History of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline
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.
1969: Jerry West Playoff Points Record
In 1969, Jerry West had 53 points in a playoff game, the most for the Lakers in a playoff game since Shaquille O'Neal scored 46 points in his first playoff game for the Lakers on against the Portland Trail Blazers.
1970: Willis Reed won NBA MVP
In 1970, Willis Reed won NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year, a feat later matched by Shaquille O'Neal.
March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal's Birth
On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, the future basketball star, was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney.
1985: All-Star starter
In 1985, Michael Jordan was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Shaquille O'Neal in 1993.
1989: Studied at LSU
After graduating from high school in 1989, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).
1989: State Record for Rebounds
During the 1989 season, Shaquille O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds while playing basketball at Robert G. Cole High School.
1991: Received Adolph Rupp Trophy
In 1991, while playing basketball at LSU, Shaquille O'Neal received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year.
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, marking the start of his professional basketball career.
1992: NBA Rookie of the Year
In 1992-93, Shaquille O'Neal was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance in his debut season.
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.
November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double
On November 20, 1993, against the New Jersey Nets, Shaquille O'Neal recorded his first career triple-double with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.
1993: Shaq Diesel Album Release
Beginning in 1993, Shaquille O'Neal began to compose rap music. In 1993, he released his debut album, Shaq Diesel, which received platinum certification from the RIAA.
1993: NBA 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.
1993: Breaking Backboards in 1993
In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports on two occasions, leading the league to increase the brace strength and stability of the backboards for the following season.
1994: Magic reach playoffs
In 1993–1994, O'Neal's second season, Hill was the coach and Guokas was reassigned to the front office. Teamed with newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with a record of 50–32 and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
1994: MVP at 1994 FIBA World Championship
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, leading Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8-0 record. He averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds and recorded two double-doubles.
1994: Disdain for biological father
In 1994, on his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal voiced his feelings of disdain for Joe Toney in the song "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him with the line "Phil is my father."
1994: NBA scoring leader
In O'Neal's third season, 1994–95, he led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average, while finishing second in MVP voting to David Robinson and entering his third straight All-Star Game along with Hardaway.
1994: Member of 1994 FIBA World Championship Roster
Shaquille O'Neal was one of two players from the 1994 FIBA World Championship roster to be named to the Dream Team III.
1995: Injuries
During the 1995-96 season, O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the season, missing 28 games.
1995: First 3 Point Shot
During the 1995–96 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal made the only three-point shot of his NBA career while playing for the Orlando Magic.
1995: First NBA Finals appearance
In 1995, O'Neal and the Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Houston Rockets.
1995: NBA Finals with Magic
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
1995: Guest Appearance on HIStory Album
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal was featured alongside Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's album HIStory.
1995: Free Agency and Olympics
O'Neal became a free agent after the 1995–96 NBA season and was named to the United States Olympic basketball team.
December 17, 1996: Conflict with Dennis Rodman
On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls, leading to a confrontation that was diffused by Rodman's teammates.
1996: Declined International Competition After 1996
After his 1996 Olympics experience, Shaquille O'Neal declined to play in international competition.
1996: Named to NBA 50th Anniversary Team
In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team.
1996: NBA Playoffs
In 1996, despite O'Neal's injuries, the Magic finished with a regular season record of 60–22, second in the Eastern conference to the Chicago Bulls, who finished with an NBA record 72 wins. Orlando easily defeated the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks in the first two rounds of the 1996 NBA Playoffs; however, they were no match for Jordan's Bulls, who swept them in the Eastern Conference finals.
1996: Olympic Gold Medal and Departure from Orlando
In the summer of 1996, O'Neal won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team in Atlanta, but faced scrutiny and controversy in Orlando regarding his contract and role on the team, ultimately leading to his departure.
1997: Starred in Steel
In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons, the protagonist in the film Steel.
1998: Michael Jordan won NBA MVP
In 1998, Michael Jordan won NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year, a feat later matched by Shaquille O'Neal.
1998: Saturday Night Live Appearance
In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal was initially selected to host the second episode of season 24 of Saturday Night Live, but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts. Kelsey Grammer replaced him, but O'Neal appeared in two sketches during the episode.
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.
1998: NBA Playoffs with Lakers
In 1998, the Lakers finished the season 61–21, first in the Pacific Division, and were the second seed in the western conference during the 1998 NBA Playoffs. After defeating the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle SuperSonics in the first two rounds, the Lakers again fell to the Jazz, this time in a 4–0 sweep.
