History of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline

Shaquille O'Neal, or Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player, standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds. He played center for six NBA teams over 19 years and won four NBA championships. Widely considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers, O'Neal is now a sports analyst on 'Inside the NBA'.

Sections (7)

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

1969: O'Neal Scores 46 Points

In O'Neal's 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

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); one of the other players is 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, to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney.

Others born on this day/year

1985: All-Star Starter as Rookie

In 1993, O'Neal became the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985, marking his impact on the league.

1989: Studies at LSU

After graduating from high school in 1989, O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).

1989: State Record for Rebounds

During the 1989 season at Robert G. Cole High School, O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds, showcasing his early basketball dominance.

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

In 1991, while playing basketball for LSU, O'Neal received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year, along with other accolades.

1992: O'Neal's rookie season

In 1992, O'Neal began his rookie season in the NBA.

1992: Drafted First Overall by Orlando Magic

In 1992, O'Neal was selected as the 1st overall pick in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, launching his professional basketball career.

1992: Drafted into the NBA

In 1992, O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, marking the start of his professional basketball career.

1992: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1992-93, O'Neal was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year, marking his arrival as a dominant force in the league.

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

On November 20, 1993, O'Neal recorded his first career triple-double against the New Jersey Nets with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.

1993: Debut Album

Beginning in 1993, O'Neal released his debut album, Shaq Diesel, which received platinum certification from the RIAA.

1993: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1993, 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: O'Neal's dunks break backboards

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

1994: Playoff Debut

In 1994, O'Neal led the Magic to their first playoff appearance, marking a significant moment in franchise history.

1994: Release of 'Shaq Fu: The Return'

In 1994, O'Neal released his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, featuring the song "Biological Didn't Bother", in which he expressed his feelings about his biological father.

1994: O'Neal named MVP at the 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.

1994: O'Neal on the Dream Team III roster

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the Dream Team III roster.

1994: Third NBA Season

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.

1995: Made one three-point shot

During the 1995 NBA season with the Orlando Magic, Shaquille O'Neal made one three-point shot.

1995: Missed Games Due to Injury

During the 1995–96 season, O'Neal was injured and missed 28 games, impacting his playing time and the team's dynamics.

1995: NBA Finals Appearance

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

1995: Featured on HIStory album

In 1995, O'Neal was featured alongside Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's album HIStory.

1995: NBA Season

O'Neal became a free agent after the 1995–96 NBA season.

December 17, 1996: Shoves Dennis Rodman

On December 17, 1996, O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls, leading to a confrontation that was eventually diffused by other players.

1996: O'Neal declines to play in international competition

After the 1996 Olympics, O'Neal declined to play in international competition.

1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection

In 1996, 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: O'Neal wins gold at the Atlanta Olympics

In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.

1996: Loss to Chicago Bulls

In 1996, despite a strong regular season, O'Neal and the Magic were swept by Michael Jordan's Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In the summer of 1996, O'Neal won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics.

1997: Starred in Steel

In 1997, O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons, the protagonist in the film Steel, one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture.

1998: Lakers' Instability and Personnel Changes

In 1998, the Los Angeles Lakers experienced instability due to personnel changes, including the trade of Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones. These changes were made partly to satisfy O'Neal's desire for a shooter.

1998: Comparison to Michael Jordan

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); one of the other players is Michael Jordan in 1996 and 1998.

1998: Saturday Night Live Appearance

Shaquille O'Neal was initially picked to host the second episode of season 24 in 1998, but had to back down due to scheduling conflicts. He did appear in two sketches during the episode.

November 10, 1999: O'Neal and Barkley Ejected

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after a physical altercation.

1999: O'Neal angered by being overlooked for FIBA AmeriCup squad

In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger at being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad.

1999: Shaquille O'Neal Short of Unanimous MVP

In 1999, O'Neal received the regular season Most Valuable Player award but was one vote short of being the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman of CNN chose Allen Iverson instead.

1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Lakers Head Coach

In 1999, Phil Jackson was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, leading to a change in the team's fortunes.

1999: Lakers swept by Spurs

In 1999, The Lakers finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31–19 record. They made the playoffs, but were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

1999: Most Valuable Player Award

In 1999-2000, O'Neal won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance in the NBA.

March 6, 2000: O'Neal Scores Career-High 61 Points

On March 6, 2000, which was O'Neal's 28th birthday, he achieved a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds, in a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.

