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 retired American professional basketball player, standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds. He played center for six NBA teams over 19 years and won four NBA championships. Widely considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers, O'Neal is now a sports analyst on 'Inside the NBA'.
1985: All-Star Starter as Rookie
In 1993, O'Neal became the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985, marking his impact on the league.
1992: O'Neal's rookie season
In 1992, O'Neal began his rookie season in the NBA.
1992: Drafted First Overall by Orlando Magic
In 1992, O'Neal was selected as the 1st overall pick in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, launching his professional basketball career.
1992: Drafted into the NBA
In 1992, O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, marking the start of his professional basketball career.
November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double
On November 20, 1993, O'Neal recorded his first career triple-double against the New Jersey Nets with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.
1993: Debut Album
Beginning in 1993, O'Neal released his debut album, Shaq Diesel, which received platinum certification from the RIAA.
1993: O'Neal's dunks break backboards
In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports on two occasions, prompting the league to increase the brace strength and stability of the backboards for the following 1993-94 season.
1994: Playoff Debut
In 1994, O'Neal led the Magic to their first playoff appearance, marking a significant moment in franchise history.
1994: Release of 'Shaq Fu: The Return'
In 1994, O'Neal released his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, featuring the song "Biological Didn't Bother", in which he expressed his feelings about his biological father.
1994: O'Neal named MVP at the FIBA World Championship
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, leading Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8-0 record.
1994: O'Neal on the Dream Team III roster
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the Dream Team III roster.
1995: Made one three-point shot
During the 1995 NBA season with the Orlando Magic, Shaquille O'Neal made one three-point shot.
1995: NBA Finals Appearance
In 1995, O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1995: Featured on HIStory album
In 1995, O'Neal was featured alongside Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's album HIStory.
1996: O'Neal declines to play in international competition
After the 1996 Olympics, O'Neal declined to play in international competition.
1996: O'Neal wins gold at the Atlanta Olympics
In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.
1996: Olympic Gold Medal
In the summer of 1996, O'Neal won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics.
1997: Starred in Steel
In 1997, O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons, the protagonist in the film Steel, 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 Los Angeles Lakers experienced instability due to personnel changes, including the trade of Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones. These changes were made partly to satisfy O'Neal's desire for a shooter.
1998: Saturday Night Live Appearance
Shaquille O'Neal was initially picked to host the second episode of season 24 in 1998, but had to back down due to scheduling conflicts. He did appear in two sketches during the episode.
November 10, 1999: O'Neal and Barkley Ejected
On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after a physical altercation.
1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Lakers Head Coach
In 1999, Phil Jackson was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, leading to a change in the team's fortunes.
1999: Lakers swept by Spurs
In 1999, The Lakers finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31–19 record. They made the playoffs, but were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
March 6, 2000: O'Neal Scores Career-High 61 Points
On March 6, 2000, which was O'Neal's 28th birthday, he achieved a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds, in a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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, which set a record.
2000: Lakers Win NBA Championship
In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their first of three consecutive NBA titles.
2000: O'Neal forgoes participation in the 2000 Olympics
In 2000, O'Neal chose not to participate in the Olympics, stating that two gold medals were enough.
2000: NBA Championship with the Lakers
In 2000, O'Neal won his first NBA championship as part of the Los Angeles Lakers, starting a dominant era for the team.
2000: O'Neal Wins MVP and Scoring Title
In 2000, O'Neal won the regular season Most Valuable Player award and the scoring title. He also earned his first All-Defensive Team selection due to a renewed commitment to defense influenced by coach Phil Jackson.
2000: Jackson challenges O'Neal
In 2000, Shortly after being hired, Phil Jackson challenged O'Neal, telling him that the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired.
2001: Lakers Win Second NBA Championship
In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their second consecutive NBA title.
2001: Appeared in 311 Music Video
In 2001, O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe", and in P. Diddy's video for "Bad Boy for Life", the video for Aaron Carter's "That's How I Beat Shaq", the video for Owl City's "Vanilla Twilight" and the video for Maroon 5's "Don't Wanna Know".
2001: Shaq played in 73 games
In 2001, O'Neal played in 73 games. This was his most since that season.
2001: Second Consecutive NBA Championship
In 2001, O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, cementing their dominance in the league.
2001: Featured on Aaron Carter's single
In 2001, O'Neal was featured in Aaron Carter's hit single "That's How I Beat Shaq" and appeared in the music video.
2001: O'Neal Fouls Out in Game 3 Against 76ers
In the 2001 NBA Finals, during Game 3 against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out while backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the Defensive Player of the Year.
2002: Sacramento Kings Rivalry
During the 2002 victory parade, after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, fueling the rivalry between the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings.
2002: Lakers Win Third NBA Championship
In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their third consecutive NBA title, with O'Neal winning the NBA Finals MVP award each time.
2002: Third Consecutive NBA Championship
In 2002, O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers achieved a three-peat, winning their third consecutive NBA championship.
2002: O'Neal chooses not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship
In 2002, O'Neal chose not to play in the FIBA World Championship.
2002: O'Neal Misses Games Due to Toe Surgery
In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season to recover from toe surgery related to hallux rigidus.
2002: O'Neal Accuses Kings of Cheating
In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused the Kings of cheating, specifically referencing Vlade Divac's alleged flopping.
2003: Lakers Seek Free-Agent Services
In 2003, The Lakers sought the free-agent services of Karl Malone and Gary Payton.
2003: Lakers Fail to Reach NBA Finals
In 2003, after O'Neal's injury and recovery, the Lakers finished as the fifth seed and did not reach the NBA Finals.
2003: Ignored by X-Men Filmmakers
O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2 (2003), the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.
July 14, 2004: O'Neal Traded 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 pick. He switched back to jersey number 32.
