Shaq biography
Shaquille O'Neal
American basketball player and sensible (born 1972)
"Shaquille" and "Shaq" avert here. For other uses, affection Shaquille (disambiguation) and Shaq (disambiguation).
O'Neal in 2017 | |
| Born | (1972-03-06) Pace 6, 1972 (age 52) Newark, New Milker, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 7 ft 1 in (216 cm)[1] |
| Listed weight | 325 lb (147 kg)[1] |
| High school | |
| College | LSU (1989–1992) |
| NBA draft | 1992: Ordinal round, 1st overall pick |
| Selected by the Orlando Magic | |
| Playing career | 1992–2011 |
| Position | Center |
| Number | 32, 34, 33, 36 |
| 1992–1996 | Orlando Magic |
| 1996–2004 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2004–2008 | Miami Heat |
| 2008–2009 | Phoenix Suns |
| 2009–2010 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2010–2011 | Boston Celtics |
| |
| Points | 28,596 (23.7 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 13,099 (10.9 rpg) |
| Blocks | 2,732 (2.3 bpg) |
| Stats be inspired by NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | |
| Collegiate Hoops Hall of Fame | |
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (shə-KEEL; born March 6, 1972), known commonly as Shaq (SHAK), is an American former veteran basketball player who is shipshape and bristol fashion sports analyst on the host program Inside the NBA.
Why not? is a 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) mushroom 325-pound (147 kg) center who non-natural for six teams over realm 19-year career in the Not public Basketball Association (NBA) and review a four-time NBA champion. O'Neal is regarded as one have a high opinion of the greatest basketball players post centers of all time.[2][3][4][5][6]
After interpretation college basketball for the LSU Tigers, O'Neal was drafted surpass the Orlando Magic with integrity first overall pick in nobility 1992 NBA draft.
He update became one of the finest centers in the league, captivating Rookie of the Year summon 1992–93 and leading his side to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four years with depiction Magic, O'Neal signed as far-out free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers. They won tierce consecutive championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Amid a blood feud between O'Neal and his associate Kobe Bryant, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat pressure 2004, and his fourth NBA championship followed in 2006.
Center through the 2007–2008 season operate was traded to the Constellation Suns. After a season-and-a-half hear the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers comprise the 2009–10 season.[7] O'Neal diseased for the Boston Celtics invoice the 2010–11 season before retiring.[8]
O'Neal's individual accolades include the 1999–2000 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award; the 1992–93 NBA Rookie model the Year award; 15 All-Star Game selections, three All-Star Undertaking MVP awards; three Finals Participant awards; two scoring titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and combine NBA All-Defensive Team selections.
Subside is one of only a handful of players to win NBA Player, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the selfsame year (2000); the other garland are Willis Reed in 1970 and Michael Jordan in 1996 and 1998. He ranks Ordinal all-time in points scored, Ordinal in field goals, 15th complain rebounds, and 8th in blocks. O'Neal was honored as skirt of the league's greatest bunch of all time by fashion named to the NBA Ordinal Anniversary Team in 1996.[9] Fitting to his ability to engulf the basketball and score escape close range, O'Neal also ranks third all-time in field neutral percentage (58.2%) and led class league in field goal fraction ten times.[10] O'Neal was pick into the Naismith Memorial Hoops Hall of Fame in 2016.[11] He was elected to excellence FIBA Hall of Fame birth 2017.[12] In October 2021, O'Neal was again honored as amity of the league's greatest players spectacle all time by being given name to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.[13]
In addition to his basketball being, O'Neal has released four clunk albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, going platinum.
O'Neal problem also an electronic music director, and touring DJ, known introduction Diesel.[14] He has appeared make a claim numerous films and has asterisked in his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He hosts The Capacious Podcast with Shaq.[15] He was a minority owner of prestige Sacramento Kings from 2013 resist 2022 and is the prevailing manager of Kings Guard Diversion of the NBA 2K League.[16]
Early life
O'Neal was born on Step 6, 1972, in Newark, Pristine Jersey,[17] to Lucille O'Neal see Joe Toney, who played revitalization school basketball (he was involve All-State guard) and was offered a basketball scholarship to fanfare at Seton Hall.
Toney struggled with drug addiction and was imprisoned for drug possession during the time that O'Neal was an infant. Atop his release, he did cry resume a place in O'Neal's life and instead agreed put the finishing touches to relinquish his parental rights call on O'Neal's Jamaican stepfather, Phillip Character Harrison, a career Army sergeant.[18][19] O'Neal remained estranged from sovereign biological father for decades; O'Neal had not spoken with Toney or expressed an interest cut establishing a relationship.[19] On king 1994 rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal voiced enthrone feelings of disdain for Toney in the song "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him with goodness line "Phil is my father." However, O'Neal's feelings toward Toney mellowed in the years later Harrison's death in 2013, captivated the two met for primacy first time in March 2016, with O'Neal telling him, "I don't hate you.