December 8, 2000: Missed 11 Free Throws

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

2000: Fined for crossing picket line

During the 2000 Screen Actors Guild strike, O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney and was fined by the union for crossing the picket line.

2000: Accolades

In 1999-2000, O'Neal also was the All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP.

2000: Dikembe Mutombo named Defensive Player of the Year

In 2000, Dikembe Mutombo was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

2000: Lakers Win NBA Championship

In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their first of three consecutive NBA titles.

2000: O'Neal forgoes participation in the 2000 Olympics

In 2000, O'Neal chose not to participate in the Olympics, stating that two gold medals were enough.

2000: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2000, O'Neal won his first NBA championship as part of the Los Angeles Lakers, starting a dominant era for the team.

2000: O'Neal Wins MVP and Scoring Title

In 2000, O'Neal won the regular season Most Valuable Player award and the scoring title. He also earned his first All-Defensive Team selection due to a renewed commitment to defense influenced by coach Phil Jackson.

2000: Earned B.A. Degree

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.

2000: Jackson challenges O'Neal

In 2000, Shortly after being hired, Phil Jackson challenged O'Neal, telling him that the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired.

2001: Shaq Considers Surgery Options

After the 2001 season, O'Neal began to contemplate various corrective options to address issues with his big right toe, ranging from reconstructive surgery to more conservative rehabilitation exercises.

2001: Lakers Win Second NBA Championship

In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their second consecutive NBA title.

2001: Appeared in 311 Music Video

In 2001, O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe", and in P. Diddy's video for "Bad Boy for Life", the video for Aaron Carter's "That's How I Beat Shaq", the video for Owl City's "Vanilla Twilight" and the video for Maroon 5's "Don't Wanna Know".

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2001: Shaq played in 73 games

In 2001, O'Neal played in 73 games. This was his most since that season.

2001: Second Consecutive NBA Championship

In 2001, O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, cementing their dominance in the league.

2001: Featured on Aaron Carter's single

In 2001, O'Neal was featured in Aaron Carter's hit single "That's How I Beat Shaq" and appeared in the music video.

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2001: O'Neal Undergoes Toe Surgery

In 2001, a month before training camp, O'Neal had corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in his left foot, opting for a less invasive procedure to return quicker.

2001: O'Neal Fouls Out in Game 3 Against 76ers

In the 2001 NBA Finals, during Game 3 against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out while backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the Defensive Player of the Year.

January 2002: O'Neal Involved in On-Court Brawl

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in a brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls, resulting in a suspension and fine after punching Brad Miller.

2002: Sacramento Kings Rivalry

During the 2002 victory parade, after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, fueling the rivalry between the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings.

2002: Lakers Win Third NBA Championship

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their third consecutive NBA title, with O'Neal winning the NBA Finals MVP award each time.

2002: Third Consecutive NBA Championship

In 2002, O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers achieved a three-peat, winning their third consecutive NBA championship.

2002: O'Neal chooses not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship

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

2002: O'Neal Misses Games Due to Toe Surgery

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season to recover from toe surgery related to hallux rigidus.

2002: O'Neal Accuses Kings of Cheating

In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused the Kings of cheating, specifically referencing Vlade Divac's alleged flopping.

2003: Lakers Seek Free-Agent Services

In 2003, The Lakers sought the free-agent services of Karl Malone and Gary Payton.

2003: Lakers Fail to Reach NBA Finals

In 2003, after O'Neal's injury and recovery, the Lakers finished as the fifth seed and did not reach the NBA Finals.

2003: Ignored by X-Men Filmmakers

O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2 (2003), the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.

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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 pick. He switched back to jersey number 32.

2004: O'Neal rejects offer to play in the 2004 Olympics

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

2004: Trade to Miami Heat

In 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat amid a feud with Kobe Bryant, marking a new chapter in his career.

2004: Tension Between O'Neal and Bryant Escalates

In 2004, tension between O'Neal and Bryant peaked during training camp as Bryant criticized O'Neal's fitness, leadership, and salary demands in an interview.

2004: Lakers Lose to Pistons in NBA Finals and O'Neal Demands Trade

In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, after which O'Neal, angered by comments from Lakers management and the departure of Phil Jackson, demanded a trade due to increasing tension and a perceived focus on appeasing Bryant.

March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal

On March 2, 2005, O'Neal was given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation.

June 2005: Offer to pay funeral expenses for George Mikan

In June 2005, upon the death of Hall of Fame center George Mikan, whom O'Neal considered a major influence, O'Neal offered to cover all of Mikan's funeral expenses, which the family accepted.

