History of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline
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.
1 day ago : Shaq to walk Dwight Howard into Hall of Fame, ending their public feud.
Shaquille O'Neal agreed to walk Dwight Howard into the Hall of Fame, resolving a long-standing feud. This gesture signifies reconciliation between the two NBA stars during Howard's induction ceremony.
1933: Securities Act
In February 2022, The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media
1969: Lakers Playoff Game
In his first playoff game for the Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, the most for the Lakers in a playoff game since Jerry West had 53 in 1969.
1970: Comparison to Willis Reed
Shaquille O'Neal is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year (2000); the other players are Willis Reed in 1970.
March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal Born
On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey. He is commonly known as Shaq.
1985: All-Star Starter
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.
1989: 791 rebounds during the 1989 season
During the 1989 season Shaquille O'Neal had 791 rebounds, remains a state record for a player in any classification.
1989: Studies Business at LSU
In 1989, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).
1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy
In 1991, 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 drafted by the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick in the NBA draft.
1992: NBA Rookie of the Year
In 1992-93 Shaquille O'Neal received the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
1992: Playoff Absence
In 1992–93, O'Neal did not participate in the playoffs during his rookie season.
November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double
On November 20, 1993, Shaquille O'Neal registered the first triple-double of his career against the New Jersey Nets, recording 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.
1993: Backboard-Breaking Dunks and League Adjustments
In 1993, During O'Neal's first season in the NBA, his powerful dunks broke steel backboard supports on two occasions, prompting the league to increase brace strength and stability of backboards for the 1993–94 season.
1993: NBA Rookie of the Year
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
1994: Dream Team II and FIBA World Championship MVP
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. He averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds, recording two double-doubles.
1994: Selection to Dream Team III
In 1994, O'Neal was one of two players from the 1994 Dream Team II roster named to the Dream Team III.
1994: WCW Appearances
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal made appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including at the Bash at the Beach pay per view, where he presented the title belt.
1994: Releases Rap Album Shaq Fu: The Return
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal voiced his feelings of disdain for Joe Toney in the song "Biological Didn't Bother" on his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return.
1994: All-NBA 3rd Team
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was voted into the All-Star game and made the All-NBA 3rd Team. The Magic made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
1994: MVP voting
In the 1994-95 season, Shaquille O'Neal lead the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average, while finishing second in MVP voting to David Robinson.
1995: Rare Three-Point Shot
In 1995, During the 1995–96 NBA season, O'Neal made one three-point shot with the Orlando Magic, one of only 22 he attempted throughout his career.
1995: Pepsi Commercial Appearance
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in a Pepsi commercial which parodied shows such as I Love Lucy, Bonanza, and Woody Woodpecker.
1995: NBA Finals with Magic
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals.
1995: First NBA Finals Appearance
In the 1994-95 season, Shaquille O'Neal led the Magic to their first-ever playoff series win against the Boston Celtics and helped them reach the NBA Finals in 1995.
1995: Free Agent
Shaquille O'Neal became a free agent after the 1995-96 NBA 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 17, 1996: Shoves Dennis Rodman
On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls. Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan restrained Rodman and prevented further conflict. O'Neal was willing to be suspended for fighting Rodman.
1996: Decline of International Competition
After his 1996 Olympics experience, he declined to play in international competition.
1996: Gold Medal at Atlanta Olympics
In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics with a perfect 8-0 record. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. O'Neal was upset about coach Lenny Wilkens playing David Robinson more minutes in the final game.
1996: Swept by Bulls in Conference Finals
In 1996, despite O'Neal's injuries, the Orlando Magic finished with a regular season record of 60-22, but were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.
1996: Olympics in Atlanta
In the summer of 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the United States Olympic basketball team and was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. O'Neal faced questions about his value and role model status.
1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team
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 in 1996. Comparison to Michael Jordan for NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.
1998: Comparison to Michael Jordan
Comparison to Michael Jordan for NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year in 1996 and 1998.
1998: Lakers fell to the Jazz
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.
1998: Personnel changes in Lakers
With the tandem of O'Neal and teenage superstar Kobe Bryant, expectations for the Lakers increased; however, personnel changes were a source of instability during the 1998–99 season. Long-time Laker point guard Nick Van Exel was traded to the Denver Nuggets; his former backcourt partner Eddie Jones was packaged with back-up center Elden Campbell for Glen Rice to satisfy a demand by O'Neal for a shooter.
