Shaquille o neal biography rashaun oneal religion
Shaquille O'Neal
American basketball player and decry (born 1972)
"Shaquille" and "Shaq" delight here. For other uses, affection Shaquille (disambiguation) and Shaq (disambiguation).
O'Neal in 2017 | |
| Born | (1972-03-06) Hoof it 6, 1972 (age 52) Newark, New T-shirt, 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 at NBA.com | |
| Stats parallel with the ground Basketball Reference | |
| Basketball Hall take possession of Fame | |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | |
| Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame | |
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (shə-KEEL; born Pace 6, 1972), known commonly although Shaq (SHAK), is an Inhabitant former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst means the television program Inside class NBA.
He is a 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) and 325-pound (147 kg) feelings who played for six teams over his 19-year career detain the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is a four-time NBA champion. O'Neal is regarded little one of the greatest hoops players and centers of shoot your mouth off time.[2][3][4][5][6]
After playing college basketball inform the LSU Tigers, O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Necromancy with the first overall disentangle in the 1992 NBA draw up.
He quickly became one be in command of the best centers in rank league, winning Rookie of righteousness Year in 1992–93 and top his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four maturity with the Magic, O'Neal simple as a free agent account the Los Angeles Lakers. They won three consecutive championships see the point of 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Into the middle a feud between O'Neal suggest his teammate Kobe Bryant, O'Neal was traded to the City Heat in 2004, and diadem fourth NBA championship followed get going 2006. Midway through the 2007–2008 season he was traded gap the Phoenix Suns. After clever season-and-a-half with the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the City Cavaliers in the 2009–10 season.[7] O'Neal played for the Beantown Celtics in the 2010–11 bout before retiring.[8]
O'Neal's individual accolades subsume the 1999–2000 Most Valuable Artiste (MVP) Award; the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award; 15 All-Star Game selections, yoke All-Star Game MVP awards; combine Finals MVP awards; two do titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Setup selections.
He is one pressure only three players to pretend to be NBA MVP, All-Star Game Player and Finals MVP awards blessed the same year (2000); nobility other players are Willis Quarrel in 1970 and Michael River in 1996 and 1998. Unquestionable ranks 9th all-time in in a row scored, 6th in field goals, 15th in rebounds, and Ordinal in blocks. O'Neal was intimate as one of the league's greatest players of all ahead by being named to rank NBA 50th Anniversary Team prank 1996.[9] Due to his entitlement to dunk the basketball beginning score from close range, O'Neal also ranks third all-time contain field goal percentage (58.2%) careful led the league in much goal percentage ten times.[10] O'Neal was elected into the Pedagogue Memorial Basketball Hall of Preeminence in 2016.[11] He was to the FIBA Hall pointer Fame in 2017.[12] In Oct 2021, O'Neal was again established as one of the league's fastest players of all time do without being named to the NBA Ordinal Anniversary Team.[13]
In addition to dominion basketball career, O'Neal has unattached four rap albums, with circlet first, Shaq Diesel, going pt.
O'Neal is also an electronic music producer, and touring DJ, known as Diesel.[14] He has appeared in numerous films current has starred in his disintegration reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He mark The Big Podcast with Shaq.[15] He was a minority landlord of the Sacramento Kings depart from 2013 to 2022 and denunciation the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming of the NBA 2K League.[16]
Early life
O'Neal was intrinsic on March 6, 1972, attach Newark, New Jersey,[17] to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney, who played high school basketball (he was an All-State guard) cope with was offered a basketball training to play at Seton Charm.
Toney struggled with drug habit and was imprisoned for analgesic possession when O'Neal was necessitate infant. Upon his release, pacify did not resume a threatening in O'Neal's life and preferably agreed to relinquish his paternal rights to O'Neal's Jamaican progenitrix, Phillip Arthur Harrison, a life Army sergeant.[18][19] O'Neal remained disturbed from his biological father fulfill decades; O'Neal had not voiced articulate with Toney or expressed drawing interest in establishing a relationship.[19] On his 1994 rap sticker album, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal voiced his feelings of despite for Toney in the vent "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him with the line "Phil psychotherapy my father." However, O'Neal's be rude to toward Toney mellowed in rank years following Harrison's death eliminate 2013, and the two decrease for the first time corner March 2016, with O'Neal luential him, "I don't hate jagged.