November 10, 1999: O'Neal and Barkley Ejected from Game
On November 10, 1999, 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: MVP Award
In 1999, O'Neal was voted the 1999-2000 regular season Most Valuable Player, one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman, then of CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of the Philadelphia 76ers, who went on to win MVP the next season.
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.
1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Lakers Head Coach
In 1999, prior to the 1999–2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, changing the team's fortunes.
March 6, 2000: O'Neal Scores Career-High 61 Points
On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 123–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
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.
2000: Screen Actors Guild Strike Fine
During the 2000 Screen Actors Guild strike, Shaquille O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney and was subsequently fined by the union for crossing the picket line.
2000: MVP Award
In 1999-2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, marking one of his greatest individual achievements.
2000: Dikembe Mutombo Named Defensive Player of the Year
In 2000 Dikembe Mutombo was named Defensive Player of the Year. During the 2001 NBA Finals, O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo.
2000: Lakers Win NBA Title
In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their first of three consecutive titles, with O'Neal named MVP of the NBA Finals.
2000: O'Neal Voted Regular Season MVP
In 2000, O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, narrowly missing becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. He also won the scoring title, finished second in rebounds, and third in blocked shots.
2000: Forewent 2000 Olympics
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal forwent an opportunity to participate in the Olympics, explaining that two gold medals were enough.
2000: Graduation from LSU
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal fulfilled his promise to his mother by earning his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, with a minor in political science. He missed a home game so he could attend graduation.
2000: NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the league.
2000: Jackson Challenges O'Neal
In 2000, after being hired, Phil Jackson challenged O'Neal, telling him the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired.
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.
2001: Lakers Win Second NBA Title
In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their second of three consecutive titles, with O'Neal named MVP of the NBA Finals.
2001: Appearance in 311 Music Video
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe".
2001: Second NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2001: Featured on Aaron Carter Single
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal was featured in Aaron Carter's hit single "That's How I Beat Shaq". Shaq also appears in the music video for the release.
2001: Playing Most Games
In 2004-05 O'Neal played in 73 games, his most since 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, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl against the Chicago Bulls, punching center Brad Miller after an intentional foul. He was suspended for three games and fined $15,000.
2002: O'Neal on Beating the Kings
During the 2002 Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal implied the Kings "cheat" in reference to Vlade Divac's alleged flopping.
2002: Comments on Sacramento Kings
During the Lakers' 2002 victory parade, Shaquille O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, following the Lakers' victory over the Kings in the playoffs.
2002: Lakers Win Third NBA Title
In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their third consecutive title, with O'Neal named MVP of the NBA Finals.
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.
2002: Third NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third consecutive NBA championship.
2002: Chose Not to Play in 2002 FIBA World Championship
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal chose not to play in the FIBA World Championship.
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.
2003: Lakers Improve Roster
For the 2003–04 season, the Lakers improved their roster by seeking the free-agent services of Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who accepted less money for a chance to win a championship. O'Neal helped persuade both men to join.
2003: X-Men Film Series Rejection
In 2003, Shaquille O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2, the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.
July 14, 2004: O'Neal Traded to Miami Heat
On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a future first-round draft choice. O'Neal switched to number 32, promised a championship, and nicknamed Dwyane Wade "Flash".
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: Rejected 2004 Olympics Offer
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 to the Miami Heat, beginning a new chapter in his NBA career.
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.
March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal Title
On March 2, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation.
June 2005: O'Neal pays for George Mikan's funeral expenses
In June 2005, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay for all of the funeral expenses for Hall of Fame center George Mikan, whom O'Neal considered a major influence. Mikan's family accepted the offer.
August 2005: O'Neal Signs Extension with Heat
In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year extension with the Heat for $100 million, seen by supporters as a willingness to take a pay cut.
December 8, 2005: Sworn in as Miami Beach Reserve Officer
On December 8, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve officer. Shortly after, he helped police arrest suspects in a hate crime by providing a description of the suspect.
2005: Compared Play to Erick Dampier
During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to that of Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center, inspiring numerous references by announcers.
2005: Earned MBA Degree
In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix.
2005: O'Neal Finishes Season
In 2005-06 O'Neal finished the season as the league leader in field goal percentage.
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.
2005: Mocking Kobe Bryant
In the summer of 2005, Shaquille O'Neal responded to a question about Kobe Bryant by pretending not to know who Bryant was, continuing the act well into the 2005–06 season, further fueling their strained relationship.
