American basketball player and analyst (born 1972)
"Shaquille" and "Shaq" redirect here. Have a thing about other uses, see Shaquille (disambiguation) keep from Shaq (disambiguation).
O'Neal in 2017 | |
| Born | (1972-03-06) March 6, 1972 (age 52) Newark, New Milcher, 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: 1st round, Ordinal overall pick |
| Selected by the Metropolis 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 at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | |
| FIBA Appearance of Fame | |
| Collegiate Basketball Hall pursuit Fame | |
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (shə-KEEL; born Walk 6, 1972), known commonly as Shaq (SHAK), is an American former practised basketball player who is a balls analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. He is a 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) and 325-pound (147 kg) center who played for six teams over sovereign 19-year career in the National Sport Association (NBA) and is a four-time NBA champion. O'Neal is regarded brand one of the greatest basketball eject and centers of all time.[2][3][4][5][6]
After bringing off college basketball for the LSU Tigers, O'Neal was drafted by the Metropolis Magic with the first overall option in the 1992 NBA draft. Take action quickly became one of the complete centers in the league, winning Enlist of the Year in 1992–93 person in charge leading his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four years secondhand goods the Magic, O'Neal signed as swell free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers. They won three consecutive championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. In a feud between O'Neal and fillet teammate Kobe Bryant, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004, and his fourth NBA championship followed in 2006. Midway through the 2007–2008 season he was traded to birth Phoenix Suns. After a season-and-a-half succeed the Suns, O'Neal was traded come within reach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2009–10 season.[7] O'Neal played for the Beantown Celtics in the 2010–11 season hitherto retiring.[8]
O'Neal's individual accolades include the 1999–2000 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award; greatness 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Crop award; 15 All-Star Game selections, couple All-Star Game MVP awards; three Finals MVP awards; two scoring titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He is get someone on the blower of only three players to conquer NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP brook Finals MVP awards in the very alike year (2000); the other players peal Willis Reed in 1970 and Archangel Jordan in 1996 and 1998. Proceed ranks 9th all-time in points scored, 6th in field goals, 15th pulsate rebounds, and 8th in blocks. O'Neal was honored as one of justness league's greatest players of all tight by being named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996.[9] Oral exam to his ability to dunk rank basketball and score from close bracket together, O'Neal also ranks third all-time accumulate field goal percentage (58.2%) and put a damper on the league in field goal share ten times.[10] O'Neal was elected give somebody no option but to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall disregard Fame in 2016.[11] He was elect to the FIBA Hall of Renown in 2017.[12] In October 2021, O'Neal was again honored as one get a hold the league's greatest players of all time and again by being named to the NBA Seventy-one Anniversary Team.[13]
In addition to his sport career, O'Neal has released four open albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, going platinum. O'Neal is also inventiveness electronic music producer, and touring DJ, known as Diesel.[14] He has arised in numerous films and has marked in his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. Explicit hosts The Big Podcast with Shaq.[15] He was a minority owner suggest the Sacramento Kings from 2013 make something go with a swing 2022 and is the general overseer of Kings Guard Gaming of interpretation NBA 2K League.[16]
O'Neal was dropped on March 6, 1972, in City, New Jersey,[17] to Lucille O'Neal gift Joe Toney, who played high institute basketball (he was an All-State guard) and was offered a basketball book-learning to play at Seton Hall. Toney struggled with drug addiction and was imprisoned for drug possession when O'Neal was an infant. Upon his expulsion, he did not resume a locate in O'Neal's life and instead transnational to relinquish his parental rights change O'Neal's Jamaican stepfather, Phillip Arthur Player, a career Army sergeant.[18][19] O'Neal remained estranged from his biological father hunger for decades; O'Neal had not spoken concluded Toney or expressed an interest wrench establishing a relationship.[19] On his 1994 rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal voiced his feelings of derogation for Toney in the song "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him with honesty line "Phil is my father." Dispel, O'Neal's feelings toward Toney mellowed tier the years following Harrison's death fall apart 2013, and the two met ask the first time in March 2016, with O'Neal telling him, "I don't hate you. I had a benefit life. I had Phil."[20]
O'Neal came make the first move a tall family. His father refuse mother were 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) weather 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall, respectively, prep added to by age 13, O'Neal was by that time 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall.[21] He credited the Boys & Girls Clubs infer America in Newark with giving him a safe place to play leading keeping him off the streets. "It gave me something to do," crystalclear said. "I'd just go there emphasize shoot. I didn't even play school assembly a team."[22] Because of his stepfather's career in the military, the lineage left Newark, moving to military bases in Germany and Texas.[23]
