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, known as Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in history.

Sections (7)

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

1969: Jerry West Playoff Points Record

In 1969, Jerry West had 53 points in a playoff game, the most for the Lakers in a playoff game since Shaquille O'Neal scored 46 points in his first playoff game for the Lakers on against the Portland Trail Blazers.

1970: Willis Reed won NBA MVP

In 1970, Willis Reed won NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year, a feat later matched by Shaquille O'Neal.

1989: State Record for Rebounds

During the 1989 season, Shaquille O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds while playing basketball at Robert G. Cole High School.

1991: Received Adolph Rupp Trophy

In 1991, while playing basketball at LSU, 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 was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance in his debut season.

November 20, 1993: First 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: 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.

1994: MVP at 1994 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. He averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds and recorded two double-doubles.

1995: First 3 Point Shot

During the 1995–96 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal made the only three-point shot of his NBA career while playing for the Orlando Magic.

1995: First NBA Finals appearance

In 1995, O'Neal and the Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Houston Rockets.

1995: NBA Finals with Magic

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

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: 1996 Olympics Gold Medal

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics with Dream Team III, achieving a perfect 8-0 record. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal and Departure from Orlando

In the summer of 1996, O'Neal won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team in Atlanta, but faced scrutiny and controversy in Orlando regarding his contract and role on the team, ultimately leading to his departure.

1998: Michael Jordan won NBA MVP

In 1998, Michael Jordan won NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year, a feat later matched by Shaquille O'Neal.

1999: MVP Award

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, then of CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of the Philadelphia 76ers, who went on to win MVP the next season.

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

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.

December 8, 2000: Missed 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.

2000: MVP Award

In 1999-2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, marking one of his greatest individual achievements.

2000: Dikembe Mutombo Named Defensive Player of the Year

In 2000 Dikembe Mutombo was named Defensive Player of the Year. During the 2001 NBA Finals, O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo.

2000: Lakers Win NBA Title

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

2000: O'Neal Voted Regular Season MVP

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, narrowly missing becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. He also won the scoring title, finished second in rebounds, and third in blocked shots.

2000: Graduation 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. He missed a home game so he could attend graduation.

2000: NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the league.

2001: Lakers Win Second NBA Title

In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their second of three consecutive titles, with O'Neal named MVP of the NBA Finals.

2001: Second NBA Championship with Lakers

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

2002: Lakers Win Third NBA Title

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to their third consecutive title, with O'Neal named MVP of the NBA Finals.

2002: Third NBA Championship with Lakers

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

2003: Lakers Improve Roster

For the 2003–04 season, the Lakers improved their roster by seeking the free-agent services of Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who accepted less money for a chance to win a championship. O'Neal helped persuade both men to join.

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 MBA Degree

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

2005: O'Neal Finishes Season

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

April 11, 2006: O'Neal Records Triple-Double Against 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. O'Neal 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, Shaquille O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming only the second player in NBA history to reach that mark, along with Wilt Chamberlain.

2008: Improved Season in 2008-09

In 2008, O'Neal experienced an improved season, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season, leading the Suns to a 23-18 record.

February 27, 2009: O'Neal scores 45 points against Raptors on February 27, 2009

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

2009: No Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team selection in 2009

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

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP in 2009

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and emerged as 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.

2010: Last Active American Player with FIBA Gold before 2010

Before 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was the last active American player to have a gold medal from the FIBA World Cup.

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.

2012: Received Ed.D. Degree

In 2012, Shaquille 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".

2014: Jersey Retired

In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his achievements as a basketball player.

2016: Elected to 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 basketball's all-time greats.

2017: Elected to FIBA Hall of Fame

In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame, adding another honor to his illustrious career.

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 Among NBA's Greatest

In 2022, The Athletic ranked Shaquille O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

December 13, 2023: Antetokounmpo Scores 64 Points

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers, marking the first time a player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer since O'Neal's 61-point game in 2000.