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, 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.