August 2005: O'Neal Signs Extension with the Heat

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

December 8, 2005: Sworn in as Miami Beach Reserve Officer

On December 8, 2005, O'Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve officer and helped police track down suspects in a hate crime incident.

2005: Compared play to Erick Dampier

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center who had failed to score a single point in one of their recent games.

2005: Earned MBA Degree

In 2005, O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix.

2005: O'Neal Injures Ankle and Van Gundy Resigns

In 2005, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Shortly after his return, Heat coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over, leading to criticism of Van Gundy by O'Neal.

2005: Kobe Bryant Feud

In the summer of 2005, when asked about Kobe Bryant, O'Neal responded, "I'm sorry, who?" and continued to pretend that he did not know who Bryant was until well into the 2005–06 season.

2005: O'Neal Finishes as League Leader

O'Neal finished the 2005-06 NBA season as the league leader in field goal percentage.

January 16, 2006: End of Bryant-O'Neal Feud

On January 16, 2006, when the Lakers faced the Heat, O'Neal and Bryant made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying the end of their long-standing feud.

April 11, 2006: O'Neal Records Triple-Double

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.

September 2006: Took part in a raid

In September 2006, Shaquille O'Neal, as an "honorary deputy" by the local sheriff's department, took part in a raid on a home in rural Bedford County, Virginia.

2006: O'Neal's initial interest in being named for US preliminary roster

In 2006, O'Neal was initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.

2006: NBA Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, demonstrating his continued dominance in the league.

2006: O'Neal's injury and criticism of Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury that required surgery. Following a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, O'Neal criticized Phil Jackson, his former coach, calling him "Benedict Arnold". Jackson had previously questioned O'Neal's work ethic. The Miami Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence. Later in the year, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th NBA player to reach that milestone.

2006: Lakers Draft Jordan Farmar

In 2006, the Lakers used the first-round draft choice acquired from the Heat in the 2004 O'Neal trade to select Jordan Farmar.

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

In 2006, the Miami Heat faced the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Despite O'Neal's efforts, the Heat were swept by the Bulls, marking the first time in 50 years that a defending NBA champion was swept in the opening round. Also in 2006 O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to reach this milestone.

2006: O'Neal's stance on flopping

In a 2006 interview in TIME, O'Neal expressed his disapproval of flopping in basketball, stating that players should win by skill, not by deceiving referees.

2006: NBA Finals appearance

Shaquille O'Neal met Erick Dampier in the 2006 NBA Finals.

2007: O'Neal's performance with the Miami Heat during the 2007-08 season

During the 2007-08 NBA season, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, averaging 14.2 points per game.

2007: O'Neal averages 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in 28 regular season games

In 2007, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in 28 regular season games for the Phoenix Suns, helping them reach the playoffs. They were later eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in five games.

2007: Career lows and diminished role for O'Neal

In 2007, O'Neal experienced a rough start to the season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role in the offense diminished, and he was plagued by fouls.

2007: Shaq's Big Challenge

In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal hosted Shaq's Big Challenge, a reality show on ABC in which he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.

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2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns

Midway through the 2007-2008 season, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and trade decision

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during a practice over Riley's handling of a tardy player. The argument became physical, leading Riley to decide to trade O'Neal.

February 2008: O'Neal traded to the Phoenix Suns

In February 2008, the Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

February 20, 2008: O'Neal's debut with the Phoenix Suns

On February 20, 2008, O'Neal debuted with the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in a 130-124 loss.

June 2008: Deputyship Revoked

In June 2008, the Bedford County, Virginia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff departments revoked 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, O'Neal freestyled a diss rap about Kobe Bryant in a New York club, blaming Bryant for his divorce and taunting him for not winning a championship without him. He led the audience to mockingly chant several times "Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes".

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

On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming the second player in NBA history to reach this milestone, following Wilt Chamberlain.

2008: O'Neal declines invitation for US preliminary roster

In 2008, O'Neal eventually declined the invitation for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.

2008: Improved performance for O'Neal

In 2008, O'Neal improved his performance, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season, helping the Suns to a 23-18 record.

2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns

Midway through the 2007-2008 season, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

February 27, 2009: O'Neal scores 45 points against the Toronto Raptors

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

March 3, 2009: Matchup against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a game against Orlando, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard. O'Neal also engaged in flopping, which drew criticism from Magic coach Stan Van Gundy.

June 25, 2009: O'Neal traded 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.