November 10, 1999: Ejection from Game Against Houston Rockets
On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal following a blocked layup.
1999: Anger over FIBA AmeriCup Snub
In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger over being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, calling it a "lack of respect".
1999: Pre-Season Fortune Changes
In 1999, prior to the 1999-2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, which soon changed the team's fortune
1999: Lakers hire Phil Jackson
In 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, changing the team's fortunes. Jackson challenged O'Neal, stating that the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him upon retirement.
1999: Most Valuable Player Award
In 1999-2000 Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
1999: Swept by San Antonio Spurs
The Lakers finished with a 31–19 record during the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season. Although they made the playoffs, they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Spurs would go on to win their first NBA title in 1999.
March 6, 2000: O'Neal Scored a Career-High 61 Points
On March 6, 2000, his 28th birthday, O'Neal scored a career-high 61 points with 23 rebounds in a 123–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
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.
2000: MVP Award
In 1999-2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP.
2000: Lakers Win NBA Title
In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant, using Jackson's triangle offense, led the Lakers to their first of three consecutive NBA titles.
2000: Decision to Forgo 2000 Olympics
In 2000, O'Neal forwent an opportunity to participate in the Olympics, stating that two gold medals were enough.
2000: O'Neal Voted MVP
In 2000, O'Neal was voted the regular season's Most Valuable Player, won the scoring title, finished second in rebounds and third in blocked shots, and was selected for the All-Defensive Second Team after Jackson's influence led to a renewed commitment to defense.
2000: Began MMA training
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) at Jonathan Burke's Gracie Gym, learning boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and wrestling, and using the nickname Diesel.
2000: NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2000: Phil Jackson Challenges O'Neal
In 2000, newly hired Lakers head coach Phil Jackson challenged O'Neal to become an MVP caliber player.
2000: Defensive Player of the Year
In the 2000-2001 NBA season, Dikembe Mutombo was the Defensive Player of the Year.
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.
2001: Lakers Win NBA Title
In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant, using Jackson's triangle offense, led the Lakers to their second of three consecutive NBA titles.
2001: NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured another NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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.
December 26, 2002: Marriage to Shaunie Nelson
On December 26, 2002, Shaquille O'Neal married Shaunie Nelson. The couple has four children.
2002: Lakers Win NBA Title
In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant, using Jackson's triangle offense, led the Lakers to their third of three consecutive NBA titles.
2002: Opting Out of 2002 FIBA World Championship
In 2002, O'Neal chose not to play in the FIBA World Championship.
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: Motorcycle Mania 2 Appearance
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, where he requested a custom motorcycle from Jesse James to accommodate his size.
2002: NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal won his third consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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.
2003: Recruitment of Malone and Payton & Contract Extension Dispute
In 2003, for the 2003-04 season, O'Neal assisted in recruiting Karl Malone and Gary Payton to the Lakers, who sacrificed larger salaries for a chance to win a championship. O'Neal sought a contract extension with a pay raise, leading to tension with the Lakers owner and increasing feud with Bryant.
July 14, 2004: 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 and promised a championship to Miami, dubbing Dwyane Wade "Flash".
2004: Rejection of 2004 Olympics Offer
In 2004, O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the Olympics.
2004: Traded to Miami Heat
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.
2004: Feud with Bryant
In 2004, during training camp prior to the 2003-2004 season, the feud between O'Neal and Bryant climaxed when Bryant criticized O'Neal's conditioning, leadership, and salary demands in an interview with ESPN journalist Jim Gray.
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.
June 2005: Funeral Expenses for George Mikan
In June 2005, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay for the funeral expenses of Hall of Fame center George Mikan, who O'Neal considered to be a major influence, and the family accepted.
August 2005: Signed a 5-Year Extension with the Heat
In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million.
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.
2005: Reality series on ESPN
In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal had a reality series called Shaquille on ESPN.
2005: O'Neal's Performance
In the 2005-06 season, O'Neal helped Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.
April 11, 2006: Triple-Double against the Toronto 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 and finished the 2005-06 season as the league leader in field goal percentage.
2006: Initial Interest then Decline for 2006-2008 US Roster
Although initially interested, O'Neal eventually declined the invitation to play for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.
2006: NBA Championship with Heat
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat.
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: Shaq's Opinion on Flopping
In a 2006 interview, O'Neal stated that if he were NBA commissioner, he would change the rules to penalize flopping.