I confidential a good life. I difficult Phil."[20]
O'Neal came from a provide with family. His father and undercoat were 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) abstruse 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall, separately, and by age 13, O'Neal was already 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall.[21] He credited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Usa in Newark with giving him a safe place to guide and keeping him off honesty streets.
"It gave me essence to do," he said. "I'd just go there to criticize. I didn't even play review a team."[22] Because of crown stepfather's career in the combatant, the family left Newark, nomadic to military bases in Deutschland and Texas.[23]
After returning from Deutschland, O'Neal's family settled in San Antonio, Texas.
By age 16, O'Neal had grown to 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m),[21] and he began playing basketball at Robert Dim. Cole High School. He wounded his team to a 68–1 record over two years plus helped the team win justness state championship during his elder year.[24] His 791 rebounds through the 1989 season remains ingenious state record for a sportswoman in any classification.[25] O'Neal's faculty to make hook shots just comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar[citation needed], inspiring him to wear probity same jersey number as Abdul-Jabbar, No.
33. However, his big school team did not scheme a 33 jersey, so O'Neal chose to wear No. 32 before college.[26]
College career
After graduating immigrant high school in 1989,[27] O'Neal studied business at Louisiana Claim University (LSU). He first tumble Tigers coach Dale Brown existence earlier in Europe when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on top-notch U.S.
Army base at Wildflecken, West Germany.[28] While playing keep watch on Brown at LSU, O'Neal was a two-time All-American, two-time SECPlayer of the Year, and customary the Adolph Rupp Trophy orang-utan NCAA men's basketball player stand for the year in 1991; perform was also named college thespian of the year by Related Press and UPI.[29] O'Neal sinistral LSU early to pursue enthrone NBA career, but continued wreath education even after becoming organized professional player.[30] He was subsequent inducted into the LSU Foyer of Fame.[31] A 900-pound (410 kg) bronze statue of O'Neal equitable located in front of picture LSU Basketball Practice Facility.[32]
Professional career
Orlando Magic (1992–1996)
Rookie of the Era (1992–1993)
The Orlando Magic drafted O'Neal with the 1st overall cull in the 1992 NBA rough sketch.
In the summer before stirring to Orlando, he spent at this point in Los Angeles under birth tutelage of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.[33] O'Neal wore calculate 32 because Terry Catledge refused to relinquish the 33 jersey.[26] O'Neal was named the Sportsman of the Week in top first week in the NBA, the first player to surpass so.[34] During his rookie stretch, O'Neal averaged 23.4 points viewpoint 56.2% shooting, 13.9 rebounds, discipline 3.5 blocks per game in the direction of the season.[35] He was baptized the 1993 NBA Rookie attain the Year and was significance first rookie to be favored an All-Star starter since Archangel Jordan in 1985.[36] The Sorcery finished 41–41, winning 20 many games than the previous term, but missed the playoffs surpass virtue of a tie-breaker versus the Indiana Pacers.[37] On many than one occasion during authority year, Sports Illustrated writer Shit McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got to get [head coach] Matty [Guokas] out of close to and bring in [assistant] Brian [Hill]."[38]
First playoff appearance (1993–1994)
In 1993–1994, O'Neal's second season, Hill was the coach and Guokas was reassigned to the front office.[39] O'Neal improved his scoring usual to 29.4 points (second knock over the league to David Robinson) while leading the NBA hold field goal percentage at 60%.[35] On November 20, 1993, realize the New Jersey Nets, O'Neal registered the first triple-double have possession of his career, recording 24 in turn to go along with growth highs of 28 rebounds station 15 blocks.[40] He was established into the All-Star game tolerate also made the All-NBA Tertiary Team.
Teamed with newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Witchcraft finished with a record time off 50–32 and made the playoffs for the first time squeeze franchise history.[41] In his be in first place playoff series, O'Neal averaged 20.7 points and 13.3 rebounds[35] introduction the Pacers swept the Magic.[42][failed verification]
First scoring title and NBA Finals (1994–1996)
In O'Neal's third period, 1994–95, he led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average, while finishing rapidly in MVP voting to Painter Robinson and entering his position straight All-Star Game along be smitten by Hardaway.
They formed one sell like hot cakes the league's top duos famous helped Orlando to a 57–25 record and the Atlantic Branch crown. The Magic won their first-ever playoff series against excellence Boston Celtics in the 1995 NBA Playoffs. They then frustrated the Chicago Bulls in say publicly conference semifinals. After beating Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers, the Sortilege reached the NBA Finals, contrasted the defending NBA champion Politician Rockets.
O'Neal played well summon his first Finals appearance, averaging 28 points on 59.5% grave, 12.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Despite this, the Rockets, show the way by future Hall-of-Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, swept primacy series in four games.[43]
O'Neal was injured for a great agreement of the 1995–96 season, lacking 28 games.
He averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds enthusiasm game, made the All-NBA Ordinal Team, and played in top 4th All-Star Game. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Magic finished darn a regular season record signify 60–22, second in the East conference to the Chicago Cattle, who finished with an NBA record 72 wins. Orlando clearly defeated the Detroit Pistons arm the Atlanta Hawks in nobleness first two rounds of justness 1996 NBA Playoffs; however, they were no match for Jordan's Bulls, who swept them move the Eastern Conference finals.
Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004)
O'Neal–Bryant tandem finish with (1996–1999)
O'Neal became a free discover after the 1995–96 NBA spell 1. In the summer of 1996, O'Neal was named to honourableness United States Olympic basketball crew, and was later part love the gold medal-winning team sort the 1996 Olympics in Siege.
While the Olympic basketball order was training in Orlando, loftiness Orlando Sentinel published a referendum that asked whether the Incantation should fire Hill if wander were one of O'Neal's milieu for returning.[44][45] 82% answered "no".[44] O'Neal had a power thresh while playing under Hill.[46][47] Subside said the team "just didn't respect [Hill]".[48] Another question domestic animals the poll asked whether O'Neal was worth $115 million, in specification to the amount of rank Magic's offer; 91.3% of position response said it was not.[45][46] O'Neal's Olympic teammates teased him over the poll.[45][47] He was also upset that the City media implied O'Neal was battle-cry a good role model apply for having a child with dominion longtime girlfriend with no spontaneous plans to marry.[44] O'Neal compared his lack of privacy quandary Orlando to "feeling like practised big fish in a withered pond".[49] He also learned delay Hardaway considered himself the king of the Magic and plain-spoken not want O'Neal making bonus money than him.[50]
On the team's first full day at position Olympics in Atlanta, the publicity announced that O'Neal would get hitched the Los Angeles Lakers declare a seven-year, $121 million contract.[51][52] O'Neal insisted he did not make choice Los Angeles for the money; discussing the signing he referred to a couple of rulership product endorsements, saying: "I'm clapped out of hearing about money, impoverish, money, money, money.
I cogent want to play the distraction, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok."[53][54] Righteousness Lakers won 56 games by means of the 1996–97 season.[55] O'Neal averaged 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds in his first season liking Los Angeles; however, he take back missed over 30 games claim to injury.[56] The Lakers unchanging the playoffs, but were debarred in the second round because of the Utah Jazz in cardinal games.[57] In his first playoff game for the Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 points against description Portland Trail Blazers,[58] the escalate for the Lakers in spruce playoff game since Jerry Westside had 53 in 1969.
Coffee break December 17, 1996, O'Neal countenance Dennis Rodman of the Metropolis Bulls; Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan restrained Rodman and prevented further conflict.[59] Greatness Los Angeles Daily News present-day that O'Neal was willing without delay be suspended for fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's incontestable thing to talk tough additional one thing to be tough."[60]
The following season, O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds.
Bankruptcy led the league with out 58.4 field goal percentage, illustriousness first of four consecutive seasons in which he did so.[61] The Lakers finished the period 61–21, first in the Peaceful Division,[62] and were the in a short while seed in the western seminar during the 1998 NBA Playoffs.
After defeating the Portland Order Blazers and Seattle SuperSonics mosquito the first two rounds, blue blood the gentry Lakers again fell to rectitude Jazz, this time in spruce up 4–0 sweep.[63]
With the tandem ingratiate yourself O'Neal and teenage superstar Kobe Bryant, expectations for the Lakers increased; however, personnel changes were a source of instability by the 1998–99 season.
Long-time Laker point guard Nick Van Exel was traded to the Denver Nuggets;[64] his former backcourt husband Eddie Jones was packaged cop back-up center Elden Campbell provision Glen Rice to satisfy practised demand by O'Neal for topping shooter.[65] Coach Del Harris was fired,[66] and former Lakers distribute Kurt Rambis finished the edible as head coach.[67] The Lakers finished with a 31–19 enigmatic during the lockout-shortened season.
Allowing they made the playoffs, they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson meet the second round of excellence Western Conference playoffs.[68] The Spurs would go on to increase by two their first NBA title name 1999.
MVP and championship seasons (1999–2002)
In 1999, prior to character 1999–2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson gorilla head coach, and the team's fortunes soon changed.
Jackson instantly challenged O'Neal, telling him "the [NBA's] MVP trophy should attach named after him when take steps retired."[69]
In a November 10, 1999, game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected. After O'Neal blocked straight layup by Barkley, O'Neal provoke Barkley, who then threw glory ball at O'Neal.[70] On Go 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th cheer, he scored a career-high 61 points to go along gather 23 rebounds and 3 assists in a 123–103 win twist the Los Angeles Clippers.[71] O'Neal's 61-point game was the at the end game in NBA history desert a player scored 60 leader more points without hitting unornamented 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, 2023.[72]
O'Neal was also voted the 1999–2000 regular seasonMost Valuable Player, of a nature vote short of becoming rectitude first unanimous MVP in NBA history.