2009: O'Neal averaged career lows in the 2009-10 season

During the 2009-10 NBA season, O'Neal averaged career lows in almost every major statistical category largely due to splitting Center duties.

2009: Attended Sportscaster U.

In 2009, 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: O'Neal misses playoffs, named to All-NBA Third Team

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

2009: O'Neal's All-Star Game co-MVP award

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

2009: Induction into New Jersey Hall of Fame

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

2009: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

In the 2009-10 season, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, adding another team to his NBA journey.

February 25, 2010: O'Neal suffers thumb injury

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

August 4, 2010: Celtics announce signing of O'Neal

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

August 10, 2010: O'Neal introduced by the Celtics

On August 10, 2010, 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: O'Neal as last active American player with a FIBA World Cup gold

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

2010: Joins the Boston Celtics

In the 2010-11 season, O'Neal played for the Boston Celtics, marking his final stint with an NBA team before retiring.

June 1, 2011: O'Neal announces retirement via social media

On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter, thanking fans for their support throughout his 19-year career.

June 3, 2011: O'Neal's 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: O'Neal's season with the Celtics

In 2011, O'Neal played for the Boston Celtics, dealing with injuries and limited playing time. He missed games due to various ailments and returned briefly after a cortisone shot, but his season was cut short due to injuries. The Heat eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs.

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 recognized as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

2012: Received Ed.D. Degree

In 2012, 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 Retires Jersey

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, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison, passed away due to a heart attack.

2013: Death of Phillip Arthur Harrison

Following the death of O'Neal's stepfather, Phillip Arthur Harrison, in 2013, O'Neal's feelings toward his biological father mellowed, leading to their eventual meeting.

2013: Minority Owner of the Sacramento Kings

From 2013 to 2022, O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his influence beyond his playing career.

2013: Endorsement of Chris Christie

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

January 11, 2014: Ceremonial first puck at New Jersey Devils game

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

2014: Jersey Retired at Cole High

In 2014, Cole High retired O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his contributions and achievements during his high school basketball career.

January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Doral Police Force Reserve Officer

On January 20, 2015, O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force.

February 26, 2016: Heat Announces Jersey Retirement

On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced that it would retire O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016–17 season.

March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father

In March 2016, O'Neal met his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time, leading to a reconciliation after decades of estrangement.

September 2016: O'Neal reflects on Cleveland's playoff loss

In September 2016, O'Neal reflected on the Cavaliers' loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2010 playoffs, attributing it to his injury and believing they would have won the championship if he had been healthy.

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy

In December 2016, O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of Clayton County, Georgia Sheriff's Department.

December 22, 2016: Heat Retired Jersey

On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during halftime of a game against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

2016: Lip Sync Battle

In 2016, O'Neal lip synced the B-52s song "Love Shack" on the television show Lip Sync Battle.

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2016: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2016, O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's all-time greats.

2016: Purchase of compound in McDonough, Georgia

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal acquired a 14.3-acre compound with two houses in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball, the father of NBA point guard Lonzo Ball, in response to Ball's claims about beating O'Neal and his son in basketball.

2017: Elected to FIBA Hall of Fame

In 2017, O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame, further recognizing his contributions to international basketball.

March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle

In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle, a model whom he had been dating since early 2014, ended their relationship.

2020: Participation in virtual rally and first vote

In 2020, Shaquille O'Neal participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and cast his vote for the first time.

October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, 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.

October 23, 2021: Performed at Electric Daisy Carnival

On October 23, 2021, O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel on the bassPOD stage at the 2021 Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2021: Inspiration for Jersey Number

In 2021, O'Neal revealed that his admiration for Patrick Ewing inspired him to wear the number 33, connecting his personal influences to his basketball career.

July 4, 2022: Performed at Jersey City 4th of July Festival

On July 4, 2022, O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the Jersey City 4th of July Festival with Flo Rida.

2022: End of Sacramento Kings Ownership

From 2013 to 2022, O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his influence beyond his playing career.

2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player

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.

June 7, 2023: Released First Single

On June 7, 2023, O'Neal released his first single as DJ Diesel from his debut album Gorilla Warfare, titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage.

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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.

December 13, 2023: Giannis Antetokounmpo Scores 64 Points

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers. This feat marked the first instance of a player scoring 60 or more points without a 3-pointer since O'Neal's 61-point game on March 6, 2000.

February 13, 2024: Magic Retired Jersey

On February 13, 2024, the Orlando Magic retired O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, the first time they retired a players' number. He became the third player to have his number retired by three NBA teams, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.