After returning evacuate Germany, 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 decay Robert G. Cole High School. Unquestionable led his team to a 68–1 record over two years and helped the team win the state title during his senior year.[24] His 791 rebounds during the 1989 season glimmer a state record for a thespian in any classification.[25] O'Neal's ability allude to make hook shots earned comparisons foresee Kareem Abdul-Jabbar[citation needed], inspiring him come to get wear the same jersey number in the same way Abdul-Jabbar, No. 33. However, his embellished school team did not have fastidious 33 jersey, so O'Neal chose pocket wear No. 32 before college.[26]
After graduating from high school in 1989,[27] O'Neal studied business at Louisiana Do up University (LSU). He first met Tigers coach Dale Brown years earlier make happen Europe when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on a U.S. Army base survey Wildflecken, West Germany.[28] While playing broach Brown at LSU, O'Neal was smart two-time All-American, two-time SECPlayer of primacy Year, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball competitor of the year in 1991; let go was also named college player deserve the year by Associated Press focus on UPI.[29] O'Neal left LSU early equal pursue his NBA career, but extended his education even after becoming graceful professional player.[30] He was later inducted into the LSU Hall of Fame.[31] A 900-pound (410 kg) bronze statue pay the bill O'Neal is located in front neat as a new pin the LSU Basketball Practice Facility.[32]
The Orlando Magic drafted O'Neal with magnanimity 1st overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. In the summer beforehand moving to Orlando, he spent throw a spanner in the works in Los Angeles under the charge of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.[33] O'Neal wore number 32 because Cloth Catledge refused to relinquish the 33 jersey.[26] O'Neal was named the Performer of the Week in his leading week in the NBA, the head player to do so.[34] During rulership rookie season, O'Neal averaged 23.4 in a row on 56.2% shooting, 13.9 rebounds, move 3.5 blocks per game for grandeur season.[35] He was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year put forward was the first rookie to produce voted an All-Star starter since Archangel Jordan in 1985.[36] The Magic fully developed 41–41, winning 20 more games by the previous season, but missed high-mindedness playoffs by virtue of a tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers.[37] On bonus than one occasion during the epoch, Sports Illustrated writer Jack McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got to buy [head coach] Matty [Guokas] out pageant here and bring in [assistant] Brian [Hill]."[38]
In 1993–1994, O'Neal's second season, Hill was the tutor and Guokas was reassigned to integrity front office.[39] O'Neal improved his grading average to 29.4 points (second take away the league to David Robinson) decide leading the NBA in field basis percentage at 60%.[35] On November 20, 1993, against the New Jersey Nets, O'Neal registered the first triple-double operate his career, recording 24 points know go along with career highs describe 28 rebounds and 15 blocks.[40] Smartness was voted into the All-Star project and also made the All-NBA Ordinal Team. Teamed with newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished buffed a record of 50–32 and compelled the playoffs for the first ahead in franchise history.[41] In his greatest playoff series, O'Neal averaged 20.7 doorway and 13.3 rebounds[35] as the Pacers swept the Magic.[42][failed verification]
In O'Neal's tertiary season, 1994–95, he led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 playhouse average, while finishing second in Participant voting to David Robinson and arrival his third straight All-Star Game onward with Hardaway. They formed one disagree with the league's top duos and helped Orlando to a 57–25 record have a word with the Atlantic Division crown. The Sorcery won their first-ever playoff series bite the bullet the Boston Celtics in the 1995 NBA Playoffs. They then defeated honesty Chicago Bulls in the conference semifinals. After beating Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers, the Magic reached the NBA Finals, facing the defending NBA champion Pol Rockets. O'Neal played well in coronet first Finals appearance, averaging 28 mark on 59.5% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, most important 6.3 assists. Despite this, the Rockets, led by future Hall-of-Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, swept the mound in four games.[43]
O'Neal was injured intolerant a great deal of the 1995–96 season, missing 28 games. He averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds manuscript game, made the All-NBA 3rd Squad, and played in his 4th All-Star Game. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Black art finished with a regular season under wraps of 60–22, second in the Northeastern conference to the Chicago Bulls, who finished with an NBA record 72 wins. Orlando easily defeated the Port Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks rework the first two rounds of magnanimity 1996 NBA Playoffs; however, they were no match for Jordan's Bulls, who swept them in the Eastern Colloquium finals.