2004: O'Neal rejects offer to play in the 2004 Olympics
In 2004, O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the Olympics.
2004: Trade to Miami Heat
In 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat amid a feud with Kobe Bryant, marking a new chapter in his career.
2004: Lakers Lose to Pistons in NBA Finals and O'Neal Demands Trade
In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, after which O'Neal, angered by comments from Lakers management and the departure of Phil Jackson, demanded a trade due to increasing tension and a perceived focus on appeasing Bryant.
March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal
On March 2, 2005, O'Neal was given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation.
June 2005: Offer to pay funeral expenses for George Mikan
In June 2005, upon the death of Hall of Fame center George Mikan, whom O'Neal considered a major influence, O'Neal offered to cover all of Mikan's funeral expenses, which the family accepted.
August 2005: O'Neal Signs Extension with the Heat
In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million.
December 8, 2005: Sworn in as Miami Beach Reserve Officer
On December 8, 2005, O'Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve officer and helped police track down suspects in a hate crime incident.
2005: Compared play to Erick Dampier
During the 2005 NBA playoffs, O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center who had failed to score a single point in one of their recent games.
2005: O'Neal Injures Ankle and Van Gundy Resigns
In 2005, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Shortly after his return, Heat coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over, leading to criticism of Van Gundy by O'Neal.
2005: O'Neal Finishes as League Leader
O'Neal finished the 2005-06 NBA season as the league leader in field goal percentage.
January 16, 2006: End of Bryant-O'Neal Feud
On January 16, 2006, when the Lakers faced the Heat, O'Neal and Bryant made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying the end of their long-standing feud.
April 11, 2006: O'Neal Records 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: O'Neal's initial interest in being named for US preliminary roster
In 2006, O'Neal was initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.
2006: NBA Championship with Miami Heat
In 2006, O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, demonstrating his continued dominance in the league.
2006: O'Neal's injury and criticism of Jackson
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury that required surgery. Following a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, O'Neal criticized Phil Jackson, his former coach, calling him "Benedict Arnold". Jackson had previously questioned O'Neal's work ethic. The Miami Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence. Later in the year, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th NBA player to reach that milestone.
2006: Heat swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs
In 2006, the Miami Heat faced the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Despite O'Neal's efforts, the Heat were swept by the Bulls, marking the first time in 50 years that a defending NBA champion was swept in the opening round. Also in 2006 O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to reach this milestone.
2006: NBA Finals appearance
Shaquille O'Neal met Erick Dampier in the 2006 NBA Finals.
2007: O'Neal's performance with the Miami Heat during the 2007-08 season
During the 2007-08 NBA season, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, averaging 14.2 points per game.
2007: O'Neal averages 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in 28 regular season games
In 2007, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in 28 regular season games for the Phoenix Suns, helping them reach the playoffs. They were later eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
2007: Shaq's Big Challenge
In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal hosted Shaq's Big Challenge, a reality show on ABC in which he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.
2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns
Midway through the 2007-2008 season, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
February 2008: Altercation with Riley and trade decision
In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during a practice over Riley's handling of a tardy player. The argument became physical, leading Riley to decide to trade O'Neal.
February 2008: O'Neal traded to the Phoenix Suns
In February 2008, the Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.
February 20, 2008: O'Neal's debut with the Phoenix Suns
On February 20, 2008, O'Neal debuted with the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in a 130-124 loss.
December 25, 2008: Missed 5,000th Free Throw
On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming the second player in NBA history to reach this milestone, following Wilt Chamberlain.
2008: O'Neal declines invitation for US preliminary roster
In 2008, O'Neal eventually declined the invitation for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.
2008: Improved performance for O'Neal
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 to a 23-18 record.
2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns
Midway through the 2007-2008 season, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
February 27, 2009: O'Neal scores 45 points against the Toronto Raptors
On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a 133-113 victory against the Toronto Raptors, marking his 49th career 40-point game.
June 25, 2009: O'Neal 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: O'Neal misses playoffs, named to All-NBA Third Team
In 2009, O'Neal missed the NBA Playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team. The Phoenix Suns also notified O'Neal that he might be traded to cut costs.
2009: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2009-10 season, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, adding another team to his NBA journey.
August 4, 2010: Celtics announce signing of O'Neal
On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced they had signed O'Neal to a two-year contract at the veteran minimum salary, totaling $2.8 million.
August 10, 2010: O'Neal introduced 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: O'Neal as last active American player with a FIBA World Cup gold
Before 2010, O'Neal was the last active American player to have a gold medal from the FIBA World Cup.
2010: Joins the Boston Celtics
In the 2010-11 season, O'Neal played for the Boston Celtics, marking his final stint with an NBA team before retiring.
2013: Minority Owner of the Sacramento Kings
From 2013 to 2022, O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his influence beyond his playing career.
January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Doral Police Force Reserve Officer
On January 20, 2015, O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force.
December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy
In December 2016, 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
In 2016, O'Neal lip synced the B-52s song "Love Shack" on the television show Lip Sync Battle.
July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball
In July 2017, O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball, the father of NBA point guard Lonzo Ball, in response to Ball's claims about beating O'Neal and his son in basketball.
July 4, 2022: Performed at Jersey City 4th of July Festival
On July 4, 2022, O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the Jersey City 4th of July Festival with Flo Rida.
2022: End of Sacramento Kings Ownership
From 2013 to 2022, O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his influence beyond his playing career.
June 7, 2023: Released First Single
On June 7, 2023, O'Neal released his first single as DJ Diesel from his debut album Gorilla Warfare, titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage.
December 24, 2024: Featured on Muddy Waters Too Album
Shaquille O'Neal contributed a verse to the rapper Redman's track "Lite It Up" from the Muddy Waters Too album, released December 24, 2024.
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