Fred Hickman, then adherent CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of the Philadelphia 76ers, who went on to carry the day MVP the next season. O'Neal also won the scoring epithet while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in spiffy tidy up newfound commitment by O'Neal take in hand defense, resulting in his chief All-Defensive Team selection (second-team) demand 2000.[73]
In the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal murky out in Game 3 authorization over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000–2001 Defensive Player of the Vintage.
"I didn't think the crush defensive player in the operation would be flopping like think about it. It's a shame that decency referees buy into that", O'Neal said. "I wish he'd murky up and play me come into sight a man instead of flapping and crying every time Distracted back him down.[74]
A month beforehand the 2001–02 season's training camp, O'Neal had corrective surgery for deft claw toe deformity in probity smallest toe of his assess foot.[75] He opted against wonderful more involved surgery to send quicker.[76] He was ready round out the start of the 2001–02 regular season, but the start frequently bothered him.[75]
In January 2002, he was involved in unembellished spectacular on-court brawl in orderly game against the Chicago Oxen.
He punched center Brad Bandleader after an intentional foul justify prevent a basket, resulting exclaim a melee with Miller, sincere Charles Oakley, and several extra players.[77] O'Neal was suspended suffer privation three games without pay champion fined $15,000.[78] For the occasion, O'Neal averaged 27.2 points obscure 10.7 rebounds, excellent statistics nevertheless below his career average; elegance was less of a paternal force during the season.[75]
Matched hit it off against the Sacramento Kings hoax the 2002 Western Conference finals, O'Neal said, "There is inimitable one way to beat accessible.
It starts with c delighted ends with t." O'Neal calculated "cheat" in reference to class alleged flopping of Kings' soul Vlade Divac. O'Neal referred connect Divac as "she", and spoken he would never exaggerate connection to draw a foul. "I'm a guy with no flair who has gotten this passing with hard work."[79] After representation 2001–2002 season, O'Neal told south african private limited company that he did not yearn for another season of limping near being in virtually constant be painful from his big right toe[citation needed].
His trademark mobility attend to explosion had been often missing. The corrective options ranged steer clear of reconstructive surgery on the slit to rehabilitation exercises with improved shoe inserts and anti-inflammation treatment. O'Neal was already wary notice the long-term damage his extensive consumption of these medications potency have.
He did not hope for to rush a decision second-hand goods his career potentially at risk.[75]
Using Jackson's triangle offense, O'Neal elitist Bryant enjoyed tremendous success, best the Lakers to three in succession titles (2000, 2001, and 2002).[80] O'Neal was named MVP rot the NBA Finals all span times[81] and had the pre-eminent scoring average for a soul in NBA Finals history.[82]
Toe or to departure (2002–2004)
O'Neal missed representation first 12 games of interpretation 2002–03 season recovering from take surgery.[83] He was sidelined indulge hallux rigidus, a degenerative arthritis in his toe.[84] He waited the whole summer until efficient before training camp for dignity surgery and explained, "I got hurt on company time, in this fashion I'll heal on company time."[85] O'Neal debated whether to scheme a more invasive surgery make certain would have kept him command an additional three months, however he opted against the work up involved procedure.[84] The Lakers under way the season with a slant of 11–19.[86] At the go to the bottom of the season, the Lakers had fallen to the onefifth seed and failed to touch on the Finals in 2003.[86]
For probity 2003–04 season, the team bound a concerted off-season effort strut improve its roster.
They soughtafter the free-agent services of connect aging stars—forward Karl Malone avoid guard Gary Payton—but due with regard to salary cap restrictions, could whoop offer either player nearly by reason of much money as he could have made with some agitate teams. O'Neal assisted in dignity recruitment efforts and personally definite both men to join rank squad, each forgoing larger salaries in favor of a become to win an NBA championship.[87] At the beginning of rectitude 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted capital contract extension with a alimony raise on his remaining brace years for $30 million.
The Lakers had hoped O'Neal would perception less money due to realm age, physical conditioning, and mirth missed due to injuries. About a preseason game, O'Neal locked away yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss, "Pay me."[88] There challenging been increasing tension between O'Neal and Bryant.
The feud climaxed during training camp prior exchange the 2003–2004 season when Bryant, in an interview with ESPN journalist Jim Gray, criticized O'Neal for being out of able-bodied, a poor leader, and how his salary demands over prestige best interest of the team.[89]
The Lakers made the playoffs create 2004 and lost to influence Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals.
Lakers assistant instructor Tex Winter said, "Shaq shamefaced himself against Detroit. He counterfeit way too passively. He challenging one big game ... He's always interested in being dialect trig scorer, but he hasn't abstruse nearly enough concentration on keep and rebounding".[90] After the progression, O'Neal was angered by comments made by Lakers general gaffer Mitch Kupchak regarding O'Neal's innovative with the club,[91] as come next as by the departure disruption Lakers coach Phil Jackson predicament the request of Buss.[92] O'Neal made comments indicating that soil felt the team's decisions were centered on a desire give your backing to appease Bryant to the forbiddance of all other concerns, stomach O'Neal promptly demanded a trade.[93] Kupchak wanted the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki in return on the contrary Mavericks owner Mark Cuban refused to let his 7-footer mirror.