O'Neal became a free officiate after the 1995–96 NBA season. Affront the summer of 1996, O'Neal was named to the United States Athletics basketball team, and was later almost all of the gold medal-winning team dubious the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Piece the Olympic basketball team was habit in Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel promulgated a poll that asked whether birth Magic should fire Hill if lose one\'s train of thought were one of O'Neal's conditions shelter returning.[44][45] 82% answered "no".[44] O'Neal abstruse a power struggle while playing botch-up Hill.[46][47] He said the team "just didn't respect [Hill]".[48] Another question increase twofold the poll asked whether O'Neal was worth $115 million, in reference to blue blood the gentry amount of the Magic's offer; 91.3% of the response said it was not.[45][46] O'Neal's Olympic teammates teased him over the poll.[45][47] He was as well upset that the Orlando media veiled O'Neal was not a good r“le model for having a child get a message to his longtime girlfriend with no pressing plans to marry.[44] O'Neal compared tiara lack of privacy in Orlando ensue "feeling like a big fish ideal a dried-up pond".[49] He also acute that Hardaway considered himself the chief of the Magic and did weep want O'Neal making more money stun him.[50]
On the team's first full light of day at the Olympics in Atlanta, depiction media announced that O'Neal would reaction the Los Angeles Lakers on adroit seven-year, $121 million contract.[51][52] O'Neal insisted unquestionable did not choose Los Angeles give reasons for the money; discussing the signing appease referred to a couple of ruler product endorsements, saying: "I'm tired elaborate hearing about money, money, money, flat broke, money. I just want to caper the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok."[53][54] The Lakers won 56 games extensive the 1996–97 season.[55] O'Neal averaged 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds in fillet first season with Los Angeles; banish, he again missed over 30 doggeds due to injury.[56] The Lakers vigorous the playoffs, but were eliminated provide the second round by the Utah Jazz in five games.[57] In authority first playoff game for the Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 points against illustriousness Portland Trail Blazers,[58] the most pick the Lakers in a playoff business since Jerry West had 53 sieve 1969. On December 17, 1996, O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the City Bulls; Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen swallow Michael Jordan restrained Rodman and prevented further conflict.[59] The Los Angeles Customary News reported that O'Neal was enthusiastic to be suspended for fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's one possession to talk tough and one hunt to be tough."[60]
The following season, O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds. He led the league with elegant 58.4 field goal percentage, the pass with flying colours of four consecutive seasons in which he did so.[61] The Lakers through the season 61–21, first in illustriousness Pacific Division,[62] and were the beyond seed in the western conference around the 1998 NBA Playoffs. After defeating the Portland Trail Blazers and Metropolis SuperSonics in the first two circumstances, the Lakers again fell to primacy Jazz, this time in a 4–0 sweep.[63]
With the tandem of O'Neal status teenage superstar Kobe Bryant, expectations embody the Lakers increased; however, personnel swings were a source of instability fabric the 1998–99 season. Long-time Laker adjust guard Nick Van Exel was traded to the Denver Nuggets;[64] his pester backcourt partner Eddie Jones was tie together with back-up center Elden Campbell in line for Glen Rice to satisfy a wish by O'Neal for a shooter.[65] Instructor Del Harris was fired,[66] and stool pigeon Lakers forward Kurt Rambis finished illustriousness season as head coach.[67] The Lakers finished with a 31–19 record midst the lockout-shortened season. Although they energetic the playoffs, they were swept descendant the San Antonio Spurs, led get by without Tim Duncan and David Robinson organize the second round of the Make love to Conference playoffs.[68] The Spurs would bite on to win their first NBA title in 1999.
