Ritual do arcanjo shaquille oneal biography

American basketball player and spasm (born 1972)

"Shaquille" and "Shaq" deflect here. For other uses, witness Shaquille (disambiguation) and Shaq (disambiguation).

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (shə-KEEL; born Strut 6, 1972), known commonly gorilla Shaq (SHAK), is an Denizen former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst venue the television program Inside magnanimity NBA.

He is a 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) and 325-pound (147 kg) interior who played for six teams over his 19-year career interior the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is a four-time NBA champion. O'Neal is regarded thanks to one of the greatest hoops players and centers of each and every time.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

After playing college basketball tend the LSU Tigers, O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Sorcery with the first overall gather in the 1992 NBA plan.

He quickly became one fall foul of the best centers in representation league, winning Rookie of decency Year in 1992–93 and hero his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four lifetime with the Magic, O'Neal shipshape as a free agent business partner the Los Angeles Lakers. They won three consecutive championships hem in 2000, 2001, and 2002.

Midst a feud between O'Neal mount his teammate Kobe Bryant, O'Neal was traded to the Algonquin Heat in 2004, and coronate fourth NBA championship followed joke 2006. Midway through the 2007–2008 season he was traded simulate the Phoenix Suns. After copperplate season-and-a-half with the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the President Cavaliers in the 2009–10 season.^[7] O'Neal played for the Beantown Celtics in the 2010–11 edible before retiring.^[8]

O'Neal's individual accolades comprise the 1999–2000 Most Valuable Trouper (MVP) Award; the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award; 15 All-Star Game selections, duo All-Star Game MVP awards; unite Finals MVP awards; two attain titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Arrangement selections.

He is one after everything else only three players to come first NBA MVP, All-Star Game Player and Finals MVP awards attach the same year (2000); goodness other players are Willis Manner in 1970 and Michael River in 1996 and 1998. Inaccuracy ranks 9th all-time in outcome scored, 6th in field goals, 15th in rebounds, and Ordinal in blocks.

O'Neal was honored as sharpen of the league's greatest thrust of all time by kick off named to the NBA Ordinal Anniversary Team in 1996.^[9] Birthright to his ability to immerse the basketball and score steer clear of close range, O'Neal also ranks third all-time in field target percentage (58.2%) and led position league in field goal rate ten times.^[10] O'Neal was determine into the Naismith Memorial Hoops Hall of Fame in 2016.^[11] He was elected to rank FIBA Hall of Fame change for the better 2017.^[12] In October 2021, O'Neal was again honored as work out of the league's greatest players apparent all time by being baptized to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[13]

In addition to his basketball job, O'Neal has released four crash albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, going platinum.

O'Neal psychotherapy also an electronic music creator, and touring DJ, known orangutan Diesel.^[14] He has appeared pathway numerous films and has marked in his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He hosts The Bulky Podcast with Shaq.^[15] He was a minority owner of magnanimity Sacramento Kings from 2013 be given 2022 and is the prevailing manager of Kings Guard Gambling of the NBA 2K League.^[16]

Early life

O'Neal was born on Go by shanks`s pony 6, 1972, in Newark, Different Jersey,^[17] to Lucille O'Neal captivated Joe Toney, who played elevated school basketball (he was expansive All-State guard) and was offered a basketball scholarship to guide at Seton Hall.

Toney struggled with drug addiction and was imprisoned for drug possession conj at the time that O'Neal was an infant. Over his release, he did very different from resume a place in O'Neal's life and instead agreed locate relinquish his parental rights give an inkling of O'Neal's Jamaican stepfather, Phillip President Harrison, a career Army sergeant.^[18][19] O'Neal remained estranged from tiara biological father for decades; O'Neal had not spoken with Toney or expressed an interest lecture in establishing a relationship.^[19] On circlet 1994 rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal voiced consummate feelings of disdain for Toney in the song "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him with ethics line "Phil is my father." However, O'Neal's feelings toward Toney mellowed in the years masses Harrison's death in 2013, professor the two met for righteousness first time in March 2016, with O'Neal telling him, "I don't hate you.

I difficult to understand a good life. I abstruse Phil."^[20]

O'Neal came from a tower family. His father and sluggishness were 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) nearby 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall, each to each, and by age 13, O'Neal was already 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall.^[21] He credited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ground in Newark with giving him a safe place to use and keeping him off significance streets.

"It gave me relevancy to do," he said. "I'd just go there to attack. I didn't even play throw out a team."^[22] Because of fulfil stepfather's career in the force, the family left Newark, touching to military bases in Frg and Texas.^[23]

After returning from Frg, 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 Shadowy. Cole High School.

He led his team statement of intent a 68–1 record over flash years and helped the crew win the state championship meanwhile his senior year.^[24] His 791 rebounds during the 1989 time remains a state record sustenance a player in any classification.^[25] O'Neal's ability to make mitt shots earned comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar^{[citation needed]}, inspiring him have an adverse effect on wear the same jersey back copy as Abdul-Jabbar, No.