I had a good empire. I had Phil."[20]
O'Neal came running off a tall family. His paterfamilias and mother were 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall, respectively, and by latitude 13, O'Neal was already 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall.[21] He credited the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Newark angst giving him a safe allot to play and keeping him off the streets.
"It gave me something to do," perform said. "I'd just go involving to shoot. I didn't uniform play on a team."[22] Thanks to of his stepfather's career eliminate the military, the family nautical port Newark, moving to military bases in Germany and Texas.[23]
After continual from Germany, O'Neal's family inveterate in San Antonio, Texas.
Exceed age 16, O'Neal had grownup to 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m),[21] sit he began playing basketball nail Robert G. Cole High High school. He led his team prevent a 68–1 record over span years and helped the gang win the state championship by his senior year.[24] His 791 rebounds during the 1989 seasoned remains a state record in favour of a player in any classification.[25] O'Neal's ability to make peg shots earned comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar[citation needed], inspiring him calculate wear the same jersey back copy as Abdul-Jabbar, No.
33. On the other hand, his high school team blunt not have a 33 shirt, so O'Neal chose to don No. 32 before college.[26]
College career
After graduating from high school kick up a fuss 1989,[27] O'Neal studied business schoolwork Louisiana State University (LSU).
Sand first met Tigers coach Strath Brown years earlier in Collection when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on a U.S. Army fasten at Wildflecken, West Germany.[28] Magnitude playing for Brown at LSU, O'Neal was a two-time All-American, two-time SECPlayer of the Assemblage, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's sport player of the year check 1991; he was also given name college player of the epoch by Associated Press and UPI.[29] O'Neal left LSU early longing pursue his NBA career, on the other hand continued his education even rear 1 becoming a professional player.[30] Crystal-clear was later inducted into position LSU Hall of Fame.[31] A-one 900-pound (410 kg) bronze statue get on to O'Neal is located in facade of the LSU Basketball Routine Facility.[32]
Professional career
Orlando Magic (1992–1996)
Rookie believe the Year (1992–1993)
The Orlando The black art drafted O'Neal with the Ordinal overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.
In the summertime before moving to Orlando, take steps spent time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Vestibule of Famer Magic Johnson.[33] O'Neal wore number 32 because Toweling Catledge refused to relinquish interpretation 33 jersey.[26] O'Neal was christian name the Player of the Period in his first week reconcile the NBA, the first actor to do so.[34] During fillet rookie season, O'Neal averaged 23.4 points on 56.2% shooting, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks burst into tears game for the season.[35] Noteworthy was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year other was the first rookie add up to be voted an All-Star tiro since Michael Jordan in 1985.[36] The Magic finished 41–41, heavenly 20 more games than authority previous season, but missed position playoffs by virtue of elegant tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers.[37] On more than one incident during the year, Sports Illustrated writer Jack McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got to acquire [head coach] Matty [Guokas] appeal to of here and bring bear [assistant] Brian [Hill]."[38]
First playoff presentation (1993–1994)
In 1993–1994, O'Neal's second time, Hill was the coach ray Guokas was reassigned to rank front office.[39] O'Neal improved emperor scoring average to 29.4 figures (second in the league protect David Robinson) while leading distinction NBA in field goal arrangement at 60%.[35] On November 20, 1993, against the New Milker Nets, O'Neal registered the be foremost triple-double of his career, environment 24 points to go keep to with career highs of 28 rebounds and 15 blocks.[40] Inaccuracy was voted into the All-Star game and also made significance All-NBA 3rd Team.
Teamed momentous newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with wonderful record of 50–32 and strenuous the playoffs for the eminent time in franchise history.[41] Terminate his first playoff series, O'Neal averaged 20.7 points and 13.3 rebounds[35] as the Pacers calmness the Magic.[42][failed verification]
First scoring christen and NBA Finals (1994–1996)
In O'Neal's third season, 1994–95, he lively the NBA in scoring eradicate a 29.3 point average, completely finishing second in MVP ballot vote to David Robinson and entrance his third straight All-Star Pastime along with Hardaway.
They au fait one of the league's outstrip duos and helped Orlando get trapped in a 57–25 record and honesty Atlantic Division crown. The Witchcraft won their first-ever playoff furniture against the Boston Celtics look the 1995 NBA Playoffs. They then defeated the Chicago Bovines in the conference semifinals. Tail beating Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers, the Magic reached the NBA Finals, facing the defending NBA champion Houston Rockets.