In 1999, prior to glory 1999–2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head carriage, and the team's fortunes soon denaturised. Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal, telling him "the [NBA's] MVP trophy should rectify named after him when he retired."[69]
In a November 10, 1999, game be drawn against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and River Barkley were ejected. After O'Neal impassable a layup by Barkley, O'Neal help Barkley, who then threw the abrupt at O'Neal.[70] On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored smart career-high 61 points to go down with 23 rebounds and 3 assists in a 123–103 win over rendering Los Angeles Clippers.[71] O'Neal's 61-point effort was the last game in NBA history that a player scored 60 or more points without hitting splendid 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers tune December 13, 2023.[72]
O'Neal was also favorite the 1999–2000 regular seasonMost Valuable Thespian, one vote short of becoming blue blood the gentry first unanimous MVP in NBA account. Fred Hickman, then of CNN, in place of chose Allen Iverson, then of rendering Philadelphia 76ers, who went on nearby win MVP the next season. O'Neal also won the scoring title make your mind up finishing second in rebounds and position in blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in a newfound commitment by O'Neal to defense, resulting in his supreme All-Defensive Team selection (second-team) in 2000.[73]
In the 2001 NBA Finals against representation 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Diversion 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo, say publicly 2000–2001 Defensive Player of the Generation. "I didn't think the best defending player in the game would cast doubt on flopping like that. It's a ill repute that the referees buy into that", O'Neal said. "I wish he'd pose up and play me like far-out man instead of flopping and tears every time I back him down.[74]
A month before the 2001–02 season's training affected, O'Neal had corrective surgery for capital claw toe deformity in the least toe of his left foot.[75] Recognized opted against a more involved medicine to return quicker.[76] He was capital for the start of the 2001–02 regular season, but the toe oftentimes bothered him.[75]
In January 2002, he was involved in a spectacular on-court disagree in a game against the Metropolis Bulls. He punched center Brad Playwright after an intentional foul to prohibit a basket, resulting in a skirmish with Miller, forward Charles Oakley, present-day several other players.[77] O'Neal was flapping for three games without pay queue fined $15,000.[78] For the season, O'Neal averaged 27.2 points and 10.7 rebounds, excellent statistics but below his activity average; he was less of neat as a pin defensive force during the season.[75]
Matched lay out against the Sacramento Kings in nobility 2002 Western Conference finals, O'Neal articulated, "There is only one way statement of intent beat us. It starts with apophthegm and ends with t." O'Neal intentional "cheat" in reference to the described flopping of Kings' center Vlade Divac. O'Neal referred to Divac as "she", and said he would never overdraw contact to draw a foul. "I'm a guy with no talent who has gotten this way with clear work."[79] After the 2001–2002 season, O'Neal told friends that he did not quite want another season of limping abstruse being in virtually constant pain take from his big right toe[citation needed]. Realm trademark mobility and explosion had antiquated often absent. The corrective options congealed from reconstructive surgery on the cleft to rehabilitation exercises with more into the bargain inserts and anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was already wary of the long-term devastation his frequent consumption of these medications might have. He did not hope for to rush a decision with king career potentially at risk.[75]
Using Jackson's polygon offense, O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed enormous success, leading the Lakers to combine consecutive titles (2000, 2001, and 2002).[80] O'Neal was named MVP of rectitude NBA Finals all three times[81] meticulous had the highest scoring average sale a center in NBA Finals history.[82]
O'Neal missed description first 12 games of the 2002–03 season recovering from toe surgery.[83] Proceed was sidelined with hallux rigidus, systematic degenerative arthritis in his toe.[84] Smartness waited the whole summer until legacy before training camp for the process and explained, "I got hurt dead on company time, so I'll heal spend company time."[85] O'Neal debated whether do as you are told have a more invasive surgery delay would have kept him out uncorrupted additional three months, but he opted against the more involved procedure.[84] Distinction Lakers started the season with first-class record of 11–19.[86] At the detail of the season, the Lakers esoteric fallen to the fifth seed captain failed to reach the Finals disintegrate 2003.[86]
For the 2003–04 season, the gang made a concerted off-season effort single out for punishment improve its roster. They sought significance free-agent services of two aging stars—forward Karl Malone and guard Gary Payton—but due to salary cap restrictions, could not offer either player nearly hoot much money as he could put on made with some other teams. O'Neal assisted in the recruitment efforts abstruse personally persuaded both men to differentiation the squad, each forgoing larger salaries in favor of a chance spotlight win an NBA championship.[87] At birth beginning of the 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted a contract extension with unadorned pay raise on his remaining triad years for $30 million. The Lakers difficult hoped O'Neal would take less extremely poor due to his age, physical inurement, and games missed due to injuries. During a preseason game, O'Neal difficult to understand yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Salute, "Pay me."[88] There had been continuing tension between O'Neal and Bryant. Ethics feud climaxed during training camp old to the 2003–2004 season when Bryant, in an interview with ESPN journo Jim Gray, criticized O'Neal for produce out of shape, a poor superior, and putting his salary demands have over the best interest of the team.[89]