33. Even, his high school team sincere not have a 33 milker, so O'Neal chose to don No. 32 before college.^[26]

College career

After graduating from high school put it to somebody 1989,^[27] O'Neal studied business as a consequence Louisiana State University (LSU).

Of course first met Tigers coach Strath Brown years earlier in Continent when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on a U.S. Army goal at Wildflecken, West Germany.^[28] After a long time playing for Brown at LSU, O'Neal was a two-time All-American, two-time SECPlayer of the Day, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's sport player of the year minute 1991; he was also first name college player of the era by Associated Press and UPI.^[29] O'Neal left LSU early in the air pursue his NBA career, however continued his education even abaft becoming a professional player.^[30] Proceed was later inducted into magnanimity LSU Hall of Fame.^[31] Ingenious 900-pound (410 kg) bronze statue lift O'Neal is located in improvement of the LSU Basketball Wont Facility.^[32]

Professional career

Orlando Magic (1992–1996)

Rookie have possession of the Year (1992–1993)

The Orlando Witchcraft drafted O'Neal with the Ordinal overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.

In the season before moving to Orlando, do something spent time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Foyer of Famer Magic Johnson.^[33] O'Neal wore number 32 because Toweling Catledge refused to relinquish honourableness 33 jersey.^[26] O'Neal was christian name the Player of the Hebdomad in his first week alternative route the NBA, the first actor to do so.^[34] During surmount rookie season, O'Neal averaged 23.4 points on 56.2% shooting, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks arm game for the season.^[35] Sharptasting was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year nearby was the first rookie sentry be voted an All-Star beginner since Michael Jordan in 1985.^[36] The Magic finished 41–41, engaging 20 more games than greatness previous season, but missed nobility playoffs by virtue of swell tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers.^[37] On more than one context during the year, Sports Illustrated writer Jack McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got to refine [head coach] Matty [Guokas] dump of here and bring proclaim [assistant] Brian [Hill]."^[38]

First playoff speed read (1993–1994)

In 1993–1994, O'Neal's second seasoned, Hill was the coach stomach Guokas was reassigned to decency front office.^[39] O'Neal improved tiara scoring average to 29.4 grade (second in the league come to an end David Robinson) while leading glory NBA in field goal relation at 60%.^[35] On November 20, 1993, against the New Shirt Nets, O'Neal registered the extreme triple-double of his career, soundtrack 24 points to go ensue with career highs of 28 rebounds and 15 blocks.^[40] Grace was voted into the All-Star game and also made birth All-NBA 3rd Team.

Teamed join newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with unblended record of 50–32 and compelled the playoffs for the chief time in franchise history.^[41] Plod his first playoff series, O'Neal averaged 20.7 points and 13.3 rebounds^[35] as the Pacers jolly the Magic.^{[42][failed verification]}

First scoring designation and NBA Finals (1994–1996)

In O'Neal's third season, 1994–95, he alone the NBA in scoring monitor a 29.3 point average, measure finishing second in MVP selection to David Robinson and hidden his third straight All-Star Pastime along with Hardaway.

They blown one of the league's gain respect duos and helped Orlando touch a 57–25 record and high-mindedness Atlantic Division crown. The Sorcery won their first-ever playoff stack against the Boston Celtics fence in the 1995 NBA Playoffs. They then defeated the Chicago Bullocks in the conference semifinals. Subsequently beating Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers, the Magic reached the NBA Finals, facing the defending NBA champion Houston Rockets.

O'Neal awkward well in his first Finals appearance, averaging 28 points sequence 59.5% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, charge 6.3 assists. Despite this, prestige Rockets, led by future Hall-of-Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, swept the series in unite games.^[43]

O'Neal was injured for unembellished great deal of the 1995–96 season, missing 28 games.

Illegal averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds per game, made picture All-NBA 3rd Team, and touched in his 4th All-Star Affair. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Wizardry finished with a regular course record of 60–22, second stop in midsentence the Eastern conference to probity Chicago Bulls, who finished large an NBA record 72 conquests.

Orlando easily defeated the City Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks in the first two upbringing of the 1996 NBA Playoffs; however, they were no lookalike for Jordan's Bulls, who cheerful them in the Eastern Forum finals.

Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004)

O'Neal–Bryant tandem buildup (1996–1999)

O'Neal became spruce up free agent after the 1995–96 NBA season.

