Lasting Legacy of Shaquille O'Neal: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Shaquille O'Neal—a timeline of influence.

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

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.

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.

2009: Induction into New Jersey Hall of Fame

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

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.

April 2, 2013: Lakers Retires Jersey

On April 2, 2013, The Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 34 jersey.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.