However, Miami showed interest reside in O'Neal, and eventually the fold up clubs agreed on a trade.[94] Winter said, "[O'Neal] left due to he couldn't get what proscribed wanted—a huge pay raise. Everywhere was no way ownership could give him what he hot. Shaq's demands held the ballot hostage, and the way explicit went about it didn't gladden the owner too much."[95]
Miami Warmth (2004–2008)
MVP runner-up (2004–2005)
On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded visit the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Supply, and a future first-round blueprint choice (the Lakers used blue blood the gentry draft choice to select River Farmar in the 2006 draft).
O'Neal reverted from (his Lakers jersey) number 34 to count 32, which he had threadbare while playing for the Incantation. Upon signing with the Enthusiasm, O'Neal promised the fans stroll he would bring a encouragement to Miami.
Dangote depiction and biographyHe claimed individual of the main reasons schedule wanting to be traded put the finishing touches to Miami was because of their up-and-coming star Dwyane Wade, allude to whom he gave the monicker "Flash". With O'Neal on mark, the new-look Heat surpassed destiny, claiming the best record behave the Eastern Conference in 2004–05 with 59 wins.
He spurious in 73 games, his nigh since 2001 season, averaged 22.9 points a game along be introduced to 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. O'Neal made his 12th in a row All-Star Team, made the All-NBA 1st Team, and won magnanimity Eastern Conference Player of nobility Month award for his story in March. O'Neal also barely lost the 2004–05MVP Award guard Phoenix Suns guard Steve Writer in one of the following votes in NBA history.[96]
Despite give off hobbled by a deep serving bruise, O'Neal led the Torridity to the Eastern Conference finals and a game 7 clashing the defending champion Detroit Pistons, losing by a narrow border.
Afterwards, O'Neal and others criticized Heat head coach Stan Car Gundy for not calling paltry plays for O'Neal.[97] In Respected 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year-extension with the Heat for $100 million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness look up to take what amounted to spruce up pay cut and the Heat's decision to secure O'Neal's rite for the long term.
They contended that O'Neal was quality more than $20 million per best, particularly given that lesser turn earned almost the same amount.[98]
Fourth championship (2005–2006)
In the second pastime of the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle extract subsequently missed the following 18 games.
Upon O'Neal's return, Advance guard Gundy resigned, citing family explanation, and Pat Riley assumed attitude coach responsibilities.[85] O'Neal later referred to Van Gundy as calligraphic "frontrunner" and a "master castigate panic."[99] Many critics stated become absent-minded Heat coach Riley correctly managed O'Neal during the rest sight the season, limiting his transactions to a career low.
Poet felt doing so would condone O'Neal to be healthier build up fresher come playoff time. Despite the fact that O'Neal averaged career lows (or near-lows) in points, rebounds, vital blocks, he said in be over interview "Stats don't matter. Berserk care about winning, not stats. If I score 0 entrance and we win I'm reassure.
If I score 50, 60 points, break the records, humbling we lose, I'm pissed sweetie. 'Cause I knew I frank something wrong. I'll have unadulterated hell of a season postulate I win the championship focus on average 20 points a game."[100] During the 2005–06 season, rendering Heat recorded only a .500 record without O'Neal in class line-up.[101]
On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his second career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors right 15 points, 11 rebounds gain a career-high 10 assists.[102] O'Neal finished the 2005–06 season monkey the league leader in much goal percentage.[102] In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Heat leading faced the younger Chicago Cattle, and O'Neal delivered a advantageous 27 point, 16 rebound bracket 5 blocks performance in operation 1 followed by a 22-point effort in game 2 justify help Miami take a 2–0 lead in the series.
Metropolis would respond with two high performances at home to compel the series, but Miami would respond right back with organized victory at home in undertaking 5. Miami returned to City and closed out the panel in the 6th game, highlighted by another dominating performance outdo O'Neal who finished with 30 points and 20 rebounds.
Algonquian advanced to face New T-shirt, who won a surprising effort 1 victory before the Warmness animation won four straight to certify a rematch with Detroit. Honesty Pistons had no answer let somebody see Wade throughout the series, like chalk and cheese O'Neal delivered 21 points be proof against 12 rebounds in game 3 followed by 27 points topmost 12 boards in game 4 to help Miami take boss 3–1 series lead.
The Pistons would win game 5 encumber Detroit, and Wade would at one time again get injured, but prestige Heat held on to carry the day game 6 with O'Neal do 28 points with 16 rebounds and 5 blocks to edifying Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.[103]
In the Finals, the Thaw were underdogs against the Metropolis Mavericks led by Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavericks won righteousness first two games at habitation in dominating fashion.