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: Traded to Phoenix Suns
During the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
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: Playing for the Miami Heat
In 2007, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat, starting all of them and averaging 14.2 points per game before being traded.
2007: Idol Gives Back and other appearances
In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the first Idol Gives Back, an episode of Fear Factor, and an episode of MTV's Jackass.
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.
February 2008: Acquisition by Phoenix Suns
In February 2008, the Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal from the Miami Heat, who had a 9-37 record. The Heat received Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks in exchange.
February 20, 2008: Suns Debut
On February 20, 2008, O'Neal debuted with the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers. He scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a 130-124 loss. O'Neal took blame for the loss, citing a lack of tune with his new teammates and requesting 4 to 5 days to adjust.
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.
2008: Improved Season
During the first half of the 2008-09 season, O'Neal averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, contributing to the Suns' 23-18 record and second-place division ranking.
2008: Traded to Phoenix Suns
Midway through the 2007-2008 season Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
2008: Decline of Invitation to 2006-2008 US Roster
O'Neal eventually declined the invitation to play for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.
February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game vs 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
On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard 21-19. O'Neal made comments about being too old to outscore younger players. He also discussed being double-teamed and addressed Stan Van Gundy's comments about his flopping, stating that it would describe Van Gundy's coaching.
June 17, 2009: Challenges Choi Hong-man
On June 17, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal challenged kickboxer Choi Hong-man to a mixed martial arts rules bout in a YouTube video.
June 25, 2009: Trade to 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. Upon arriving in Cleveland, O'Neal expressed his goal to "Win a Ring for the King," referring to LeBron James.
August 18, 2009: Shaq Vs. Premieres on ABC
On August 18, 2009, Shaq Vs., a reality show starring Shaquille O'Neal competing against other athletes in their own sports, premiered on ABC.
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.
2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP
In 2009, O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and was named co-MVP along with his former teammate, Kobe Bryant.
2009: All-NBA Third Team Selection
In 2009, O'Neal was named to the All-NBA Third Team despite the Phoenix Suns notifying him that he might be traded to cut costs. This was the first time since his rookie season in 1992-93 that he did not participate in the playoffs.
2009: Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
2009: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2009-2010 season Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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.
August 4, 2010: Signing with the 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 after Wyc Grousbeck saw an opportunity to acquire O'Neal. O'Neal wanted the mid-level exception, but the Celtics gave it to Jermaine O'Neal.
August 10, 2010: Introduction by Celtics
On August 10, 2010, O'Neal was introduced by the Boston Celtics and chose the jersey number 36.
August 28, 2010: Reiterates Desire to Fight Choi
On August 28, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi Hong-man in an interview at UFC 118 in Boston.
2010: Ranking in Free Throws Taken
As of the 2010-11 season, O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken, with 11,252 attempts in 1,207 games.
2010: Last Active American FIBA Gold Medalist
Before 2010, O'Neal was the last active American player to have a gold medal from the FIBA World Cup.
2010: Plays for Boston Celtics
During the 2010-2011 season, Shaquille O'Neal played for the Boston Celtics.
2010: Started Dating Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander
In summer 2010, Shaquille O'Neal began dating reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander.
June 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement via Twitter
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter after 19 years in the NBA.
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.
July 14, 2011: Joins TNT as NBA Analyst
On July 14, 2011, Shaquille O'Neal announced he would join Turner Network Television (TNT) as an analyst for NBA basketball games, alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley.
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: Became a Freemason
In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal became a Freemason, joining Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston and became a Prince Hall Freemason.
2011: Divorce Finalized
In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal's divorce from Shaunie Nelson was finalized.
January 31, 2012: Honored as a McDonald's All-American
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 split up after residing at his home in Sudbury, Massachusetts.
September 2012: Guest Appearance on TNA Impact Wrestling
In September 2012, Shaquille O'Neal made a guest appearance on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s Impact Wrestling program, where he had a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.
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.
September 2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
In September 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings professional basketball team.
2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
From 2013 to 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
2013: Endorsement of 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
Shaquille O'Neal's feelings toward his biological father, Joe Toney, mellowed in the years following the death of Phillip Arthur Harrison in 2013.
January 11, 2014: Ceremonial Puck Drop and Zamboni Ride
On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal, a fan of the New Jersey Devils, performed the ceremonial first puck drop and drove a Zamboni for a game between the Devils and the Florida Panthers.
2014: Started Dating Laticia Rolle
In early 2014, Shaquille O'Neal began dating Laticia Rolle, a model.
