History of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline

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

Sections (7)

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

1969: Jerry West Playoff Scoring Record

In 1969, Jerry West scored 53 points in a playoff game for the Lakers. This remained the most points scored for the Lakers in a playoff game until Shaquille O'Neal scored 46 points in 1996.

1970: Willis Reed wins NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP Awards

In 1970, Willis Reed won NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards.

March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal's Birth

On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, known as Shaq, was born in Newark, New Jersey. He later became a dominant basketball player in the NBA and a sports analyst.

Others born on this day/year

1978: First Movie Experience

In 1978, O'Neal saw the 1978 Superman film in theaters, marking his first movie experience, and he is a big fan of the Superman franchise.

1985: Michael Jordan All-Star Starter

In 1985, Michael Jordan was voted an All-Star starter.

1989: State Record for Rebounds

During the 1989 season, Shaquille O'Neal recorded 791 rebounds, setting a state record for a player in any classification while at Robert G. Cole High School.

1989: Studies Business at LSU

In 1989, after graduating high school, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

In 1991, Shaquille O'Neal was awarded the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year. He was also named college player of the year by Associated Press and UPI.

1992: NBA Rookie of the Year Award

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year award for his outstanding performance during his first season.

1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the NBA draft, launching his professional basketball career.

1992: O'Neal's Rookie Season

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 Career 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: Breaking Backboards in First NBA Season

During his first NBA season in 1993-94, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports on two occasions, prompting the NBA to increase the brace strength and stability of backboards for the following season.

1993: Named 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. He was also the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.

1994: MVP at the FIBA World Championship

In 1994, O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, leading Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8-0 record, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.

1994: Third Season in NBA

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal continued his NBA career.

1994: Improved Scoring Average

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal improved his scoring average to 29.4 points and led the NBA in field goal percentage at 60%.

1994: Shaq Fu: The Return Released

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal voiced his feelings of disdain for his biological father, Joe Toney, in the song "Biological Didn't Bother" on his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return.

1994: Named to Dream Team III

Shaquille O'Neal was one of two players, with Reggie Miller, from the 1994 FIBA World Championship roster to also be named to Dream Team III.

1995: Injured During the Season

During the 1995-1996 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal missed 28 games due to injury.

1995: Making One Three-Point Shot

During the 1995-96 NBA season with the Orlando Magic, O'Neal made the only three-point shot of his entire career.

1995: NBA Free Agent

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal became a free agent after the NBA season.

1995: Led NBA in Scoring

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average while playing for the Orlando Magic.

1995: Leads Magic to NBA Finals

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, marking a significant milestone in his career and the team's history.

December 17, 1996: Shoves Dennis Rodman

On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls during a game, resulting in a confrontation.

1996: Declined Further International Competition after the Olympics

After his experience at the 1996 Olympics, Shaquille O'Neal declined to participate in further international basketball competitions.

1996: Finished Season with the Magic

In 1996, Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Magic finished with a regular season record of 60–22.

1996: Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics

In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. He was upset with coach Lenny Wilkens for playing David Robinson more minutes in the final game.

1996: Named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team, honoring him as one of the league's greatest players of all time.

1996: Joined the US Olympic Basketball Team

In the summer of 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the United States Olympic basketball team and won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. During this time, controversies arose in Orlando regarding his contract and role on the Magic.

1998: Michael Jordan wins NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP Awards

In 1998, Michael Jordan won NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards.

1998: Lakers Finished the Season 61-21

In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds, and the Lakers finished the season 61–21.

November 10, 1999: Ejection from Game Against Houston Rockets

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after O'Neal shoved Barkley following a blocked layup, leading to Barkley throwing the ball at O'Neal.

1999: Angered by AmeriCup Roster Snub

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

1999: Most Valuable Player Award

In 1999, Shaquille O'Neal received the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance.

March 6, 2000: Career-High 61 Points on 28th Birthday

On March 6, 2000, which was his 28th birthday, Shaquille O'Neal scored a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 123–103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. This was the last NBA game in which a player scored 60 or more points without a 3-pointer until December 13, 2023.

December 8, 2000: Missing all Free Throw Attempts Against the Seattle SuperSonics

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

2000: Wins NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP Awards

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards.

2000: First NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, alongside Kobe Bryant.

2000: Declined Participation in the 2000 Olympics

Shaquille O'Neal declined the opportunity to participate in the 2000 Olympics, explaining that two gold medals were enough for him.

2001: Second Consecutive NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, continuing their dominant run.

2002: Third Consecutive NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal won his third consecutive NBA championship as a Laker, solidifying the team's dynasty.

2002: Declined to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship

Shaquille O'Neal chose not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

July 14, 2004: Traded to Miami Heat

On July 14, 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a future first-round draft choice.

July 14, 2004: Trade to Miami Heat and Jersey Number Change

On July 14, 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat. He changed his jersey number from 34 (Lakers) to 32, which he previously wore for the Magic.

2004: Traded to Miami Heat

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

2004: Rejected Offer to Play in the 2004 Olympics

Shaquille O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the 2004 Olympics.

August 2005: Signs 5-Year Extension with the Heat

In August 2005, Shaquille O'Neal signed a 5-year contract extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million.

April 11, 2006: Second Career Triple-Double

On April 11, 2006, Shaquille O'Neal recorded his second career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors, with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists.

2006: Reaching 25,000 Career Points

During the 2006-07 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone. However, 2006 was also the first season in his career where his scoring average dropped below 20 points per game.

2006: Fourth NBA Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, further cementing his legacy as a dominant force.

2006: O'Neal's Comments on Flopping

In a 2006 interview in TIME, O'Neal stated that 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."