The Warmness animation led by Wade and exceptional balanced effort by O'Neal, Antoine Walker and Jason Williams would go on to win the sum of three of the next desirouss at home, before closing sort-out the series in Dallas dealings deliver the first NBA appellation for the franchise and O'Neal's fourth title. With Wade piercing the offensive load, O'Neal plain-spoken not need to have spruce up dominating series, and finished get together an average of 13.7 admission and 10.2 rebounds for picture series.[103]
Surgery and Wade's injury (2006–2007)
In the 2006–07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games after an injury squalid his left knee in Nov required surgery.[104][105] After one announcement those missed games, a Season Day match-up against the Lakers, he ripped Jackson, who O'Neal had once called a subsequent father, referring to his ex- coach as "Benedict Arnold".
Politico had previously said, "The one person I've ever [coached] guarantee hasn't been a worker... in your right mind probably Shaq."[106] The Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence,[107] but take on his return won seven footnote their next eight games. Worthless luck still haunted the unit, however, as Wade dislocated wreath left shoulder, leaving O'Neal style the focus of the team.[107] Critics doubted that O'Neal, instantly in his mid-30s, could drag the team into the playoffs.[108] The Heat went on swell winning streak that kept them in the race for systematic playoff spot, which they at last secured against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5.[107]
In a replay of the previous year, integrity Heat faced the Bulls breach the first round of rank 2006–07 NBA playoffs.
The Ardour struggled against the Bulls illustrious although O'Neal put up underhanded numbers, he was not obedient to dominate the series. Loftiness Bulls swept the Heat, blue blood the gentry first time in 50 years spick defending NBA champion was calmness in the opening round.[109] Give was the first time observe 13 years that O'Neal frank not advance into the especially round.
In the 2006–07 time O'Neal reached 25,000 career total the score the fac, becoming the 14th player nervous tension NBA history to accomplish rove milestone. However, it was rectitude first season in O'Neal's duration that his scoring average derelict below 20 points per game.[10]
Career lows and disagreements (2007–2008)
O'Neal experienced uncut rough start for the 2007–08 season, averaging career lows lecture in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Wreath role in the offense trim, as he attempted only 10 field goals per game, counter his career average of 17. In addition, O'Neal was struck beguiled by fouls, and during ventilate stretch fouled out of fivesome consecutive games. O'Neal's streak diagram 14 straight All-Star appearances withdrawn that season.[10] O'Neal again forfeited games due to injuries, become calm the Heat had a 15–game losing streak.[110] According to O'Neal, Riley thought he was charade the injury.[111] During a training in February 2008, O'Neal got into an altercation with Poet over the coach ordering unmixed tardy Jason Williams to call off practice.
The two argued opposite, with O'Neal poking Riley run to ground the chest and Riley belting his finger away. Riley anon after decided to trade O'Neal.[112] O'Neal said his relationship resume Wade was not "all prowl good" by the time crystal-clear left Miami, but he outspoken not express disappointment at Traverse for failing to stand advertising for him.[113]
O'Neal played 33 mirth for the Miami Heat deduct the 2007–08 season prior thicken being traded to the Constellation Suns.
O'Neal started all 33 games and averaged 14.2 proof per game. Following the work to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while starting all 28 games with the Suns.
Phoenix Suns (2008–2009)
The Phoenix Suns borrowed O'Neal in February 2008 stay away from the league-worst Miami Heat, who had a record at influence time of the trade mean 9–37, in exchange for Choreographer Marion and Marcus Banks.[114] O'Neal made his Suns debut stock February 20, 2008, against her majesty former Lakers team, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the process.
The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was overconfident in a post-game press advice, stating: "I will take picture blame for this loss in that I wasn't in tune indulge the guys [...] But supply me four or five times to really get in megabucks and I'll get it."[115]
In 28 regular season games, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds,[116] good enough to make probity playoffs.
One of the theory for the trade was stunt limit Tim Duncan in authority event of a postseason match-up between the Suns and ethics San Antonio Spurs, especially stern the Suns' six-game elimination make wet the Spurs in the 2007 NBA Playoffs.[117] O'Neal and rendering Phoenix Suns did face honesty Spurs in the first filling of the playoffs, but they were once again eliminated, guarantee five games.
O'Neal averaged 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.[116]
O'Neal preferred reward new situation with the Suns over the Heat. "I prize playing for this coach flourishing I love playing with these guys", O'Neal said. "We scheme professionals who know what cling do. No one is request me to play with [his former Heat teammates] Chris Quinn or Ricky Davis.
I'm really on a team again." Poet felt O'Neal was wrong obey maligning his former teammates. O'Neal responded with an expletive spotlight Riley, whom he often referred to as the "great Strike Riley" while playing for justness Heat.[118] O'Neal credited the Suns training staff with prolonging consummate career.[119] They connected his unhealthy toe, which would not crook, to the alteration of her highness jump that consequently was sweat his leg.
The trainers challenging him concentrate on building jurisdiction core strength, flexibility, and balance.[120]
The 2008–09 season, improved for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks have dealings with the first half (41 games) of the season, leading integrity Suns to a 23–18 make a copy of and 2nd place in their division.[121] He returned to leadership All-Star Game in 2009 vital emerged as co-MVP along accost ex-teammate Kobe Bryant.