The Lakers made the playoffs in 2004 and lost to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter said, "Shaq defeated himself against Detroit. He la-di-da orlah-di-dah way too passively. He had defer big game ... He's always affected in being a scorer, but good taste hasn't had nearly enough concentration exactly defense and rebounding".[90] After the stack, O'Neal was angered by comments uncomplicated by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak regarding O'Neal's future with the club,[91] as well as by the exit of Lakers coach Phil Jackson enthral the request of Buss.[92] O'Neal through comments indicating that he felt glory team's decisions were centered on dexterous desire to appease Bryant to significance exclusion of all other concerns, person in charge O'Neal promptly demanded a trade.[93] Kupchak wanted the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki in return but Mavericks owner Location Cuban refused to let his 7-footer go. However, Miami showed interest rafter O'Neal, and eventually the two clubs agreed on a trade.[94] Winter spoken, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't acquire what he wanted—a huge pay recruit. There was no way ownership could give him what he wanted. Shaq's demands held the franchise hostage, status the way he went about toy with didn't please the owner too much."[95]
On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to righteousness Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a coming first-round draft choice (the Lakers ragged the draft choice to select River Farmar in the 2006 draft). O'Neal reverted from (his Lakers jersey) figure 34 to number 32, which unwind had worn while playing for birth Magic. Upon signing with the Warmth, O'Neal promised the fans that crystal-clear would bring a championship to City. He claimed one of the essential reasons for wanting to be traded to Miami was because of their up-and-coming star Dwyane Wade, to whom he gave the nickname "Flash". Mess about with O'Neal on board, the new-look Torridness surpassed expectations, claiming the best make a notation of in the Eastern Conference in 2004–05 with 59 wins. He played in bad taste 73 games, his most since 2001 season, averaged 22.9 points a enterprise along with 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. O'Neal made his 12th uninterrupted All-Star Team, made the All-NBA Ordinal Team, and won the Eastern Seminar Player of the Month award make his performance in March. O'Neal extremely narrowly lost the 2004–05MVP Award come to an end Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash mediate one of the closest votes show NBA history.[96]
Despite being hobbled by well-ordered deep thigh bruise, O'Neal led rendering Heat to the Eastern Conference finals and a game 7 against distinction defending champion Detroit Pistons, losing coarse a narrow margin. Afterwards, O'Neal elitist others criticized Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy for not calling inadequate plays for O'Neal.[97] In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year-extension with blue blood the gentry Heat for $100 million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted render a pay cut and the Heat's decision to secure O'Neal's services present the long term. They contended think about it O'Neal was worth more than $20 million per year, particularly given that contributory players earned almost the same amount.[98]
In the second game honor the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured cap right ankle and subsequently missed primacy following 18 games. Upon O'Neal's answer, Van Gundy resigned, citing family reason, and Pat Riley assumed head professor responsibilities.[85] O'Neal later referred to Machine Gundy as a "frontrunner" and put in order "master of panic."[99] Many critics so-called that Heat coach Riley correctly managed O'Neal during the rest of loftiness season, limiting his minutes to great career low. Riley felt doing fair would allow O'Neal to be ameliorate and fresher come playoff time. Even supposing O'Neal averaged career lows (or near-lows) in points, rebounds, and blocks, let go said in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care about winning, wail stats. If I score 0 record and we win I'm happy. Postulate I score 50, 60 points, become public the records, and we lose, I'm pissed off. 'Cause I knew Uncontrollable did something wrong. I'll have spruce up hell of a season if Wild win the championship and average 20 points a game."[100] During the 2005–06 season, the Heat recorded only straighten up .500 record without O'Neal in rectitude line-up.[101]
On April 11, 2006, O'Neal authentic his second career triple-double against rank Toronto Raptors with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists.[102] O'Neal finished the 2005–06 season since the league leader in field target percentage.[102] In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Heat first faced the secondary Chicago Bulls, and O'Neal delivered far-out dominating 27 point, 16 rebound have a word with 5 blocks performance in game 1 followed by a 22-point effort complicated game 2 to help Miami reduce a 2–0 lead in the stack. Chicago would respond with two advantageous performances at home to tie leadership series, but Miami would respond to one side back with a victory at caress in game 5. Miami returned join Chicago and closed out the focus in the 6th game, highlighted hard another dominating performance by O'Neal who finished with 30 points and 20 rebounds. Miami advanced to face Newfound Jersey, who won a surprising effort 1 victory before the Heat won four straight to assure a play again with Detroit. The Pistons had thumb answer for Wade throughout the escort, while O'Neal delivered 21 points splendid 12 rebounds in game 3 followed by 27 points and 12 planks in game 4 to help Algonquian take a 3–1 series lead. Nobleness Pistons would win game 5 budget Detroit, and Wade would once homecoming get injured, but the Heat kept on to win game 6 go one better than O'Neal scoring 28 points with 16 rebounds and 5 blocks to succour Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.[103]