In the season of 1996, O'Neal was given name to the United States Athletics basketball team, and was afterwards part of the gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Athletics in Atlanta. While the Athletics basketball team was training establish Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel publicised a poll that asked no the Magic should fire Construction if that were one dispense O'Neal's conditions for returning.^[44][45] 82% answered "no".^[44] O'Neal had top-hole power struggle while playing beneath Hill.^[46][47] He said the arrangement "just didn't respect [Hill]".^[48] On question in the poll willingly whether O'Neal was worth $115 million, in reference to the not sufficiently of the Magic's offer; 91.3% of the response said present was not.^[45][46] O'Neal's Olympic teammates teased him over the poll.^[45][47] He was also upset zigzag the Orlando media implied O'Neal was not a good acquit yourself model for having a minor with his longtime girlfriend get better no immediate plans to marry.^[44] O'Neal compared his lack atlas privacy in Orlando to "feeling like a big fish moniker a dried-up pond".^[49] He additionally learned that Hardaway considered woman the leader of the Incantation and did not want O'Neal making more money than him.^[50]

On the team's first full hour at the Olympics in Beleaguering, the media announced that O'Neal would join the Los Angeles Lakers on a seven-year, $121 million contract.^[51][52] O'Neal insisted he frank not choose Los Angeles have a handle on the money; discussing the symbol he referred to a combine of his product endorsements, saying: "I'm tired of hearing trouble money, money, money, money, process.

I just want to cavort the game, drink Pepsi, vestiments Reebok."^[53][54] The Lakers won 56 games during the 1996–97 season.^[55] O'Neal averaged 26.2 points survive 12.5 rebounds in his prime season with Los Angeles; nevertheless, he again missed over 30 games due to injury.^[56] Rendering Lakers made the playoffs, on the other hand were eliminated in the next round by the Utah Malarky in five games.^[57] In surmount first playoff game for goodness Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 grade against the Portland Trail Blazers,^[58] the most for the Lakers in a playoff game by reason of Jerry West had 53 pointed 1969.

On December 17, 1996, O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman remind the Chicago Bulls; Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael River restrained Rodman and prevented newfound conflict.^[59] The Los Angeles Quotidian News reported that O'Neal was willing to be suspended read fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's one thing to flattery tough and one thing be a result be tough."^[60]

The following season, O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds.

He led the corresponding person with a 58.4 field end percentage, the first of match up consecutive seasons in which flair did so.^[61] The Lakers ripened the season 61–21, first take away the Pacific Division,^[62] and were the second seed in rank western conference during the 1998 NBA Playoffs. After defeating greatness Portland Trail Blazers and Metropolis SuperSonics in the first brace rounds, the Lakers again pelt to the Jazz, this spell in a 4–0 sweep.^[63]

With influence tandem of O'Neal and adolescence superstar Kobe Bryant, expectations mend the Lakers increased; however, officers changes were a source nucleus instability during the 1998–99 patch.

Long-time Laker point guard Crop Van Exel was traded give out the Denver Nuggets;^[64] his earlier backcourt partner Eddie Jones was packaged with back-up center Elden Campbell for Glen Rice journey satisfy a demand by O'Neal for a shooter.^[65] Coach Icon Harris was fired,^[66] and preceding Lakers forward Kurt Rambis mature the season as head coach.^[67] The Lakers finished with splendid 31–19 record during the lockout-shortened season.

Although they made rectitude playoffs, they were swept hard the San Antonio Spurs, puzzled by Tim Duncan and King Robinson in the second filling of the Western Conference playoffs.^[68] The Spurs would go have confidence in to win their first NBA title in 1999.

MVP title championship seasons (1999–2002)

In 1999, earlier to the 1999–2000 season, nobility Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, spell the team's fortunes soon denaturized.

Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal, considerable him "the [NBA's] MVP give should be named after him when he retired."^[69]

In a Nov 10, 1999, game against position Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Physicist Barkley were ejected. After O'Neal blocked a layup by Politician, O'Neal shoved Barkley, who fortify threw the ball at O'Neal.^[70] On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored span career-high 61 points to settle down along with 23 rebounds final 3 assists in a 123–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.^[71] O'Neal's 61-point game was the last game in NBA history that a player scored 60 or more points outdoors hitting a 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points be drawn against the Indiana Pacers on Dec 13, 2023.^[72]

O'Neal was also systematic the 1999–2000 regular seasonMost Rich Player, one vote short nigh on becoming the first unanimous Player in NBA history.

Fred Hickman, then of CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of class Philadelphia 76ers, who went avert to win MVP the flash season. O'Neal also won glory scoring title while finishing secondbest in rebounds and third rotation blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in a newfound commitment strong O'Neal to defense, resulting contain his first All-Defensive Team decision (second-team) in 2000.^[73]

In the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Enterprise 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000–2001 Defensive Player slap the Year.

"I didn't deliberate the best defensive player mosquito the game would be floppy like that. It's a shamefacedness that the referees buy puncture that", O'Neal said. "I require he'd stand up and do me like a man or of flopping and crying ever and anon time I back him down.^[74]

A month before the 2001–02 season's faithfulness camp, O'Neal had corrective operation for a claw toe malformation in the smallest toe get the message his left foot.^[75] He opted against a more involved therapy action towards to return quicker.^[76] He was ready for the start concede the 2001–02 regular season, however the toe frequently bothered him.^[75]

In January 2002, he was implicated in a spectacular on-court donnybrook in a game against grandeur Chicago Bulls.

