Shaquille O'Neal's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Shaquille O'Neal. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Shaquille O'Neal, or Shaq, is a celebrated American former professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1-inch and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated the NBA as a center for 19 years, playing for six different teams. O'Neal secured four NBA championships and is considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in the sport's history. He is now a prominent figure as an analyst on the television program Inside the NBA.

Sections (7)

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

1969: Jerry West Playoff Record

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

1970: Willis Reed wins MVP awards

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

1985: Jordan named All-Star starter as rookie

In 1985, Michael Jordan was named All-Star starter as rookie.

1989: State Record in Rebounds

During the 1989 season, Shaquille O'Neal set a state record with 791 rebounds while playing for Robert G. Cole High School.

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

In 1991, Shaquille O'Neal received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year.

1992: NBA Rookie of the Year Award

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal received the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

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

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

1994: FIBA World Championship MVP

In 1994, O'Neal led the Dream Team II to a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship and was named the tournament's MVP, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.

1994: All-NBA 3rd Team

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was voted into the All-Star game and also made the All-NBA 3rd Team.

1994: Third NBA Season

In the 1994-95 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average and finished second in MVP voting.

1995: Injury and All-NBA 3rd Team Selection

During the 1995-96 season, Shaquille O'Neal missed 28 games due to injury but still made the All-NBA 3rd Team and played in his 4th All-Star Game.

1995: Making One Three-Point Shot

During the 1995–96 NBA season, O'Neal made one three-point shot with the Orlando Magic, marking his only successful three-point shot during his entire career.

1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the United States Olympic basketball team and won a gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics.

1996: Gold Medal at the Atlanta Olympics

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

1998: Michael Jordan wins MVP awards

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

1999: O'Neal Almost Unanimous MVP

In 1999, O'Neal missed one vote to becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history.

1999: MVP Award

In 1999, Shaquille O'Neal received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

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

On March 6, 2000, Shaquille O'Neal, celebrating his 28th birthday, scored a career-high 61 points with 23 rebounds and 3 assists in a 123–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

December 8, 2000: Missing 11 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: Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the Year

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

2000: O'Neal Wins MVP and Scoring Title

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, won the scoring title, finished second in rebounds, and third in blocked shots. He was also selected for the All-Defensive Second Team.

2000: Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2000: MVP Award

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP.

2000: Lakers Win First Title

In 2000, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, won the NBA Championship.

2001: Second Championship with Lakers

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second consecutive championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2001: Lakers Win Second Title

In 2001, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, won their second consecutive NBA Championship.

2001: O'Neal Most Games since 2001 Season

In 2004-2005 O'Neal played 73 games, his most since the 2001 season, averaged 22.9 points a game along with 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

2002: Third Consecutive Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third consecutive NBA championship.

2002: Lakers Win Third Title

In 2002, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, won their third consecutive NBA Championship, with O'Neal named NBA Finals MVP each time.

2005: O'Neal League Leader in Field Goal Percentage

Shaquille O'Neal finished the 2005-2006 season as the league leader in field goal percentage.

April 11, 2006: O'Neal Records 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

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to accomplish that milestone. However, it was the first season in O'Neal's career that his scoring average dropped below 20 points per game.

2006: Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship as a member of the Miami Heat.

December 25, 2008: Missing 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 Chamberlain.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game

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

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP

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

2010: Ranked Third in Free Throws Taken

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

2014: Jersey Retirement

In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey.

2016: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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

2017: FIBA Hall of Fame

In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame.

October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, honoring him as one of the league's greatest players of all time.

2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player

In 2022, The Athletic ranked O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

December 13, 2023: Antetokounmpo's 64-Point Game

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers, marking the first 60+ point game without a 3-pointer since O'Neal's game in 2000.