In the Finals, the Heat were underdogs against the Dallas Mavericks led uncongenial Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavericks won the first two games at house in dominating fashion. The Heat to one side by Wade and a balanced provoke by O'Neal, Antoine Walker and Jason Williams would go on to add all three of the next felicity at home, before closing out leadership series in Dallas to deliver illustriousness first NBA title for the business and O'Neal's fourth title. With Ford carrying the offensive load, O'Neal frank not need to have a high series, and finished with an customary of 13.7 points and 10.2 rebounds for the series.[103]
In the 2006–07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games after an injury to rule left knee in November required surgery.[104][105] After one of those missed conviviality, a Christmas Day match-up against probity Lakers, he ripped Jackson, who O'Neal had once called a second paterfamilias, referring to his former coach bit "Benedict Arnold". Jackson had previously articulated, "The only person I've ever [coached] that hasn't been a worker... psychoanalysis probably Shaq."[106] The Heat struggled all along O'Neal's absence,[107] but with his reappear won seven of their next enormous games. Bad luck still haunted rank squad, however, as Wade dislocated consummate left shoulder, leaving O'Neal as say publicly focus of the team.[107] Critics questioned that O'Neal, now in his mid-30s, could carry the team into interpretation playoffs.[108] The Heat went on span winning streak that kept them increase by two the race for a playoff blemish, which they finally secured against description Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5.[107]
In top-notch rematch of the previous year, decency Heat faced the Bulls in decency first round of the 2006–07 NBA playoffs. The Heat struggled against rendering Bulls and although O'Neal put resolve reasonable numbers, he was not in the opposite direction to dominate the series. The Cows swept the Heat, the first hold your fire in 50 years a defending NBA victor was swept in the opening round.[109] It was the first time worry 13 years that O'Neal did grizzle demand advance into the second round. Deal the 2006–07 season O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th contestant in NBA history to accomplish range milestone. However, it was the regulate season in O'Neal's career that her majesty scoring average dropped below 20 points make a fuss of game.[10]
O'Neal not easy a rough start for the 2007–08 season, averaging career lows in in sequence, rebounds, and blocks. His role set up the offense diminished, as he attempted only 10 field goals per affair, versus his career average of 17. In addition, O'Neal was plagued preschooler fouls, and during one stretch dull out of five consecutive games. O'Neal's streak of 14 straight All-Star motions ended that season.[10] O'Neal again let pass games due to injuries, and nobleness Heat had a 15–game losing streak.[110] According to O'Neal, Riley thought no problem was faking the injury.[111] During capital practice in February 2008, O'Neal got into an altercation with Riley meet the coach ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice. The brace argued face-to-face, with O'Neal poking Poet in the chest and Riley corporal punishment his finger away. Riley soon name decided to trade O'Neal.[112] O'Neal spoken his relationship with Wade was call for "all that good" by the at an earlier time he left Miami, but he upfront not express disappointment at Wade inform failing to stand up for him.[113]
O'Neal played 33 games for the Algonquin Heat in the 2007–08 season one-time to being traded to the Constellation Suns. O'Neal started all 33 party and averaged 14.2 points per sport. Following the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while starting disturbance 28 games with the Suns.
The Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal in February 2008 from the league-worst Miami Heat, who had a note at the time of the establishment of 9–37, in exchange for Dancer Marion and Marcus Banks.[114] O'Neal complete his Suns debut on February 20, 2008, against his former Lakers body, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the process. The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was upbeat interject a post-game press conference, stating: "I will take the blame for that loss because I wasn't in bend with the guys [...] But bring forth me four or five days achieve really get in tune and I'll get it."[115]
In 28 regular season desirouss, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds,[116] good enough to make interpretation playoffs. One of the reasons request the trade was to limit Tim Duncan in the event of orderly postseason matchup between the Suns explode the San Antonio Spurs, especially abaft the Suns' six-game elimination by honourableness Spurs in the 2007 NBA Playoffs.[117] O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns outspoken face the Spurs in the be foremost round of the playoffs, but they were once again eliminated, in quint games. O'Neal averaged 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.[116]
O'Neal preferred his new situation with illustriousness Suns over the Heat. "I adoration playing for this coach and Rabid love playing with these guys", O'Neal said. "We have professionals who fracture what to do. No one stick to asking me to play with [his former Heat teammates] Chris Quinn capture Ricky Davis. I'm actually on far-out team again." Riley felt O'Neal was wrong for maligning his former teammates. O'Neal responded with an expletive consider Riley, whom he often referred cuddle as the "great Pat Riley" from the past playing for the Heat.[118] O'Neal credited the Suns training staff with prolonging his career.[119] They connected his rheumatic toe, which would not bend, posture the alteration of his jump stroll consequently was straining his leg. Excellence trainers had him concentrate on construction his core strength, flexibility, and balance.[120]
The 2008–09 season, improved for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, elitist 1.6 blocks through the first portion (41 games) of the season, lid the Suns to a 23–18 write and 2nd place in their division.[121] He returned to the All-Star Operation in 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, jurisdiction 49th career 40-point game, beating dignity Toronto Raptors 133–113.
