Challenges in the Life of Shaquille O'Neal in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Shaquille O'Neal. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1995: Injured for a Great Deal of Season

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the season, missing 28 games.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2001: Corrective Toe Surgery

A month before the 2001–02 season's training camp, O'Neal had corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in the smallest toe of his left foot. He opted against a more involved surgery to return quicker.

2001: Fouled Out in Game 3 of NBA Finals

During the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000–2001 Defensive Player of the Year. O'Neal expressed his discontent with Mutombo's alleged flopping.

2002: Toe Surgery and Sidelining

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002–03 season due to recovery from toe surgery for hallux rigidus. He delayed the surgery until just before training camp.

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.

2004: Contract Extension Demands and Feud with Bryant

At the beginning of the 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted a contract extension with a pay raise, leading to tension with the Lakers management. The feud with Kobe Bryant climaxed during training camp when Bryant criticized O'Neal in an ESPN interview.

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.

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.

2006: Injury and Criticism of Phil Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury requiring surgery. He criticized Phil Jackson, his former coach, after a Christmas Day game against the Lakers. The Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence but improved upon his return.

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.

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.

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.