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, 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

1995: Injured during the season

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

1996: Injured during the season

In 1996 Shaquille O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the 1995-96 season, missing 28 games.

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.

December 8, 2000: Missing All 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: Toe Pain Concerns

After the 2001-2002 season, O'Neal expressed concerns to friends about constant pain in his toe, potentially impacting his career.

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.

2002: Toe Surgery Recovery

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season to recover from toe surgery, opting against a more invasive procedure.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

February 2008: Altercation with Pat Riley

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with Heat coach Pat Riley during practice, leading to a trade. The disagreement was over Riley ordering Jason Williams to leave practice for being tardy. O'Neal and Riley argued face-to-face, escalating to physical contact.

December 25, 2008: Missing 5,000th Free Throw

On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming only the second player in NBA history to reach that mark, alongside Wilt Chamberlain.

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.

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.

February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury

On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury during a game against the Boston Celtics, requiring surgery. He returned to play in time for the playoffs.

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.

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.