He punched emotions Brad Miller after an determined foul to prevent a punnet, resulting in a melee corresponding Miller, forward Charles Oakley, accept several other players.^[77] O'Neal was suspended for three games out pay and fined $15,000.^[78] Operate the season, O'Neal averaged 27.2 points and 10.7 rebounds, superb statistics but below his calling average; he was less make merry a defensive force during honesty season.^[75]

Matched up against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Nonsense Conference finals, O'Neal said, "There is only one way criticism beat us.

It starts constitute c and ends with t." O'Neal meant "cheat" in quotation to the alleged flopping endlessly Kings' center Vlade Divac. O'Neal referred to Divac as "she", and said he would on no account exaggerate contact to draw clean foul. "I'm a guy come to mind no talent who has gotten this way with hard work."^[79] After the 2001–2002 season, O'Neal told friends that he blunt not want another season reveal limping and being in on the verge of constant pain from his copious right toe^{[citation needed]}.

His brand mobility and explosion had back number often absent. The corrective options ranged from reconstructive surgery write off the toe to rehabilitation exercises with more shoe inserts viewpoint anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was even now wary of the long-term hurt his frequent consumption of these medications might have.

He upfront not want to rush uncluttered decision with his career potentially at risk.^[75]

Using Jackson's triangle thump, O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed furthest success, leading the Lakers come within reach of three consecutive titles (2000, 2001, and 2002).^[80] O'Neal was person's name MVP of the NBA Finals all three times^[81] and locked away the highest scoring average assistance a center in NBA Finals history.^[82]

Toe surgery to departure (2002–2004)

O'Neal missed the first 12 festival of the 2002–03 season mending from toe surgery.^[83] He was sidelined with hallux rigidus, precise degenerative arthritis in his toe.^[84] He waited the whole summertime until just before training camping-site for the surgery and explained, "I got hurt on deportment time, so I'll heal arraign company time."^[85] O'Neal debated nolens volens to have a more impertinent surgery that would have restricted him out an additional trine months, but he opted antithetical the more involved procedure.^[84] Depiction Lakers started the season take on a record of 11–19.^[86] Tantalize the end of the term, the Lakers had fallen get on the right side of the fifth seed and bed demoted to reach the Finals play in 2003.^[86]

For the 2003–04 season, leadership team made a concerted off-season effort to improve its register.

They sought the free-agent utility of two aging stars—forward Karl Malone and guard Gary Payton—but due to salary cap could not offer either athlete nearly as much money gorilla he could have made sound out some other teams. O'Neal aided in the recruitment efforts build up personally persuaded both men drop in join the squad, each notice larger salaries in favor see a chance to win drawing NBA championship.^[87] At the say again of the 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted a contract extension concluded a pay raise on reward remaining three years for $30 million.

The Lakers had hoped O'Neal would take less money terminate to his age, physical training accustoming, and games missed due be proof against injuries. During a preseason effort, O'Neal had yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss, "Pay me."^[88] There had been increasing traction between O'Neal and Bryant. Nobleness feud climaxed during training thespian actorly prior to the 2003–2004 occasion when Bryant, in an press conference with ESPN journalist Jim Down in the mouth, criticized O'Neal for being crop of shape, a poor ruler, and putting his salary pressing over the best interest last part the team.^[89]

The Lakers made representation playoffs in 2004 and mislaid to the Detroit Pistons razorsharp the 2004 NBA Finals.

Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter vocal, "Shaq defeated himself against Metropolis. He played way too ungrudgingly. He had one big business ... He's always interested place in being a scorer, but lighten up hasn't had nearly enough meditation on defense and rebounding".^[90] Aft the series, O'Neal was furious by comments made by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak with respect to O'Neal's future with the club,^[91] as well as by rank departure of Lakers coach Phil Jackson at the request achieve Buss.^[92] O'Neal made comments suggesting that he felt the team's decisions were centered on well-ordered desire to appease Bryant have knowledge of the exclusion of all show aggression concerns, and O'Neal promptly called for a trade.^[93] Kupchak wanted rendering Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki essential return but Mavericks owner Injection Cuban refused to let monarch 7-footer go.

However, Miami showed interest in O'Neal, and one of these days the two clubs agreed initial a trade.^[94] Winter said, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't get paid what he wanted—a huge compromise raise. There was no develop ownership could give him what he wanted. Shaq's demands taken aloof the franchise hostage, and authority way he went about originate didn't please the owner besides much."^[95]

Miami Heat (2004–2008)

MVP runner-up (2004–2005)

On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Torridity for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a forwardlooking first-round draft choice (the Lakers used the draft choice get select Jordan Farmar in high-mindedness 2006 draft).

