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, 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

1985: All-Star Starter as Rookie

In 1993, O'Neal became the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985, marking his impact on the league.

1989: State Record for Rebounds

During the 1989 season at Robert G. Cole High School, O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds, showcasing his early basketball dominance.

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

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

1992: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1992-93, O'Neal was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year, marking his arrival as a dominant force in the league.

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

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

1993: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1993, O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game.

1994: O'Neal named MVP at the FIBA World Championship

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, leading Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8-0 record.

1995: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1995, O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, marking a significant milestone in his career.

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.

1996: O'Neal wins gold at the Atlanta Olympics

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

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In the summer of 1996, O'Neal won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics.

1999: Shaquille O'Neal Short of Unanimous MVP

In 1999, O'Neal received the regular season Most Valuable Player award but was one vote short of being the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman of CNN chose Allen Iverson instead.

1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Lakers Head Coach

In 1999, Phil Jackson was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, leading to a change in the team's fortunes.

1999: Most Valuable Player Award

In 1999-2000, O'Neal won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance in the NBA.

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

On March 6, 2000, which was O'Neal's 28th birthday, he achieved a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds, in a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.

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, which set a record.

2000: Accolades

In 1999-2000, O'Neal also was the All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP.

2000: Dikembe Mutombo named Defensive Player of the Year

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

2000: Lakers Win NBA Championship

In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their first of three consecutive NBA titles.

2000: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2000, O'Neal won his first NBA championship as part of the Los Angeles Lakers, starting a dominant era for the team.

2000: O'Neal Wins MVP and Scoring Title

In 2000, O'Neal won the regular season Most Valuable Player award and the scoring title. He also earned his first All-Defensive Team selection due to a renewed commitment to defense influenced by coach Phil Jackson.

2000: Earned B.A. Degree

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal fulfilled his promise to his mother by earning his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, with a minor in political science.

2000: Jackson challenges O'Neal

In 2000, Shortly after being hired, Phil Jackson challenged O'Neal, telling him that the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired.

2001: Lakers Win Second NBA Championship

In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their second consecutive NBA title.

2001: Second Consecutive NBA Championship

In 2001, O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, cementing their dominance in the league.

2002: Lakers Win Third NBA Championship

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their third consecutive NBA title, with O'Neal winning the NBA Finals MVP award each time.

2002: Third Consecutive NBA Championship

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

2005: Earned MBA Degree

In 2005, O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix.

2005: O'Neal Finishes as League Leader

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

April 11, 2006: O'Neal Records 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: NBA Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, demonstrating his continued dominance in the league.

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

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

2009: O'Neal's All-Star Game co-MVP award

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

2009: Induction into 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 recognized as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

2012: Received Ed.D. Degree

In 2012, O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University. His doctoral capstone topic was "The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles".

April 2, 2013: Lakers Retires Jersey

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

2014: Jersey Retired at Cole High

In 2014, Cole High retired O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his contributions and achievements during his high school basketball career.

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.

December 13, 2023: Giannis Antetokounmpo Scores 64 Points

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers. This feat marked the first instance of a player scoring 60 or more points without a 3-pointer since O'Neal's 61-point game on March 6, 2000.

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.