In a pairing against Orlando on March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored by Magic feelings Dwight Howard, 21–19. "I'm really besides old to be trying to shell 18-year-olds", O'Neal said, referring to ethics then 23-year-old Howard. "It's not honestly my role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of the night. "I round to play people one-on-one. My complete career I had to play humanity one-on-one. Never once had to point or ask for a double. However it's cool", said O'Neal. During authority game, O'Neal flopped against Howard. Witchcraft coach Stan Van Gundy, who difficult coached O'Neal with the Heat, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like. Let's stand up attend to play like men, and I conceive our guy did that tonight."[122] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing like go off at a tangent your whole career. I was recalcitrant to take the charge, trying gap get a call. It probably was a flop, but flopping is magnanimity wrong use of words. Flopping would describe his coaching."[123]Mark Madsen, a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for three duration, found it amusing since "everyone space the league tries to flop restriction Shaq and Shaq never flops back."[124] In a 2006 interview in TIME, O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a chap have to beat a guy—not shut down and get calls and be amicable to the referees and kiss ass."[125]
On March 6, O'Neal talked about excellence upcoming game against the Rockets spreadsheet Yao Ming. "It's not going seat be man-on-man, so don't even state that," says O'Neal with an at a loss laugh. "They're going to double courier triple me like everybody else ... I rarely get to play [Yao] one-on-one ... But when I chuck him (on defense), it's just depressing to be me down there. Thus don't try to make it graceful Yao versus Shaq thing, when it's Shaq versus four other guys."[126]
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was also the be foremost time since O'Neal's rookie season call in 1992–93 that he did not enter into in the playoffs. He was person's name as a member of the All-NBA Third Team. The Suns notified O'Neal he might be traded to easy costs.[127]
On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Metropolis Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round first attempt pick.[128] Upon arriving in Cleveland, O'Neal said, "My motto is very simple: Win a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.[129] James was the leader of the team, roost O'Neal deferred to him.[130] On Feb 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a one-party right thumb injury while attempting constitute go up for a shot intrude upon Glen Davis of the Boston Celtics.[131] He had surgery on the inept on March 1 and returned limit play in time for the have control over round of the playoffs.[132]
After defeating class Chicago Bulls in the first construction, the Cavaliers went on to rinse out to the Boston Celtics in position second round. In September 2016, O'Neal said: "When I was in Metropolis, we were in first place. Billowing Baby [Glen Davis] breaks my take up and I had to sit culminate five weeks late in the twelvemonth. I come back finally in say publicly first round of the playoffs, put forward we lost to Boston in integrity second round. I was upset. Uncontrolled know for a fact if Frantic was healthy, we would have gotten it done that year and won a ring."[133] O'Neal averaged career lows in almost every major statistical school group during the 2009–10 season, largely unpaid to splitting Center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Upon hearing Bryant comment that he had more rings than O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck, principal proprietress of the Boston Celtics, saw be over opportunity to acquire O'Neal.[134] Celtics lecturer Doc Rivers agreed to the symptom on the condition that O'Neal would not receive preferential treatment, nor could he cause any locker room insist upon like in Los Angeles or Miami.[135] On August 4, 2010, the Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal.[136] The contract was for two time at the veteran minimum salary intend a total contract value of $2.8 million.[137] O'Neal wanted the larger mid-level omission contract, but the Celtics chose on the other hand to give it to Jermaine O'Neal.[138] The Atlanta Hawks and the Metropolis Mavericks also expressed interest but difficult stalled on O'Neal's salary demands.[139][140] Flair was introduced by the Celtics lower August 10, 2010, and chose goodness number 36.[141]
O'Neal said he did "compete with little guys who legal action around dominating the ball, throwing director 30 shots a night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal added that he was one and only competing against Duncan: "If Tim Dancer gets five rings, then that gives some writer the chance to make light of 'Duncan is the best,' and Hysterical can't have that."[142] Publicly, he insisted he did not care whether significant started or substituted for the Celtics, but expected to be part remaining the second unit.[142] Privately, he hot to start, but kept it pin down himself.[143] O'Neal missed games throughout honesty season due to an assortment assess ailments to his right leg[144] with knee,[145] calf,[146] hip,[147] and Achilles injuries.[148] The Celtics traded away center Kendrick Perkins in February partially due chitchat the expectation that O'Neal would go back to fill Perkins' role. The Celtics were 33–10 in games Perkins abstruse missed during the year due tell off injury,[144] and they were 19–3 enhance games that O'Neal played over 20 minutes.[149] After requesting a cortisone shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after missing 27 games due to his Achilles; he studied only five minutes due to tidy strained right calf.[144][150] It was blue blood the gentry last regular season game he would play that year.[151] O'Neal missed class first round of the 2011 playoffs. He insisted on more cortisone shots and returned in the second in attendance, but he was limited to 12 minutes in two games as the Warmth eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs.[152][153]
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced sovereignty retirement via social media.[154][155] On natty short video on Twitter, O'Neal tweeted, "We did it. Nineteen years, child. I want to thank you announcement much. That's why I'm telling on your toes first. I'm about to retire. Prize you. Talk to you soon." Opportunity June 3, 2011, O'Neal held practised press conference at his home misrepresent Orlando to officially announce his retirement.[156]
While in college, O'Neal was considered for the Dream Team slate fill the college spot, but hammer eventually went to future teammate Christly Laettner.[157] His national team career began in the 1994 FIBA World Benefaction in which he was named Participant of the Tournament. While he forced the Dream Team II to interpretation gold medal with an 8–0 take pictures of, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds and recorded two double-doubles. Advance four games, he scored more stun 20 points. Before 2010, he was the last active American player nominate have a gold from the FIBA World Cup.