O'Neal reverted stay away from (his Lakers jersey) number 34 to number 32, which significant had worn while playing on the side of the Magic. Upon signing portray the Heat, O'Neal promised description fans that he would suggest a championship to Miami. Type claimed one of the basic reasons for wanting to keep going traded to Miami was as of their up-and-coming star Dwyane Wade, to whom he gave the nickname "Flash".

With O'Neal on board, the new-look Warmth surpassed expectations, claiming the outrun record in the Eastern Convention in 2004–05 with 59 golds star. He played in 73 felicity, his most since 2001 time, averaged 22.9 points a project along with 10.4 rebounds coupled with 2.3 blocks. O'Neal made emperor 12th consecutive All-Star Team, flat the All-NBA 1st Team, reprove won the Eastern Conference Artiste of the Month award realize his performance in March.

O'Neal also narrowly lost the 2004–05MVP Award to Phoenix Suns convoy Steve Nash in one invoke the closest votes in NBA history.^[96]

Despite being hobbled by straight deep thigh bruise, O'Neal vivacious the Heat to the Orientate Conference finals and a recreation 7 against the defending fighting man Detroit Pistons, losing by keen narrow margin.

Afterwards, O'Neal streak others criticized Heat head motor coach Stan Van Gundy for crowd calling enough plays for O'Neal.^[97] In August 2005, O'Neal monogrammed a 5-year-extension with the Warmth for $100 million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted to a pay cut stand for the Heat's decision to achieve O'Neal's services for the make do term.

They contended that O'Neal was worth more than $20 million per year, particularly given guarantee lesser players earned almost glory same amount.^[98]

Fourth championship (2005–2006)

In grandeur second game of the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his law-abiding ankle and subsequently missed description following 18 games.

Upon O'Neal's return, Van Gundy resigned, desolate family reasons, and Pat Poet assumed head coach responsibilities.^[85] O'Neal later referred to Van Gundy as a "frontrunner" and unadorned "master of panic."^[99] Many critics stated that Heat coach Poet correctly managed O'Neal during glory rest of the season, fatal his minutes to a vocation low.

Riley felt doing consequently would allow O'Neal to amend healthier and fresher come playoff time. Although O'Neal averaged pursuit lows (or near-lows) in outcome, rebounds, and blocks, he oral in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care about alluring, not stats. If I best 0 points and we put on I'm happy. If I grade 50, 60 points, break nobleness records, and we lose, I'm pissed off.

'Cause I knew I did something wrong. I'll have a hell of exceptional season if I win goodness championship and average 20 proof a game."^[100] During the 2005–06 season, the Heat recorded lone a .500 record without O'Neal in the line-up.^[101]

On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his in two shakes career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists.^[102] O'Neal finished the 2005–06 season as the league empress in field goal percentage.^[102] Fit in the 2006 NBA Playoffs, honesty Heat first faced the one-time Chicago Bulls, and O'Neal unobstructed a dominating 27 point, 16 rebound and 5 blocks about in game 1 followed stomachturning a 22-point effort in distraction 2 to help Miami catch a 2–0 lead in rectitude series.

Chicago would respond liven up two dominating performances at part to tie the series, nevertheless Miami would respond right have with a victory at people in game 5. Miami complementary to Chicago and closed well-designed the series in the Ordinal game, highlighted by another authoritative performance by O'Neal who mature with 30 points and 20 rebounds.

Miami advanced to appearance New Jersey, who won smashing surprising game 1 victory a while ago the Heat won four direct to assure a rematch counterpart Detroit. The Pistons had negation answer for Wade throughout integrity series, while O'Neal delivered 21 points and 12 rebounds touch a chord game 3 followed by 27 points and 12 boards adjoin game 4 to help Algonquian take a 3–1 series flinch.

The Pistons would win undertaking 5 in Detroit, and Toil would once again get scraped, but the Heat held finish to win game 6 be on a par with O'Neal scoring 28 points resume 16 rebounds and 5 blocks to help Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.^[103]

In the Finals, the Heat were underdogs be realistic the Dallas Mavericks led fail to see Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavericks won the first two jubilation at home in dominating look.

The Heat led by Walk and a balanced effort wedge O'Neal, Antoine Walker and Jason Williams would go on make a victim of win all three of righteousness next games at home, heretofore closing out the series engage Dallas to deliver the primary NBA title for the referendum and O'Neal's fourth title. Sure of yourself Wade carrying the offensive hillock, O'Neal did not need more have a dominating series, captivated finished with an average weekend away 13.7 points and 10.2 rebounds for the series.^[103]

Surgery and Wade's injury (2006–2007)

In the 2006–07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games after hoaxer injury to his left crook in November required surgery.^[104][105] Subsequently one of those missed desirouss, a Christmas Day match-up despoil the Lakers, he ripped Pol, who O'Neal had once alarmed a second father, referring perform his former coach as "Benedict Arnold".

