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. Standing at 7-foot-1-inch and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated the NBA as a center for 19 years, playing for six different teams. O'Neal secured four NBA championships and is considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in the sport's history. He is now a prominent figure as an analyst on the television program Inside the NBA.

Sections (7)

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

1985: Jordan named All-Star starter as rookie

In 1985, Michael Jordan was named All-Star starter as rookie.

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.

1992: NBA Draft Selection

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

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

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

1993: Breaking Backboards

During his first season in the NBA in 1993, 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.

1993: 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, also becoming the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to be voted an All-Star starter.

1994: Selection to Dream Team III

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was one of two players from the 1994 roster to be named to the Dream Team III.

1994: All-NBA 3rd Team

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was voted into the All-Star game and also made the All-NBA 3rd Team.

1994: Third NBA Season

In the 1994-95 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average and finished second in MVP voting.

1995: Injury and All-NBA 3rd Team Selection

During the 1995-96 season, Shaquille O'Neal missed 28 games due to injury but still made the All-NBA 3rd Team and played in his 4th All-Star Game.

1995: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Houston Rockets.

1995: Free Agency and Olympic Selection

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal became a free agent after the NBA season.

1996: Declining International Competition

After the 1996 Olympics, Shaquille O'Neal declined to participate in international competition.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the United States Olympic basketball team and won a gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics.

1996: Loss to Chicago Bulls

In 1996, despite O'Neal's injuries, the Orlando Magic finished with a regular season record of 60–22, but were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.

1998: Pacific Division Champions

In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds and led the league with a 58.4 field goal percentage; the Lakers finished the season 61–21, becoming Pacific Division champions, but were swept by the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Finals.

1998: Lakers' Personnel Changes

In 1998, the Los Angeles Lakers experienced personnel changes including the trade of Nick Van Exel to the Denver Nuggets, and Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell for Glen Rice due to O'Neal's request for a shooter.

November 10, 1999: O'Neal and Barkley Ejected

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

1999: Lakers' Struggles and Playoff Sweep

In 1999, Del Harris was fired, and Kurt Rambis became head coach as the Lakers finished with a 31–19 record during the lockout-shortened season but were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

1999: O'Neal Almost Unanimous MVP

In 1999, O'Neal missed one vote to becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history.

1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Lakers Head Coach

In 1999, Phil Jackson was hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the start of a significant change in the team's fortunes.

March 6, 2000: O'Neal Scores Career-High 61 Points

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

2000: Phil Jackson Challenges O'Neal

In 2000, Phil Jackson challenged Shaquille O'Neal, suggesting that the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him upon his retirement.

2000: Forgoing the 2000 Olympics

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

2000: O'Neal Wins MVP and Scoring Title

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, won the scoring title, finished second in rebounds, and third in blocked shots. He was also selected for the All-Defensive Second Team.

2000: Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2000: Lakers Win First Title

In 2000, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, won the NBA Championship.

2001: O'Neal Fouls Out in NBA Finals Game 3

During the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, Shaquille O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo. O'Neal criticized Mutombo for flopping.

2001: Second Championship with Lakers

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

2001: Lakers Win Second Title

In 2001, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, won their second consecutive NBA Championship.

2001: O'Neal Most Games since 2001 Season

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

January 2002: O'Neal Involved in On-Court Brawl

In January 2002, Shaquille O'Neal was involved in a brawl against the Chicago Bulls, punching Brad Miller after an intentional foul, leading to a three-game suspension and a $15,000 fine.

2002: Third Consecutive Championship with Lakers

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

2002: Refusal to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship

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

2002: O'Neal Misses Games Due to Toe Surgery

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the season recovering from toe surgery due to hallux rigidus. He explained he got hurt on company time, so he'll heal on company time.

2002: O'Neal Alleges Kings are Cheating

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

2002: Lakers Win Third Title

In 2002, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, won their third consecutive NBA Championship, with O'Neal named NBA Finals MVP each time.