He was one firm footing two players (the other being Reggie Miller) from the 1994 roster convey be also named to the Verve Team III. Due to more star-power, he rotated with Hakeem Olajuwon put up with David Robinson and started 3 joyfulness. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds with 8 total blocks. Turn back, a perfect 8–0 record landed him another gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. O'Neal was grief-stricken that coach Lenny Wilkens played Histrion more minutes in the final game; Wilkens previously explained to O'Neal renounce it would probably be Robinson's ultimate Olympics.[158]
After his 1996 experience, he declined to play in international competition. Take steps was angered by being overlooked target the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup squad, adage it was a "lack of respect".[159] He forwent an opportunity to partake in the 2000 Olympics, explaining mosey two gold medals were enough.[160] O'Neal also chose not to play domestic the 2002 FIBA World Championship.[161] Fiasco rejected an offer to play expose the 2004 Olympics,[162] and although sharp-tasting was initially interested in being christian name for 2006–2008 US preliminary roster,[163] do something eventually declined the invitation.[164]
O'Neal ingrained himself as an overpowering low advise presence, putting up career averages reproduce 23.7 points on .582 field purpose accuracy, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 330 lb (150 kg)[165] and U.S. shoe external 23,[83] he became famous for circlet physical stature. His physical frame gave him a power advantage over principal opponents. On two occasions during circlet first season in the NBA, top powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports, prompting the league to promote the brace strength and stability catch the fancy of the backboards for the following 1993–94 season.[166]
O'Neal's "drop step", (called the "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) in which elegance posted up a defender, turned all over and, using his elbows for jail, powered past him for a notice high-percentage slam dunk, proved an tumult offensive weapon. In addition, O'Neal often used a right-handed jump hook buckshot to score near the basket. Significance ability to dunk contributed to circlet career field goal accuracy of .582, second only to Artis Gilmore owing to the highest field goal percentage get on to all time.[167] He led the NBA in field goal percentage 10 nowadays, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record of nine.[83]
Opposing teams often used up many fouls on O'Neal, reducing the playing crux of their own big men. O'Neal's imposing physical presence inside the coating caused dramatic changes in many teams' offensive and defensive strategies.[168]
O'Neal's primary retreat was his free throw shooting, industrial action a career average of 52.7%. Be active once missed all 11 of free throw attempts in a affair against the Seattle SuperSonics on Dec 8, 2000, a record.[169] O'Neal believes his free throw woes were well-ordered mental issue, as he often attempt 80 percent in practice.[170] In hope for of exploiting O'Neal's poor foul piercing, opponents often committed intentional fouls wreck him, a tactic known as "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 take to and including the 2010–11 occasion. On December 25, 2008, O'Neal miss his 5,000th free throw, becoming nobleness second player in NBA history expire do so, along with Chamberlain.[172]
O'Neal single made one three-point shot during climax entire career. He made the alter during the 1995–96 NBA season work stoppage the Orlando Magic. His career three-point-shot record is 1 for 22 (a 4.5% career percentage).
O'Neal was exceptional capable defender, named three times achieve the All-NBA Second Defensive Team. Her majesty presence intimidated opposing players shooting away the basket, and he averaged 2.3 blocked shots per game over representation course of his career.[173]
Phil Jackson held O'Neal underachieved in his career, proverb he "could and should have antediluvian the MVP player for 10 succeeding seasons."[174] In 2022, to commemorate glory NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic hierarchal their top 75 players of gifted time, and named O'Neal as prestige 8th greatest player in NBA history.