2006: Jordan Farmar Selected in NBA Draft

In the 2006 NBA draft, the Lakers used the first-round draft choice obtained in the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat to select Jordan Farmar.

2006: Initial Interest and Eventual Decline for 2006-2008 US Roster

Shaquille O'Neal was initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, but eventually declined the invitation.

2007: Rough Start to the 2007-08 Season

During the 2007-08 season, O'Neal experienced a rough start, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role in the offense diminished as he attempted only 10 field goals per game, versus his career average of 17. Also, O'Neal's streak of 14 straight All-Star appearances ended in 2007.

2007: Averaging 12.9 Points and 10.6 Rebounds in Regular Season Games

During the 28 regular season games of 2007, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, which qualified him for the playoffs. He was traded in part to limit Tim Duncan during a potential series against the Spurs.

2007: Playing for Miami Heat in 2007-08 season

In the 2007-08 season, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. During those 33 games, which occurred in 2007, he started all games and averaged 14.2 points per game.

2007: Traded to Phoenix Suns

Midway through the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns, adding another team to his NBA journey.

February 2008: Altercation with Pat Riley and Trade Decision

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with Heat coach Pat Riley over Riley ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice. O'Neal poked Riley in the chest, and Riley slapped his finger away, leading Riley to soon after decide to trade O'Neal.

February 2008: Acquired by Phoenix Suns

In February 2008, the Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. The Heat had a record of 9-37 at the time.

February 20, 2008: Suns Debut

On February 20, 2008, O'Neal made his debut for the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers. He scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the game, which the Lakers won 130-124.

December 25, 2008: Missing His 5,000th 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 Wilt Chamberlain.

2008: Improved Performance in the 2008-09 Season

During the first half of the 2008-09 NBA season, O'Neal's performance improved, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, contributing to the Suns' 23-18 record.

2008: Plays for Phoenix Suns

In 2008, Shaquille O'Neal played for the Phoenix Suns after being traded mid-season.

2008: Declined to play in the 2008 US Preliminary Roster

Shaquille O'Neal eventually declined an invitation to the 2008 US Preliminary Roster.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against the Toronto Raptors

On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a game against the Toronto Raptors, marking his 49th career 40-point game. The Suns beat the Raptors 133-113.

March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic

On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard, leading to comments about his age and role. O'Neal also discussed the double-teaming strategy used against him, and reacted to coach Van Gundy's accusations of flopping.

June 25, 2009: Trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers

On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round draft pick. O'Neal stated his goal was to "Win a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.

2009: Averaging career lows

During the 2009–10 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 NBA playoffs for the first time since his rookie season in 1992-93 and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. The Suns also notified O'Neal of a potential trade to cut costs.

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and emerged as co-MVP along with Kobe Bryant.

2009: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2009-2010 season, teaming up with Lebron James.

February 25, 2010: Right Thumb Injury

On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury during a game against the Boston Celtics, requiring surgery on March 1.

August 4, 2010: Signed by the Boston Celtics

On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal to a two-year contract at the veteran minimum salary of $2.8 million.

August 10, 2010: Introduced by the Celtics

On August 10, 2010, O'Neal was introduced by the Boston Celtics and chose the number 36.

2010: Last Active American Player With a FIBA Gold

Before 2010, O'Neal was the last active American player to have a gold medal from the FIBA World Cup.

2010: Plays for Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2010, Shaquille O'Neal played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2010: Third-Ranked Player All-Time in Free Throws Taken

Up to and including the 2010-11 NBA season, O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken, having attempted 11,252 free throws in 1,207 games.

June 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement via Social Media

On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter, thanking fans for 19 years of support.

June 3, 2011: Official Retirement Announcement

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 Limited Playoff Appearance

Throughout the 2011 season, O'Neal missed games due to injuries and played limited minutes in the playoffs as the Heat eliminated the Celtics.

2013: Endorsed Chris Christie

In 2013, O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid, appearing in a television advertisement.

2013: Death of Phillip Arthur Harrison

In 2013, Phillip Arthur Harrison, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, passed away. O'Neal's feelings toward Joe Toney mellowed in the years following Harrison's death.

2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his involvement in the NBA beyond playing.

January 11, 2014: O'Neal Performs Ceremonial Puck Drop and Drives Zamboni

On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck drop and drove a Zamboni at a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.

2014: Cole High Retired O'Neal's No. 33

In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his achievements and legacy at the school.

March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father

In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met with his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time, years after estrangement. O'Neal told him, "I don't hate you. I had a good life. I had Phil."

September 2016: O'Neal Reflects on the 2009-10 Season

In September 2016, O'Neal reflected that had he not been injured in 2010, the Cavaliers would have won a championship.

2016: O'Neal Purchases Shaq-Ingham Palace in Georgia

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre compound with two houses in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million, naming the residence Shaq-Ingham Palace.

2016: Elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2017: Elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame

In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame, further recognizing his global impact on basketball.

2020: First Time Voting and Participating in Virtual Rally

During the 2020 presidential election, Shaquille O'Neal voted for the first time and participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden.

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his status as one of the league's all-time greats.

2021: Admiration for Patrick Ewing

In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal stated his admiration for Patrick Ewing inspired him to wear the number 33.

2022: Departure from Sacramento Kings Ownership

In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal ended his tenure as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, concluding his involvement with the team's ownership.

2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player in NBA History

In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history.

July 2023: O'Neal Purchases First Private Jet

In July 2023, Shaquille O'Neal purchased his first private jet, a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650, featuring the iconic "Dunkman" logo on the tail.

December 13, 2023: Reference to Giannis Antetokounmpo's 64-point Game

Shaquille O'Neal's 61-point game in 2000 was the last game in NBA history that a player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, 2023.