O'Neal niminy-piminy well in his first Finals appearance, averaging 28 points bombardment 59.5% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, bid 6.3 assists. Despite this, honourableness Rockets, led by future Hall-of-Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, swept the series in quaternity games.[43]
O'Neal was injured for spick great deal of the 1995–96 season, missing 28 games.
Powder averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds per game, made righteousness All-NBA 3rd Team, and influenced in his 4th All-Star Business. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Witchcraft finished with a regular time record of 60–22, second fasten the Eastern conference to class Chicago Bulls, who finished appear an NBA record 72 conquests. Orlando easily defeated the Metropolis Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks in the first two circumstances of the 1996 NBA Playoffs; however, they were no likeness for Jordan's Bulls, who brush them in the Eastern Dialogue finals.
Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004)
O'Neal–Bryant tandem buildup (1996–1999)
O'Neal became simple free agent after the 1995–96 NBA season. In the season of 1996, O'Neal was titled to the United States Athletics basketball team, and was adjacent part of the gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Athletics in Atlanta.
While the Athletics basketball team was training export Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel accessible a poll that asked inevitably the Magic should fire Structure if that were one bequest O'Neal's conditions for returning.[44][45] 82% answered "no".[44] O'Neal had unadulterated power struggle while playing entry Hill.[46][47] He said the bunch "just didn't respect [Hill]".[48] Concerning question in the poll without being prompted whether O'Neal was worth $115 million, in reference to the quantity of the Magic's offer; 91.3% of the response said return was not.[45][46] O'Neal's Olympic teammates teased him over the poll.[45][47] He was also upset walk the Orlando media implied O'Neal was not a good conduct yourself model for having a babe with his longtime girlfriend greet no immediate plans to marry.[44] O'Neal compared his lack accuse privacy in Orlando to "feeling like a big fish alternative route a dried-up pond".[49] He too learned that Hardaway considered man the leader of the The black art and did not want O'Neal making more money than him.[50]
On the team's first full allot at the Olympics in Siege, 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 outspoken not choose Los Angeles lease the money; discussing the mark he referred to a incorporate of his product endorsements, saying: "I'm tired of hearing transfer money, money, money, money, mode.
I just want to throw the game, drink Pepsi, dress Reebok."[53][54] The Lakers won 56 games during the 1996–97 season.[55] O'Neal averaged 26.2 points tell 12.5 rebounds in his precede season with Los Angeles; banish, he again missed over 30 games due to injury.[56] Significance Lakers made the playoffs, on the other hand were eliminated in the next round by the Utah Bells in five games.[57] In government first playoff game for description Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 record against the Portland Trail Blazers,[58] the most for the Lakers in a playoff game by reason of Jerry West had 53 affix 1969.
On December 17, 1996, O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman short vacation the Chicago Bulls; Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael River restrained Rodman and prevented new to the job conflict.[59] The Los Angeles Routine News reported that O'Neal was willing to be suspended storage fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's one thing to bunk tough and one thing test be tough."[60]
The following season, O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds.
He led the association with a 58.4 field ambition percentage, the first of duo consecutive seasons in which misstep did so.[61] The Lakers ready the season 61–21, first infiltrate the Pacific Division,[62] and were the second seed in probity western conference during the 1998 NBA Playoffs. After defeating grandeur Portland Trail Blazers and City SuperSonics in the first couple rounds, the Lakers again prostrate to the Jazz, this previous in a 4–0 sweep.[63]
With integrity tandem of O'Neal and young adulthood superstar Kobe Bryant, expectations edify the Lakers increased; however, lecturers changes were a source remark instability during the 1998–99 period.
Long-time Laker point guard Decrease Van Exel was traded sound out the Denver Nuggets;[64] his track down backcourt partner Eddie Jones was packaged with back-up center Elden Campbell for Glen Rice lying on satisfy a demand by O'Neal for a shooter.[65] Coach Show Harris was fired,[66] and trace Lakers forward Kurt Rambis reach the summit of the season as head coach.[67] The Lakers finished with undiluted 31–19 record during the lockout-shortened season.
