playoffs as the Heat eliminated the Celtics.

September 2012: Guest appearance on TNA's Impact Wrestling

In September 2012, Shaquille O'Neal made a guest appearance on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s Impact Wrestling program, with a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.

April 2, 2013: Lakers Retire Jersey

On April 2, 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 34 jersey.

September 2013: Became minority owner of the Sacramento Kings

In September 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings professional basketball team.

2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.

2013: Voice Over Role in The Smurfs 2

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal had a voice over role in the film The Smurfs 2.

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2014: Animated version of himself in Uncle Grandpa and The Lego Movie

In 2014, Shaquille O'Neal voiced animated versions of himself in the animated series Uncle Grandpa in the episode "Perfect Kid" and in The Lego Movie.

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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.

September 2015: Joined South Korean Variety Show Off to School

In September 2015, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the South Korean variety television show Off to School while promoting Reebok, where he went to Seo Incheon High School for three days.

February 26, 2016: Miami Heat Jersey Retirement Announcement

On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced they would retire O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016-17 season. This made O'Neal one of just 32 athletes in American professional sports history to have his jersey retired by multiple teams.

April 2016: Participated in André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32

In April 2016, Shaquille O'Neal participated in his first-ever match as a surprise celebrity entry in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, eliminating Damien Sandow and confronting Big Show.

September 2016: Reflection on the 2010 Playoffs

In September 2016, O'Neal expressed his disappointment about the Cavaliers' loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2010 playoffs. He believed that if he had been healthy, the team would have won a championship.

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy in Jonesboro

In December 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of the Clayton County Sheriff's Department, and holds the county record of Tallest Sheriff's Deputy.

December 22, 2016: Miami Heat Retires Jersey

On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during halftime of a game against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 2017: Social media call-outs for WrestleMania 33 match

In January 2017, Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show began calling each other out on social media, posting workout videos in preparation for a potential match at WrestleMania 33.

April 2018: Named general manager of Kings Guard Gaming

In April 2018, Shaquille O'Neal was named the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming, the Sacramento Kings' NBA 2K League affiliate.

2018: Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn released

In 2018, The sequel to Shaq Fu, titled Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, was released.

November 11, 2020: Teased Arrival in All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

On November 11, 2020, Jade Cargill teased the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on AEW Dynamite.

March 3, 2021: Teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet

On March 3, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite, paying tribute to Brodie Lee and being driven through two tables by Cody.

January 2022: Sold his stake in the Sacramento Kings

In January 2022, Shaquille O'Neal sold his stake in the Sacramento Kings.

October 2022: Contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

In October 2022, Shaquille O'Neal signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.

2022: Departure from Sacramento Kings Ownership

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

October 2023: Named Reebok's President of Basketball

In October 2023, Shaquille O'Neal was named Reebok's president of Basketball.

2023: Attempted Grappling Match with Georges St-Pierre

In 2023, Chael Sonnen revealed that he once attempted to arrange a grappling match between Shaquille O'Neal and multiple-time UFC world champion Georges St-Pierre.

February 13, 2024: Orlando Magic Retires Jersey

On February 13, 2024, the Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, marking the first time they retired a player's number. He became the third player to have his number retired by three NBA teams, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.

May 3, 2024: Announced as co-host of Lucky 13

On May 3, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal was announced as one of the co-hosts of the upcoming ABC game show Lucky 13.

July 18, 2024: Lucky 13 series premiere

On July 18, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal co-hosted the series premiere of the ABC game show Lucky 13.

December 24, 2024: Verse on Redman's track 'Lite It Up'

On December 24, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal contributed a verse to the rapper Redman's track "Lite It Up" from the Muddy Waters Too album.

2024: Collaboration with Fortnite

In 2024, Shaquille O'Neal collaborated with Fortnite to appear as player skins, including his DJ Diesel persona and rendition as LEGO minifigure in LEGO Fortnite.