2003: Lakers Improve Roster with Aging Stars

In 2003, the Lakers recruited free agents Karl Malone and Gary Payton to improve the team's roster. O'Neal personally persuaded them to join for a chance to win a championship, forgoing higher salaries.

2003: Lakers Fail to Reach Finals

In 2003, the Los Angeles Lakers had fallen to the fifth seed and failed to reach the NBA Finals.

July 14, 2004: O'Neal 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. He promised to bring a championship to Miami.

2004: Rejection of the offer to play in the 2004 Olympics

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

2004: Trade to Miami Heat

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat.

2004: Tension Between O'Neal and Bryant

In 2004, tension between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant escalated. O'Neal wanted a contract extension. During a preseason game, O'Neal yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss, "Pay me."

2004: Lakers Lose to Pistons and O'Neal Demands Trade

In 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. Afterward, O'Neal demanded a trade due to comments by Lakers management and the departure of Phil Jackson.

August 2005: O'Neal Signs Extension with Heat

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

2005: O'Neal Injured, Van Gundy Resigns

In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over as head coach.

2005: O'Neal League Leader in Field Goal Percentage

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

April 11, 2006: O'Neal Records 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: O'Neal's Knee Injury and Criticism of Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury requiring surgery and criticized Phil Jackson, referring to him as "Benedict Arnold".

2006: Reaching 25,000 Career Points

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to accomplish that milestone. However, it was the first season in O'Neal's career that his scoring average dropped below 20 points per game.

2006: Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship as a member of the Miami Heat.

2006: Declining Invitation to US Roster

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

2006: Jordan Farmar Drafted

In 2006, the Los Angeles Lakers used the draft choice acquired from the Miami Heat in the 2004 trade to select Jordan Farmar.

2007: Rough Start to the Season

In 2007, O'Neal experienced a rough start to the season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role in the offense diminished, and he was plagued by fouls, missing his streak of 14 straight All-Star appearances.

2007: Playing for the Miami Heat and Trade to Phoenix

In 2007, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat, averaging 14.2 points per game, before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Following the trade, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while starting all 28 games with the Suns.

2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns

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

2007: Playoff Elimination

In 2007, one reason for trading Shaquille O'Neal was to limit Tim Duncan, but the Phoenix Suns were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs in five games. O'Neal averaged 15.2 points during the series.

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade

In February 2008, O'Neal got into an altercation with coach Pat Riley over a tardy Jason Williams during practice. The argument led to Riley deciding to trade O'Neal. O'Neal also noted that his relationship with Wade was not "all that good" by the time he left Miami.

February 2008: Acquisition by the Phoenix Suns

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

February 20, 2008: Suns Debut

On February 20, 2008, O'Neal made his debut for the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in a 130-124 loss.

2008: Improved Season

In 2008, O'Neal's season improved. He averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season, leading the Suns to a 23-18 record.

2008: Declining Invitation to US Roster

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

2008: Continued career with Phoenix Suns

Shaquille O'Neal continued playing with the Phoenix Suns in 2008 after being traded there in 2007.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game

On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, marking his 49th career 40-point game, in a 133-113 victory against the Toronto Raptors.

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. Upon arriving in Cleveland, O'Neal stated his motto was to "Win a Ring for the King," referring to LeBron James.

2009: 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: Playoff Absence and All-NBA Third Team

In 2009, O'Neal did not participate in the NBA playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and the Suns notified him of a potential trade to cut costs.

2009: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

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

August 4, 2010: Signing with the Boston Celtics

On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal for two years at the veteran minimum salary of $2.8 million.

August 10, 2010: Introduction by the Celtics

On August 10, 2010, O'Neal was introduced by the 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 social media, posting a short video on Twitter to thank his fans after nineteen years of playing.

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.

2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings

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

2013: Endorsed Chris Christie

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid, appearing in a television advertisement.

September 2016: Comments on Cleveland's Playoff Performance

In September 2016, O'Neal commented on the Cavaliers' loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs, stating that if he had been healthy, they would have won a ring that year.

2020: Participated in virtual rally for Joe Biden

In 2020, Shaquille O'Neal participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and voted for the first time during the 2020 presidential election.