June 2015: Invests in Loyale3 Holdings Inc.
In June 2015, Shaquille O'Neal invested in technology startup Loyale3 Holdings Inc., a San Francisco brokerage firm.
September 2015: Appears on South Korean TV Show
In September 2015, while promoting Reebok in South Korea, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the South Korean variety television show Off to School, attending Seo Incheon High School.
2015: Shareef in High School Basketball Highlights
In 2015, Shaquille O'Neal's son, Shareef, was seen in high school basketball highlights as a 6-foot-7-inch freshman power forward.
March 2016: Meets Biological Father
In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time and told him, "I don't hate you. I had a good life. I had Phil."
April 2016: Participated in André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
In April 2016, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, eliminating Damien Sandow and confronting Big Show.
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.
2016: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2016 Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
2016: Purchase of McDonough Compound
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre, two-house compound in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million.
2016: Purchased Krispy Kreme location
In late 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased the Krispy Kreme location at 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta and became the global spokesperson for the company.
January 2017: Match with Big Show Canceled
In January 2017, Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show began calling each other out on social media to promote their match, however, the match was later cancelled due to monetary and scheduling issues.
2017: FIBA Hall of Fame
In 2017 Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame.
March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle
In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle, a model, split up.
April 2018: General Manager of Kings Guard Gaming
In April 2018, Shaquille O'Neal was named the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming, the Sacramento Kings' NBA 2K League affiliate.
2018: Shaq's Fun House Created
In 2018, Shaquille O'Neal created Shaq's Fun House, a combination music festival, circus, and carnival held annually in partnership with Medium Rare.
2019: Joins Papa John's Board of Directors
In 2019, Shaquille O'Neal joined the Papa John's board of directors, invested in nine stores in the Atlanta area, and became the spokesperson for the company.
November 11, 2020: Teased AEW Arrival
On November 11, 2020, Jade Cargill interrupted Cody Rhodes on AEW Dynamite and teased Shaquille O'Neal's arrival in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
2020: Participation in Virtual Rally and First-Time Vote
During the 2020 presidential election, Shaquille O'Neal participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and voted for the first time.
March 3, 2021: AEW Dynamite Match
On March 3, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite, paying tribute to Brodie Lee during the match.
October 2021: 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: Spokesperson for FTX
In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.
January 2022: Sells Stake in the Kings
In January 2022, Shaquille O'Neal sold his stake in the Sacramento Kings.
February 2022: Bitconnect Lawsuit Ruling
In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.
October 2022: Contract Extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports
In October 2022, Shaquille O'Neal signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.
November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy
In November 2022, FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange for which Shaquille O'Neal was a paid spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions of dollars.
2022: Wealth and Investment
As of 2022, Shaquille O'Neal is among the five wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million, and has investments in companies like General Electric, Apple, and PepsiCo.
2022: End of Sacramento Kings Ownership
From 2013 to 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
2022: Shaqtoberfest Premieres
In 2022, Shaqtoberfest, Shaquille O'Neal's Halloween event, premiered in Long Beach.
2022: Ranked Among NBA's Greatest
In 2022, The Athletic ranked O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.
July 2023: Purchase of Private Jet
In July 2023, O'Neal purchased his first private jet; a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650, complete with the iconic "Dunkman" logo on the tail.
October 2023: Named President of Basketball for Reebok
In October 2023, Shaquille O'Neal was named Reebok's President of Basketball.
November 2023: Me'Arah signs to Florida Gators
In November 2023, Shaquille O'Neal's daughter, Me'Arah, signed her national letter of intent to the Florida Gators.
2023: Chael Sonnen reveals attempted grappling match
In 2023, Chael Sonnen revealed that he once attempted to arrange a grappling match between Shaquille O'Neal and Georges St-Pierre.
May 3, 2024: Named Co-Host of Lucky 13
On May 3, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal was announced as one of the co-hosts of the upcoming ABC game show Lucky 13.
July 18, 2024: Lucky 13 Premieres
On July 18, 2024, the ABC game show Lucky 13, co-hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, premiered.
September 2024: Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies Line Launched
In September 2024, Shaquille O'Neal launched the Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies line of oversized gummy candy in partnership with The Hershey Company.
2024: Me'Arah's Freshman Year
The 2024-25 season marked Shaquille O'Neal's daughter, Me'Arah's freshman year at Florida.
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