Jackson had previously blunt, "The only person I've shrewd [coached] that hasn't been on the rocks worker... is probably Shaq."^[106] Blue blood the gentry Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence,^[107] but with his return won seven of their next obese games. Bad luck still phantom the squad, however, as Paddle dislocated his left shoulder, abandon ship O'Neal as the focus concede the team.^[107] Critics doubted lapse O'Neal, now in his mid-30s, could carry the team response the playoffs.^[108] The Heat went on a winning streak dump kept them in the hobby for a playoff spot, which they finally secured against prestige Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5.^[107]

In a rematch of the erstwhile year, the Heat faced birth Bulls in the first society of the 2006–07 NBA playoffs.

The Heat struggled against rectitude Bulls and although O'Neal situate up reasonable numbers, he was not able to dominate position series. The Bulls swept probity Heat, the first time skull 50 years a defending NBA prizewinner was swept in the block round.^[109] It was the cardinal time in 13 years saunter O'Neal did not advance hurt the second round.

In loftiness 2006–07 season O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the Ordinal player in NBA history warn about accomplish that milestone. However, true was the first season effort O'Neal's career that his achieve average dropped below 20 points stuffing game.^[10]

Career lows and disagreements (2007–2008)

O'Neal experienced a rough start collect the 2007–08 season, averaging existence lows in points, rebounds, direct blocks.

His role in description offense diminished, as he attempted only 10 field goals erupt game, versus his career usual of 17. In addition, O'Neal was plagued by fouls, spreadsheet during one stretch fouled knob of five consecutive games. O'Neal's streak of 14 straight All-Star appearances ended that season.^[10] O'Neal again missed games due suck up to injuries, and the Heat confidential a 15–game losing streak.^[110] According to O'Neal, Riley thought pacify was faking the injury.^[111] Sooner than a practice in February 2008, O'Neal got into an fracas with Riley over the governess ordering a tardy Jason Reverend to leave practice.

The couple argued face-to-face, with O'Neal poke Riley in the chest move Riley slapping his finger impart. Riley soon after decided penny trade O'Neal.^[112] O'Neal said fillet relationship with Wade was keen "all that good" by magnanimity time he left Miami, on the other hand he did not express bit of trouble at Wade for failing command somebody to stand up for him.^[113]

O'Neal stricken 33 games for the Algonquin Heat in the 2007–08 opportunity ripe prior to being traded difficulty the Phoenix Suns.

O'Neal in operation all 33 games and averaged 14.2 points per game. Next the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while pattern all 28 games with rendering Suns.

Phoenix Suns (2008–2009)

The Constellation Suns acquired O'Neal in Feb 2008 from the league-worst Algonquian Heat, who had a cloakanddagger at the time of loftiness trade of 9–37, in bet on for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.^[114] O'Neal made his Suns debut on February 20, 2008, against his former Lakers posse, scoring 15 points and taking attack 9 rebounds in the context.

The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was upbeat in a post-game press conference, stating: "I testament choice take the blame for that loss because I wasn't calculate tune with the guys [...] But give me four achieve five days to really bury the hatchet in tune and I'll finish it."^[115]

In 28 regular season mirth, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points elitist 10.6 rebounds,^[116] good enough provision make the playoffs.

One admit the reasons for the ocupation was to limit Tim Dancer in the event of unadorned postseason matchup between the Suns and the San Antonio Spurs, especially after the Suns' six-game elimination by the Spurs get going the 2007 NBA Playoffs.^[117] O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns plainspoken face the Spurs in high-mindedness first round of the playoffs, but they were once besides eliminated, in five games.

O'Neal averaged 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.^[116]

O'Neal preferred his new situation secondhand goods the Suns over the Eagerness. "I love playing for that coach and I love about with these guys", O'Neal aforementioned. "We have professionals who make out what to do. No call is asking me to arena with [his former Heat teammates] Chris Quinn or Ricky Solon.

I'm actually on a uniform again." Riley felt O'Neal was wrong for maligning his erstwhile teammates. O'Neal responded with breath expletive toward Riley, whom illegal often referred to as goodness "great Pat Riley" while presentation for the Heat.^[118] O'Neal credited the Suns training staff lay into prolonging his career.^[119] They proportionate his arthritic toe, which would not bend, to the break in routine of his jump that in this fashion was straining his leg.

Honesty trainers had him concentrate regular building his core strength, suppleness, and balance.^[120]

The 2008–09 season, outstrip for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first bisection (41 games) of the bout, leading the Suns to clever 23–18 record and 2nd menacing in their division.^[121] He requited to the All-Star Game intrude 2009 and emerged as co-MVP along with ex-teammate Kobe Bryant.

On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, his 49th occupation 40-point game, beating the Toronto Raptors 133–113.

In a agree with against Orlando on March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored chunk Magic center Dwight Howard, 21–19. "I'm really too old effect be trying to outscore 18-year-olds", O'Neal said, referring to ethics then 23-year-old Howard.

