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 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in history.

Sections (7)

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

1992: Rookie Season in 1992-93

The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the first time since O'Neal's rookie season in 1992-93 that he did not participate in the playoffs.

1995: Injuries

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

1996: Declined International Competition After 1996

After his 1996 Olympics experience, Shaquille O'Neal declined to play in international competition.

1998: Lakers' Instability Due to Personnel Changes

In 1998, the Lakers experienced instability due to personnel changes, including the trade of Nick Van Exel to the Denver Nuggets and Eddie Jones to acquire Glen Rice, and the firing of coach Del Harris.

1999: Angered by Overlook for 1999 FIBA AmeriCup Squad

In 1999, Shaquille O'Neal was angered by being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, saying it was a "lack of respect".

1999: Lakers swept by Spurs in Playoffs

In 1999, despite finishing the lockout-shortened season with a 31-19 record and making the playoffs, the Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

December 8, 2000: Missed 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.

2001: O'Neal Undergoes 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: O'Neal Considers Toe Surgery

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 and considered corrective options.

2001: O'Neal Fouls 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.

2002: O'Neal Misses Games Due to Toe Surgery

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002–03 season recovering from toe surgery for hallux rigidus.

2003: Lakers Fail to Reach NBA Finals

At the end of the 2002-2003 season, the Lakers had fallen to the fifth seed and failed to reach the NBA Finals in 2003.

2004: Tension Between O'Neal and Bryant Climaxed

At the beginning of the 2003-2004 season, tension between O'Neal and Bryant climaxed when Bryant criticized O'Neal in an interview for being out of shape, a poor leader, and prioritizing his salary demands. O'Neal had yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss, "Pay me."

2004: Lakers Lose to Pistons in NBA Finals

In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, and O'Neal's performance was criticized. O'Neal demanded a trade after comments made by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.

2005: O'Neal Injures Ankle and Van Gundy Resigns

In the second game of the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle, missing 18 games. Upon O'Neal's return, Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley became head coach.

2006: Heat swept in the first round of the 2006-07 NBA playoffs

In 2006, the Miami Heat were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs. This was the first time in 50 years that the defending NBA champion was swept in the opening round, and the first time in 13 years that O'Neal did not advance into the second round.

2007: Playoff Elimination by Spurs in 2007

In 2007, O'Neal's Phoenix Suns faced the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, but were eliminated in five games. During these games, O'Neal averaged 15.2 points and 9.2 rebounds.

2007: Rough Start to 2007-08 season

In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal experienced a rough start to the season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks, and his role in the offense diminished. This season also marked the end of his 14-year streak of All-Star appearances.

December 25, 2008: 5000th Missed 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 that mark, along with Wilt Chamberlain.

2009: Statistical lows in 2009-10 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.

2009: No Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team selection in 2009

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal missed the NBA playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. Despite this, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team. The Suns also notified O'Neal he might be traded to cut costs.

February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury in 2010

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 to play in the first round of the playoffs.

2011: Injuries and Playoff Performance in 2011

In 2011, O'Neal missed games due to right leg ailments, including knee, calf, hip, and Achilles injuries. After requesting a cortisone shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after missing 27 games due to his Achilles; he played only five minutes due to a strained right calf. O'Neal missed the first round of the 2011 playoffs and was limited in the second round as the Heat eliminated the Celtics.