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 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.

Sections (7)

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

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.

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.

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

In 1992-93 Shaquille O'Neal received the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

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: 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: 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: NBA Finals with Magic

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals.

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: 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.

1999: Most Valuable Player Award

In 1999-2000 Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

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: 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: NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2000: Defensive Player of the Year

In the 2000-2001 NBA season, Dikembe Mutombo was the Defensive Player of the Year.

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.

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: NBA Championship with Lakers

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

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: NBA Championship with Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 again honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.