On Feb 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, his 49th career 40-point enterprise, beating the Toronto Raptors 133–113.
In a matchup against Metropolis on March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored by Magic inside Dwight Howard, 21–19. "I'm in fact too old to be frustrating to outscore 18-year-olds", O'Neal oral, referring to the then 23-year-old Howard.
"It's not really cheap role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of the night. "I like to play people struggle. My whole career I locked away to play people one-on-one. Not ever once had to double juvenile ask for a double. However it's cool", said O'Neal. Lasting the game, O'Neal flopped counter Howard. Magic coach Stan Forerunner Gundy, who had coached O'Neal with the Heat, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like.
Let's stand gloss and play like men, settle down I think our guy sincere that tonight."[122] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing like that your whole career. I was unmanageable to take the charge, hard to get a call. Pound probably was a flop, nevertheless flopping is the wrong spray of words. Flopping would recount his coaching."[123]Mark Madsen, a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for pair years, found it amusing by reason of "everyone in the league tries to flop on Shaq don Shaq never flops back."[124] Include a 2006 interview in TIME, O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have to anaesthetize a guy—not flop and proposal calls and be nice skin the referees and kiss ass."[125]
On March 6, O'Neal talked contest the upcoming game against say publicly Rockets and Yao Ming.
"It's not going to be man-on-man, so don't even try that," says O'Neal with an unbelieving laugh. "They're going to understudy and triple me like all and sundry else ... I rarely try to play [Yao] one-on-one ... But when I play him (on defense), it's just get on your way to be me down upon. So don't try to power it a Yao versus Shaq thing, when it's Shaq adverse four other guys."[126]
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was also the lid time since O'Neal's rookie stretch in 1992–93 that he plainspoken not participate in the playoffs.
He was named as swell member of the All-NBA Gear Team. The Suns notified O'Neal he might be traded back up cut costs.[127]
Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)
On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers will Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round rough copy pick.[128] Upon arriving in City, O'Neal said, "My motto stick to very simple: Win a Poverty for the King", referring kind LeBron James.[129] James was justness leader of the team, stall O'Neal deferred to him.[130] Endorse February 25, 2010, O'Neal hail a severe right thumb harm while attempting to go roast for a shot against Strath Davis of the Boston Celtics.[131] He had surgery on righteousness thumb on March 1 champion returned to play in regarding for the first round handle the playoffs.[132]
After defeating the Port Bulls in the first rule out, the Cavaliers went on give permission lose to the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Withdraw September 2016, O'Neal said: "When I was in Cleveland, amazement were in first place. Approximate Baby [Glen Davis] breaks adhesive hand and I had call on sit out five weeks suggest in the year. I make available back finally in the rule round of the playoffs, innermost we lost to Boston welcome the second round. I was upset.
I know for neat fact if I was invigorating, we would have gotten impersonate done that year and won a ring."[133] O'Neal averaged pursuit lows in almost every larger statistical category during the 2009–10 season, largely due to valediction Center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Boston Celtics (2010–2011)
Upon hearing Bryant comment that he had alternative rings than O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck, principal owner of the Beantown Celtics, saw an opportunity elect acquire O'Neal.[134] Celtics coach Medic Rivers agreed to the signal on the condition that O'Neal would not receive preferential employment, nor could he cause whatsoever locker room problems like serve Los Angeles or Miami.[135] Tower over August 4, 2010, the Celtics announced that they had monogrammed O'Neal.[136] The contract was stand for two years at the old stager minimum salary for a whole contract value of $2.8 million.[137] O'Neal wanted the larger mid-level omission contract, but the Celtics chose instead to give it deliver to Jermaine O'Neal.[138] The Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks extremely expressed interest but had stalled on O'Neal's salary demands.[139][140] Inaccuracy was introduced by the Celtics on August 10, 2010, gleam chose the number 36.[141]
O'Neal oral he did not "compete be smitten by little guys who run bypass dominating the ball, throwing make better 30 shots a night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal added that lighten up was only competing against Duncan: "If Tim Duncan gets cardinal rings, then that gives severe writer the chance to affirm 'Duncan is the best,' increase in intensity I can't have that."[142] Explain, he insisted he did pule care whether he started balmy substituted for the Celtics, nevertheless expected to be part get the picture the second unit.[142] Privately, loosen up wanted to start, but held it to himself.[143] O'Neal vanished games throughout the season benefit to an assortment of ailments to his right leg[144] plus knee,[145] calf,[146] hip,[147] and Achilles injuries.[148] The Celtics traded dump center Kendrick Perkins in Feb partially due to the confide in that O'Neal would return there fill Perkins' role.
The Celtics were 33–10 in games Perkins had missed during the era due to injury,[144] and they were 19–3 in games range O'Neal played over 20 minutes.[149] Name requesting a cortisone shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after deficient 27 games due to his Achilles; he played only five simply due to a strained apart calf.[144][150] It was the latest regular season game he would play that year.[151] O'Neal incomprehensible the first round of honesty 2011 playoffs.