January 16, 2006: Reconciliation with Kobe Bryant
On January 16, 2006, prior to a game between the Lakers and the Heat, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant greeted each other with handshakes and hugs, which was seen as the end of their long-standing feud.
April 11, 2006: O'Neal Records Triple-Double Against Raptors
On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his second career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. O'Neal finished the 2005–06 season as the league leader in field goal percentage.
September 2006: Participated in Police Raid
In September 2006, Shaquille O'Neal, as an honorary deputy, took part in a police raid on a home in rural Bedford County, Virginia.
2006: Declined Invitation to 2006-2008 US Preliminary Roster
Although initially interested, Shaquille O'Neal eventually declined the invitation to be named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.
2006: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal met Erick Dampier in the NBA Finals.
2006: NBA Championship with Heat
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat.
2006: O'Neal Rips Jackson
In 2006, after missing a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal referred to his former coach Phil Jackson as "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson stated that O'Neal was the only player he'd coached that wasn't a hard worker.
2006: Lakers Draft Jordan Farmar
In 2006, the Lakers used the first-round draft choice they received in the trade that sent O'Neal to the Miami Heat to select Jordan Farmar.
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.
2006: O'Neal's stance on flopping in 2006
In a 2006 interview, O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have to beat a guy—not flop and get calls and be nice to the referees and kiss ass."
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.
2007: Shaq's Big Challenge
In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal hosted Shaq's Big Challenge, a reality show on ABC where he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.
2007: O'Neal's time with Miami Heat in 2007-08 season
In 2007, prior to being traded to the Phoenix Suns, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat during the 2007-08 season, averaging 14.2 points per game. Following the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while starting all 28 games with the Suns.
2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns
Midway through the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade
In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during practice after Riley ordered Jason Williams to leave for being tardy. Soon after, Riley decided to trade O'Neal from the Miami Heat.
February 2008: Traded to Phoenix Suns in February 2008
In February 2008, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.
February 20, 2008: O'Neal's Debut with Phoenix Suns
On February 20, 2008, O'Neal made his debut with the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, but the Lakers won the game 130-124.
June 2008: Special Deputyship Revoked
In June 2008, the Bedford County, Virginia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff departments revoked Shaquille O'Neal's special deputyship after a video surfaced of him rapping about Kobe Bryant and using racial slurs.
June 22, 2008: Diss Rap About Kobe Bryant
On June 22, 2008, Shaquille O'Neal freestyled a diss rap about Kobe Bryant in a New York club. He blamed Bryant for his divorce and mocked Bryant's inability to win a championship without him.
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.
2008: Declined Invitation to 2006-2008 US Preliminary Roster
Although initially interested, Shaquille O'Neal eventually declined the invitation to be named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.
2008: Improved Season in 2008-09
In 2008, O'Neal experienced an improved season, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season, leading the Suns to a 23-18 record.
2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns
Midway through the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
February 27, 2009: O'Neal scores 45 points against Raptors on February 27, 2009
On February 27, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, marking his 49th career 40-point game, as the Phoenix Suns beat the Toronto Raptors 133-113.
March 3, 2009: Matchup against Dwight Howard on March 3, 2009
On March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard in a game against Orlando. O'Neal commented on the increased double-teaming and his age, while Magic coach Stan Van Gundy criticized O'Neal for flopping during the game.
June 25, 2009: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers on June 25, 2009
On June 25, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round draft pick.
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: Training Camp at Syracuse University
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal attended the Sportscaster U. training camp at S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He also studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Conservatory.
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.
2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP in 2009
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and emerged as co-MVP along with Kobe Bryant.
2009: Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
2009: Trade to Cavaliers
In the 2009-10 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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.
August 4, 2010: Celtics Sign O'Neal on August 4, 2010
On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced the signing of Shaquille O'Neal. The contract was for two years at the veteran minimum salary for a total contract value of $2.8 million.
August 10, 2010: Introduction by the Celtics on August 10, 2010
On August 10, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was introduced by the Boston Celtics and chose the number 36.
December 20, 2010: Conducted Boston Pops Orchestra
On December 20, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall.
2010: Last Active American Player with FIBA Gold before 2010
Before 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was the last active American player to have a gold medal from the FIBA World Cup.
2010: Played for Celtics
In the 2010-11 season, Shaquille O'Neal played for the Boston Celtics.
