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 on Inside the NBA. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is considered among the greatest basketball players and centers in the history of the sport.

Sections (7)

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

1969: Jerry West's Playoff Scoring Record

In 1969, Jerry West scored 53 points in a playoff game for the Lakers, setting a record that stood until Shaquille O'Neal scored 46 in his first playoff game for the team in 1997.

1970: Willis Reed wins NBA MVP

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

1989: Record-Breaking Rebounds

In 1989, during his senior year at Robert G. Cole High School, Shaquille O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds, showcasing his dominance in high school basketball.

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

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

1992: Rookie of the Year

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

On November 20, 1993, Shaquille O'Neal recorded the first triple-double of his career against the New Jersey Nets, with 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, recognizing his outstanding performance during his first season in the league.

1994: FIBA World Championship MVP

In 1994, O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, leading Dream Team II to a gold medal.

1994: Led NBA in Scoring

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average.

1995: NBA Finals with the Magic

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, showcasing his dominance in the league.

1996: Gold Medal at the Atlanta Olympics

In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics with Dream Team III.

1996: Named to NBA 50th Anniversary Team

In 1996, 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.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In the summer of 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was part of the gold medal-winning United States Olympic basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics.

1998: Michael Jordan wins NBA MVP

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

1999: MVP Vote Short of Unanimous

In 1999, O'Neal was voted the 1999–2000 regular season Most Valuable Player, one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history; Fred Hickman chose Allen Iverson instead.

1999: MVP Award

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

March 6, 2000: Career-High 61 Points on 28th Birthday

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

Others born on this day/year

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, setting a record for futility in free throw shooting.

2000: Defensive Player of the Year

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

2000: NBA Title

In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2000: MVP Award and All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the 1999-2000 regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) and also won the scoring title while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. He was also selected for the All-Defensive Team (second-team).

2000: Triple Award Winner

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was recognized as the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP.

2000: First Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2001: NBA Title

In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2001: Second Championship with Lakers

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

2002: NBA Title

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2002: Third Championship with Lakers

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

2005: League Leader in Field Goal Percentage

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

April 11, 2006: Second Career 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.

2006: Fourth Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, adding to his impressive list of accomplishments.

2006: NBA Playoffs and Career Milestone

In 2006, the Miami Heat were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs, marking the first time in 50 years that a defending champion was swept. During the 2006 season, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone, but his scoring average dipped below 20 points per game for the first time.

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

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

2008: Improved Season with the Suns

In 2008, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds, leading the Suns to a 23-18 record.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against the 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.

2009: Missed Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team

In 2009, O'Neal missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and the Suns considered trading him to cut costs.

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP

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

2009: Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame

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

January 31, 2012: Honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans

On January 31, 2012, Shaquille O'Neal was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

April 2, 2013: Lakers Retire Jersey

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

2014: Cole High Retires No. 33

In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his achievements and contributions to the school's basketball program.

February 26, 2016: Heat to Retire Jersey

On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced they would retire Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016-17 season.

December 22, 2016: Heat Retires Jersey

On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired Shaquille 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, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greats.

2017: Elected to FIBA Hall of Fame

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

October 2021: Named to 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.

2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player

In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was ranked as the 8th greatest player in NBA history by The Athletic, in commemoration of the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

December 13, 2023: Giannis Antetokounmpo Scored 64 points

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers, after O'Neal's 61-point game that was the last game in NBA history that a player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer.

February 13, 2024: Magic Retires Jersey

On February 13, 2024, the Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, marking the first time the team retired a players' number. With this honor, O'Neal became the third player to have his number retired by three NBA teams, alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.