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 19 years. Known as "Diesel" and other nicknames, O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of the greatest centers in basketball history.

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 for the Lakers. This is worth mentioning because 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.

1970: Willis Reed's Triple Win

In 1970, Willis Reed won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year. This is worth mentioning because O'Neal accomplished this in 2000 as well.

1985: Michael Jordan as All-Star starter

In 1985, Michael Jordan was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter. This is worth mentioning because in 1993, O'Neal became the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.

1989: Record-Breaking Rebounds

In 1989, during his senior year, Shaquille O'Neal recorded 791 rebounds which remains a state record for a player in any classification.

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: Rookie of the Year

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 registered 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, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was also the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.

1994: FIBA World Championship MVP

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal's national team career began at the FIBA World Championship where he was named MVP of the Tournament. He led the Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8–0 record, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.

1994: Scoring Leader

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

1995: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Houston Rockets.

1996: Michael Jordan's Triple Win

In 1996, Michael Jordan won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year. This is worth mentioning because O'Neal accomplished this in 2000 as well.

1996: Gold Medal at the Atlanta Olympics

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal secured another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, achieving a perfect 8–0 record with the team. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds during the tournament.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal and Contract Disputes

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal won a gold medal at the Olympics in Atlanta. He also faced contract disputes with the Orlando Magic and media scrutiny.

1998: Michael Jordan's Triple Win

In 1998, Michael Jordan won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year. This is worth mentioning because O'Neal accomplished this in 2000 as well.

1999: Most Valuable Player Award Runner Up

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

1999: MVP Award

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

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

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

Others born on this day/year

December 8, 2000: Missed all Free Throw Attempts

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.

2000: MVP Award and All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, won the scoring title, and was selected for the All-Defensive Second Team due to his newfound commitment to defense under Phil Jackson's influence.

2000: First NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2000, O'Neal won his first NBA Championship and was named MVP of the NBA Finals.

2000: Earned B.A. degree from LSU

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: First Championship with Lakers

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

2000: NBA MVP and Championship

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA MVP award and also led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA Championship.

2000: MVP, All-Star MVP, Finals MVP

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards, joining a select group of players to achieve this in the same year.

2001: Second NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2001, O'Neal secured his second NBA Championship and was again named MVP of the NBA Finals.

2001: Second Championship with Lakers

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

2002: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2002, O'Neal achieved his third consecutive NBA Championship and was awarded MVP of the NBA Finals for the third time.

2002: Third Championship with Lakers

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

2004: Heat's Success, All-Star Selection, and MVP Award Runner-Up

After being traded to the Miami Heat in July 14, 2004, O'Neal helped the team achieve the best record in the Eastern Conference in the 2004–05 season. He was selected for his 12th consecutive All-Star Team, made the All-NBA 1st Team, and was awarded the Eastern Conference Player of the Month. He lost the 2004–05 MVP Award to Steve Nash in one of the closest votes in NBA history.

March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal Title

On March 2, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation.

2005: Earned online MBA degree

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

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: Reaches 25,000 career points

During the 2006-07 season, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to accomplish that milestone.

2006: Championship with Miami Heat

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

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 do so, along with Chamberlain.

2008: Improved Season with the Suns

During the 2008-09 season, O'Neal improved, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season.

February 27, 2009: Scores 45 Points Against Raptors

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

2009: Returns to All-Star Game

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

2009: Induction into New Jersey Hall of Fame

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

2009: Missed Playoffs and Named to All-NBA Third Team

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the All-NBA Third Team, but also missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. The Suns notified O'Neal he might be traded to cut costs.

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.

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.

2012: Received Ed.D. degree from Barry University

In 2012, Shaquille O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University.

April 2, 2013: Lakers Retire Shaq's 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 Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey.

February 26, 2016: Miami Heat to Retire Shaq's 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: Miami Heat Retires Shaq's Jersey

On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

2016: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction

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

2017: FIBA Hall of Fame Induction

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

October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

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

2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player by The Athletic

In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Shaquille 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, marking the first time since O'Neal's 61-point game on March 6, 2000, that an NBA player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer.