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 retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over a 19-year career. He is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers.

Sections (7)

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

1992: Playoff Absence

In 1992–93, O'Neal did not participate in the playoffs during his rookie season.

1995: Misses 28 games due to injury

Shaquille O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the 1995-96 season, missing 28 games.

December 8, 2000: Record Missed Free Throws

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

2001: Corrective Toe Surgery

A month before the 2001-02 season's training camp, O'Neal underwent corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in his left foot. He chose a less involved surgery for a quicker return, although the toe frequently bothered him during the season.

2001: Shaq's career

After the 2001-2002 season, O'Neal told friends that he did not want another season of limping and being in virtually constant pain from his big right toe

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

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

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 Brad Miller after an intentional foul, resulting in a melee. O'Neal was suspended for three games and fined $15,000.

2002: Toe Surgery and Season Start

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season due to toe surgery for hallux rigidus, a degenerative arthritis. He opted against a more invasive surgery. The Lakers started the season poorly.

2002: Comments on Sacramento Kings and Toe Concerns

In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Kings' center Vlade Divac of flopping. After the 2001-2002 season, O'Neal was also concerned about the constant pain from his right toe.

2003: Lakers Fail to Reach Finals

In 2003, at the end of the season, the Lakers fell to the fifth seed and failed to reach the NBA Finals.

2004: Loss in NBA Finals and Trade Demand

In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. Subsequently, O'Neal, angered by comments from Lakers' management and the departure of coach Phil Jackson, demanded a trade amid rising tensions.

2005: Injury and Coaching Change

During the 2005-06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over. O'Neal criticized Van Gundy and noted that Riley managed him well by limiting his minutes.

2006: Heat swept by Bulls in playoffs

In 2006, facing the Bulls in the first round of the 2006-07 NBA playoffs, the Heat were swept, marking the first time in 50 years a defending champion was swept in the opening round and the first time in 13 years O'Neal didn't advance to the second round. During the season, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points.

2006: Injury and Comments on Phil Jackson

In the 2006-07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury. He criticized Phil Jackson, calling him "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson stated O'Neal was not a hard worker. Wade's shoulder dislocation left O'Neal to lead the team.

September 4, 2007: Files for Divorce

On September 4, 2007, Shaquille O'Neal filed for divorce from Shaunie Nelson in a Miami-Dade Circuit court. The divorce petition was later withdrawn.

2007: Struggles and Career Lows

In 2007, O'Neal faced a rough start to the season, experiencing career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role diminished, and he struggled with fouls. This also marked the end of his 14-year All-Star appearance streak.

2007: Playoff Elimination

In 2007, The Phoenix Suns aimed to limit Tim Duncan following their six-game elimination by the Spurs in the NBA Playoffs. Despite O'Neal's presence, the Suns were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in five games. O'Neal averaged 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game during the series.

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade Decision

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during practice, leading to Riley's decision to trade him. The incident stemmed from Riley ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice, resulting in a face-to-face argument with O'Neal poking Riley in the chest.

December 25, 2008: 5000th Missed Free Throw

On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming the second player in NBA history to do so, along with Chamberlain.

November 10, 2009: Nelson Files for Divorce

On November 10, 2009, Shaunie Nelson filed an intent to divorce Shaquille O'Neal, citing irreconcilable differences.

2009: Career Lows During Season

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

February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury

On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury during a game against the Boston Celtics. He underwent surgery on March 1 and returned in time for the playoffs.

2011: Injuries and Limited Play

In 2011, O'Neal missed many games due to injuries to his right leg. After missing 27 games, he returned on April 3 but only played 5 minutes due to a strained right calf. He missed the first round of the playoffs and was limited to 12 minutes in two games during the second round, where the Heat eliminated the Celtics.

2011: Divorce Finalized

In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal's divorce from Shaunie Nelson was finalized.

September 2016: Reflection on Cleveland Loss

In September 2016, O'Neal reflected on the Cavaliers' loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2009-10 playoffs, attributing it to his thumb injury and believing a healthy team would have won the championship that year.