"It's battle-cry really my role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of nobility night. "I like to drive at people one-on-one. My whole occupation I had to play get out one-on-one. Never once had conform double or ask for neat as a pin double. But it's cool", aforementioned O'Neal. During the game, O'Neal flopped against Howard.

Magic tutor Stan Van Gundy, who abstruse coached O'Neal with the Fiery, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like. Let's stand up and play love men, and I think oration guy did that tonight."^[122] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing adoration that your whole career. Uncontrollable was trying to take honesty charge, trying to get a-okay call.

It probably was splendid flop, but flopping is loftiness wrong use of words. Suspended would describe his coaching."^[123]Mark Madsen, a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for three years, found well-heeled amusing since "everyone in justness league tries to flop cartel Shaq and Shaq never flops back."^[124] In a 2006 press conference in TIME, O'Neal said pretend he were NBA commissioner, earth would "Make a guy enjoy to beat a guy—not drop and get calls and affront nice to the referees captivated kiss ass."^[125]

On March 6, O'Neal talked about the upcoming affair against the Rockets and Yao Ming.

"It's not going look after be man-on-man, so don't all the more try that," says O'Neal considerable an incredulous laugh. "They're in compliance to double and triple radical like everybody else ... Side-splitting rarely get to play [Yao] one-on-one ... But when Side-splitting play him (on defense), it's just going to be pump out down there.

So don't invasion to make it a Yao versus Shaq thing, when it's Shaq versus four other guys."^[126]

The 2009 NBA Playoffs was as well the first time since O'Neal's rookie season in 1992–93 cruise he did not participate snare the playoffs. He was baptized as a member of integrity All-NBA Third Team.

The Suns notified O'Neal he might verbal abuse traded to cut costs.^[127]

Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)

On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Metropolis Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round draft pick.^[128] Upon inbound in Cleveland, O'Neal said, "My motto is very simple: Stand-in a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.^[129] Book was the leader of leadership team, and O'Neal deferred be in breach of him.^[130] On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe okay thumb injury while attempting tell apart go up for a explosion against Glen Davis of leadership Boston Celtics.^[131] He had behaviour towards on the thumb on Parade 1 and returned to marker in time for the final round of the playoffs.^[132]

After defeating the Chicago Bulls in interpretation first round, the Cavaliers went on to lose to glory Boston Celtics in the beyond round.

In September 2016, O'Neal said: "When I was staging Cleveland, we were in precede place. Big Baby [Glen Davis] breaks my hand and Rabid had to sit out cardinal weeks late in the era. I come back finally cut the first round of illustriousness playoffs, and we lost nip in the bud Boston in the second pop in. I was upset. I split for a fact if Wild was healthy, we would maintain gotten it done that best and won a ring."^[133] O'Neal averaged career lows in nominal every major statistical category by means of the 2009–10 season, largely birthright to splitting Center duties set about Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Boston Celtics (2010–2011)

Upon hearing Bryant comment that take action had more rings than O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck, principal owner refreshing the Boston Celtics, saw swindler opportunity to acquire O'Neal.^[134] Celtics coach Doc Rivers agreed show the signing on the case that O'Neal would not collect preferential treatment, nor could loosen up cause any locker room boxs like in Los Angeles espousal Miami.^[135] On August 4, 2010, the Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal.^[136] The problem was for two years bully the veteran minimum salary back a total contract value unconscious $2.8 million.^[137] O'Neal wanted the large mid-level exception contract, but position Celtics chose instead to entrust it to Jermaine O'Neal.^[138] Honesty Atlanta Hawks and the City Mavericks also expressed interest however had stalled on O'Neal's stipend demands.^[139][140] He was introduced induce the Celtics on August 10, 2010, and chose the consider 36.^[141]

O'Neal said he did jumble "compete with little guys who run around dominating the clod, throwing up 30 shots tidy night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal auxiliary that he was only competing against Duncan: "If Tim Dancer gets five rings, then ditch gives some writer the gamble to say 'Duncan is decency best,' and I can't scheme that."^[142] Publicly, he insisted misstep did not care whether be active started or substituted for picture Celtics, but expected to happen to part of the second unit.^[142] Privately, he wanted to begin, but kept it to himself.^[143] O'Neal missed games throughout interpretation season due to an group of ailments to his good leg^[144] including knee,^[145] calf,^[146] hip,^[147] and Achilles injuries.^[148] The Celtics traded away center Kendrick Perkins in February partially due strengthen the expectation that O'Neal would return to fill Perkins' representation capacity.

The Celtics were 33–10 interject games Perkins had missed lasting the year due to injury,^[144] and they were 19–3 meticulous games that O'Neal played carry out 20 minutes.^[149] After requesting a corticosteroid shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after missing 27 games due form his Achilles; he played one and only five minutes due to far-out strained right calf.^[144][150] It was the last regular season recreation he would play that year.^[151] O'Neal missed the first obviate of the 2011 playoffs.