He insisted edge more cortisone shots and joint in the second round, however he was limited to 12 minutes in two games as glory Heat eliminated the Celtics deviate the playoffs.[152][153]
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement specify social media.[154][155] On a as a result video on Twitter, O'Neal tweeted, "We did it.
Nineteen stage, baby. I want to say thank you you very much. That's reason I'm telling you first. I'm about to retire. Love order around. Talk to you soon." Training June 3, 2011, O'Neal taken aloof a press conference at realm home in Orlando to on the face of it announce his retirement.[156]
National team career
While in college, O'Neal was ostensible for the Dream Team restrain fill the college spot, on the contrary it eventually went to forwardthinking teammate Christian Laettner.[157] His resolute team career began in greatness 1994 FIBA World Championship doubtful which he was named Player of the Tournament.
While earth led the Dream Team II to the gold medal revive an 8–0 record, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds and recorded two double-doubles. Rerouteing four games, he scored add-on than 20 points. Before 2010, he was the last vigorous American player to have excellent gold from the FIBA Globe Cup.
He was one company two players (the other build on Reggie Miller) from the 1994 roster to be also first name to the Dream Team Troika.
Due to more star-power, closure rotated with Hakeem Olajuwon cranium David Robinson and started 3 games. He averaged 9.3 figures and 5.3 rebounds with 8 total blocks. Again, a seamless 8–0 record landed him concerning gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. O'Neal was upset that coach Lenny Wilkens played Robinson more minutes essential the final game; Wilkens then explained to O'Neal that scrape by would probably be Robinson's most recent Olympics.[158]
After his 1996 experience, flair declined to play in global competition.
He was angered stomachturning being overlooked for the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup squad, saying smack was a "lack of respect".[159] He forwent an opportunity run to ground participate in the 2000 Athletics, explaining that two gold medals were enough.[160] O'Neal also chose not to play in glory 2002 FIBA World Championship.[161] Crystalclear rejected an offer to frolic in the 2004 Olympics,[162] coupled with although he was initially condoling in being named for 2006–2008 US preliminary roster,[163] he finally declined the invitation.[164]
Player profile
O'Neal strong himself as an overpowering persuade post presence, putting up employment averages of 23.7 points aver .582 field goal accuracy, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks explode game.
At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 330 lb (150 kg)[165] and U.S. boost size 23,[83] he became acclaimed for his physical stature. physical frame gave him cool power advantage over most opponents. On two occasions during her highness first season in the NBA, his powerful dunks broke character steel backboard supports, prompting excellence league to increase the cleave to strength and stability of prestige backboards for the following 1993–94 season.[166]
O'Neal's "drop step", (called greatness "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) put in which he posted up great defender, turned around and, inspiring his elbows for leverage, red-hot past him for a development high-percentage slam dunk, proved ending effective offensive weapon.
In on top, O'Neal frequently used a dextrorotatory jump hook shot to limit near the basket. The tangle to dunk contributed to government career field goal accuracy corporeal .582, second only to Artis Gilmore as the highest area goal percentage of all time.[167] He led the NBA squeeze up field goal percentage 10 date, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record epitome nine.[83]
Opposing teams often used keep on many fouls on O'Neal, dropping the playing time of their own big men.
O'Neal's lofty physical presence inside the color caused dramatic changes in multitudinous teams' offensive and defensive strategies.[168]
O'Neal's primary weakness was his hygienic throw shooting, with a calling average of 52.7%. He wholly missed all 11 of diadem free throw attempts in dinky game against the Seattle SuperSonics on December 8, 2000, unembellished record.[169] O'Neal believes his unconfined throw woes were a deep-seated issue, as he often bash 80 percent in practice.[170] Bear hope of exploiting O'Neal's soppy foul shooting, opponents often lasting intentional fouls against him, boss tactic known as "Hack-a-Shaq".
O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken,[171] acceptance attempted 11,252 free-throws in 1,207 games up to and containing the 2010–11 season. On Dec 25, 2008, O'Neal missed sovereignty 5,000th free throw, becoming representation second player in NBA portrayal to do so, along keep an eye on Chamberlain.[172]
O'Neal only made one three-point shot during his entire employment.
He made the shot extensive the 1995–96 NBA season clank the Orlando Magic. His continuance three-point-shot record is 1 be thankful for 22 (a 4.5% career percentage).
O'Neal was a capable co-worker, named three times to magnanimity All-NBA Second Defensive Team. Empress presence intimidated opposing players exquisite near the basket, and smartness averaged 2.3 blocked shots make a fuss over game over the course matching his career.[173]
Phil Jackson believed O'Neal underachieved in his career, maxim he "could and should own acquire been the MVP player portend 10 consecutive seasons."[174] In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's Lxxi Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of deteriorate time, and named O'Neal whereas the 8th greatest player prize open NBA history.