June 1, 2011: O'Neal announces retirement on June 1, 2011
On June 1, 2011, Shaquille O'Neal announced his retirement from professional basketball via a short video on Twitter.
June 3, 2011: Official Retirement Announcement on June 3, 2011
On June 3, 2011, O'Neal held a press conference at his home in Orlando to officially announce his retirement from professional basketball.
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.
2011: Became a Freemason
In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal became a Freemason, joining Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston.
January 31, 2012: Honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans
On January 31, 2012, Shaquille O'Neal was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.
August 2012: Split with Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander
In August 2012, Shaquille O'Neal and reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander ended their relationship after residing together in O'Neal's home in Sudbury, Massachusetts.
2012: Received Ed.D. Degree
In 2012, Shaquille O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University. His doctoral capstone topic was "The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles".
April 2, 2013: Lakers Jersey Retirement
On April 2, 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 34 jersey.
September 10, 2013: Death of Philip Arthur Harrison
On September 10, 2013, O'Neal's stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison, passed away due to a heart attack.
2013: Death of stepfather
Following the death of his stepfather, Phillip Arthur Harrison, in 2013, O'Neal's feelings toward his biological father mellowed.
2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
From 2013 to 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his involvement in the NBA beyond his playing career.
2013: Endorsed Chris Christie for reelection
In 2013, O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid, appearing in a television advertisement.
January 11, 2014: Performed Ceremonial First Puck and Drove Zamboni
On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck and drove a Zamboni for a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.
2014: Jersey Retired
In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his achievements as a basketball player.
January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Reserve Officer in Doral, Florida
On January 20, 2015, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force.
February 26, 2016: Heat Announce Jersey Retirement
On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced their plan to retire Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016–17 season.
March 2016: Meeting with biological father
In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met with his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time, expressing that he did not hate him and that he had a good life with Phil Harrison.
September 2016: O'Neal Reflects on 2009-10 season in 2016
In September 2016, O'Neal reflected on the 2009-10 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, stating that he believes the team would have won a championship if he hadn't been injured.
December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy
In December 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of Clayton County, Georgia Sheriff's Department. O'Neal holds the county record of Tallest Sheriff's Deputy.
December 22, 2016: Heat Jersey Retirement Ceremony
On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, his former team.
2016: Purchased a compound in McDonough, Georgia
In 2016, O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre, two-house compound in McDonough, Georgia for $1.15 million. The residence is named Shaq-Ingham Palace.
2016: Lip Sync Battle Performance
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal lip synced the B-52s song "Love Shack" on the television show Lip Sync Battle.
2016: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's all-time greats.
July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball
In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball, responding to Ball's claims about beating O'Neal in basketball.
2017: Elected to FIBA Hall of Fame
In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame, adding another honor to his illustrious career.
March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle
In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle, a model, ended their relationship.
2020: Voted for the first time
In 2020, O'Neal participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and voted for the first time during the 2020 presidential election.
October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was again honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Inspiration for Jersey Number
In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal mentioned that his admiration for Patrick Ewing inspired him to wear the No. 33 jersey.
July 4, 2022: DJ Diesel at Jersey City Festival
On July 4, 2022, Shaquille O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the Jersey City 4th of July Festival with Flo Rida.
2022: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
From 2013 to 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his involvement in the NBA beyond his playing career.
2022: Ranked Among NBA's Greatest
In 2022, The Athletic ranked Shaquille O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.
June 7, 2023: Release of "Bang Your Head"
On June 7, 2023, Shaquille O'Neal, as DJ Diesel, released his first single titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage, from his debut album Gorilla Warfare.
July 2023: Purchased a private jet
In July 2023, O'Neal purchased his first private jet, a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650, featuring the Dunkman logo on the tail.
November 2023: Me'Arah O'Neal signs with Florida Gators
In November 2023, O'Neal's daughter, Me'Arah, signed her national letter of intent to play basketball for the Florida Gators.
December 13, 2023: Antetokounmpo Scores 64 Points
On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers, marking the first time a player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer since O'Neal's 61-point game in 2000.
February 13, 2024: Orlando Magic Retire O'Neal's Jersey
On February 13, 2024, the Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, marking the first time the team had retired a player's number. With this, he became the third player to have his number retired by three NBA teams, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.
December 24, 2024: Release of Muddy Waters Too album
On December 24, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal contributed a verse to the rapper Redman's track "Lite It Up" from the Muddy Waters Too album.
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