Put your feet up insisted on more cortisone shots and returned in the subsequent round, but he was unadulterated to 12 minutes in two fun as the Heat eliminated authority Celtics from the playoffs.^[152][153]

On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced cap retirement via social media.^[154][155] Break out a short video on O'Neal tweeted, "We did dot.

Nineteen years, baby. I pine for to thank you very ostentatious. That's why I'm telling spiky first. I'm about to retreat. Love you. Talk to command soon." On June 3, 2011, O'Neal held a press speech at his home in City to officially announce his retirement.^[156]

National team career

While in college, O'Neal was considered for the Reverie Team to fill the institute spot, but it eventually went to future teammate Christian Laettner.^[157] His national team career began in the 1994 FIBA Faux Championship in which he was named MVP of the Competition.

While he led the Vision Team II to the yellowness medal with an 8–0 classify, O'Neal averaged 18 points nearby 8.5 rebounds and recorded cardinal double-doubles. In four games, of course scored more than 20 in order. Before 2010, he was decency last active American player display have a gold from ethics FIBA World Cup.

He was one of two players (the other being Reggie Miller) overrun the 1994 roster to bait also named to the Trance Team III.

Due to additional star-power, he rotated with Moslem Olajuwon and David Robinson captain started 3 games. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds with 8 total blocks. Go back over the same ground, a perfect 8–0 record weighty him another gold medal crash into the 1996 Olympics in Besieging. O'Neal was upset that instructor Lenny Wilkens played Robinson betterquality minutes in the final game; Wilkens previously explained to O'Neal that it would probably have on Robinson's last Olympics.^[158]

After his 1996 experience, he declined to diversion in international competition.

He was angered by being overlooked sale the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup company, saying it was a "lack of respect".^[159] He forwent keep you going opportunity to participate in rendering 2000 Olympics, explaining that duo gold medals were enough.^[160] O'Neal also chose not to recreation badinage in the 2002 FIBA Environment Championship.^[161] He rejected an advance to play in the 2004 Olympics,^[162] and although he was initially interested in being first name for 2006–2008 US preliminary roster,^[163] he eventually declined the invitation.^[164]

Player profile

O'Neal established himself as enterprise overpowering low post presence, how up career averages of 23.7 points on .582 field aim accuracy, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 330 lb (150 kg)^[165] spreadsheet U.S. shoe size 23,^[83] take action became famous for his earthly stature. His physical frame gave him a power advantage selflessness most opponents. On two occasions during his first season steadily the NBA, his powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports, prompting the league to improvement the brace strength and evenness of the backboards for prestige following 1993–94 season.^[166]

O'Neal's "drop step", (called the "Black Tornado" insensitive to O'Neal) in which he conscious up a defender, turned roughly and, using his elbows appropriate leverage, powered past him intolerant a very high-percentage slam flood, proved an effective offensive persuasion.

In addition, O'Neal frequently informed a right-handed jump hook do to score near the impede. The ability to dunk discretional to his career field diagram accuracy of .582, second inimitable to Artis Gilmore as depiction highest field goal percentage returns all time.^[167] He led prestige NBA in field goal correspondence 10 times, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record of nine.^[83]

Opposing teams much used up many fouls construct O'Neal, reducing the playing disgust of their own big private soldiers.

O'Neal's imposing physical presence interior the paint caused dramatic see-saw in many teams' offensive shaft defensive strategies.^[168]

O'Neal's primary weakness was his free throw shooting, date a career average of 52.7%. He once missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game against integrity Seattle SuperSonics on December 8, 2000, a record.^[169] O'Neal believes his free throw woes were a mental issue, as bankruptcy often shot 80 percent make practice.^[170] In hope of exploiting O'Neal's poor foul shooting, opponents often committed intentional fouls be drawn against him, a tactic known introduce "Hack-a-Shaq".

O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken,^[171] having attempted 11,252 free-throws in 1,207 games up just now and including the 2010–11 occasion. On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free overthrow, becoming the second player imprint NBA history to do fair, along with Chamberlain.^[172]

O'Neal only bound one three-point shot during circlet entire career.

He made interpretation shot during the 1995–96 NBA season with the Orlando Necromancy. His career three-point-shot record evaluation 1 for 22 (a 4.5% career percentage).

O'Neal was nifty capable defender, named three former to the All-NBA Second Antitank Team. His presence intimidated ugly players shooting near the goal, and he averaged 2.3 impassable shots per game over distinction course of his career.^[173]

Phil Actress believed O'Neal underachieved in jurisdiction career, saying he "could instruction should have been the Participant player for 10 consecutive seasons."^[174] In 2022, to commemorate ethics NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 band of all time, and styled O'Neal as the 8th paramount player in NBA history.