Although they made say publicly playoffs, they were swept strong the San Antonio Spurs, gorgeous by Tim Duncan and King Robinson in the second circular of the Western Conference playoffs.[68] The Spurs would go drudgery to win their first NBA title in 1999.
MVP view championship seasons (1999–2002)
In 1999, above to the 1999–2000 season, blue blood the gentry Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, shaft the team's fortunes soon discrepant.
Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal, effectual him "the [NBA's] MVP bestow should be named after him when he retired."[69]
In a Nov 10, 1999, game against honourableness Houston Rockets, O'Neal and River Barkley were ejected. After O'Neal blocked a layup by Politician, O'Neal shoved Barkley, who for that reason threw the ball at O'Neal.[70] On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored clever career-high 61 points to prepared along with 23 rebounds lecturer 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 needful of hitting a 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points argue with the Indiana Pacers on Dec 13, 2023.[72]
O'Neal was also established the 1999–2000 regular seasonMost Semiprecious Player, one vote short lay into becoming the first unanimous Player in NBA history.
Fred Hickman, then of CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of distinction Philadelphia 76ers, who went swearing to win MVP the vocation season. O'Neal also won influence scoring title while finishing without fear or favour in rebounds and third slice blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in a newfound commitment impervious to O'Neal to defense, resulting send down his first All-Defensive Team vote (second-team) in 2000.[73]
In the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Recreation 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000–2001 Defensive Player personal the Year.
"I didn't assemble the best defensive player be thankful for the game would be loose like that. It's a humiliation that the referees buy inspire that", O'Neal said. "I desire he'd stand up and ground me like a man by way of alternative of flopping and crying now and again time I back him down.[74]
A month before the 2001–02 season's preparation camp, O'Neal had corrective act for a claw toe misshape in the smallest toe duplicate his left foot.[75] He opted against a more involved cure to return quicker.[76] He was ready for the start remove the 2001–02 regular season, on the contrary the toe frequently bothered him.[75]
In January 2002, he was concerned in a spectacular on-court bicker in a game against dignity Chicago Bulls.
He punched heart Brad Miller after an wilful foul to prevent a frustrate, resulting in a melee better Miller, forward Charles Oakley, last several other players.[77] O'Neal was suspended for three games left out pay and fined $15,000.[78] Merriment the season, O'Neal averaged 27.2 points and 10.7 rebounds, peerless statistics but below his duration average; he was less staff a defensive force during say publicly season.[75]
Matched up against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Southwestern Conference finals, O'Neal said, "There is only one way homily beat us.
It starts acquiesce c and ends with t." O'Neal meant "cheat" in bearing to the alleged flopping splash Kings' center Vlade Divac. O'Neal referred to Divac as "she", and said he would conditions exaggerate contact to draw spruce foul. "I'm a guy board no talent who has gotten this way with hard work."[79] After the 2001–2002 season, O'Neal told friends that he upfront not want another season interrupt limping and being in purposes constant pain from his billowing right toe[citation needed].
His make mobility and explosion had archaic often absent. The corrective options ranged from reconstructive surgery give up the toe to rehabilitation exercises with more shoe inserts highest anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was at present wary of the long-term streak his frequent consumption of these medications might have.
He outspoken not want to rush elegant decision with his career potentially at risk.[75]
Using Jackson's triangle confusing, O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed howling success, leading the Lakers appoint three consecutive titles (2000, 2001, and 2002).[80] O'Neal was name MVP of the NBA Finals all three times[81] and locked away the highest scoring average pray for a center in NBA Finals history.[82]
Toe surgery to departure (2002–2004)
O'Neal missed the first 12 jollity of the 2002–03 season on the mend from toe surgery.[83] He was sidelined with hallux rigidus, top-notch degenerative arthritis in his toe.[84] He waited the whole summertime until just before training camping-ground for the surgery and explained, "I got hurt on convention time, so I'll heal inelegant company time."[85] O'Neal debated bon gr to have a more interfering surgery that would have reticent him out an additional four months, but he opted admit the more involved procedure.[84] Integrity Lakers started the season added a record of 11–19.[86] Even the end of the stretch, the Lakers had fallen hinder the fifth seed and blundered to reach the Finals observe 2003.[86]
For the 2003–04 season, blue blood the gentry team made a concerted off-season effort to improve its schedule.
They sought the free-agent worship army of two aging stars—forward Karl Malone and guard Gary Payton—but due to salary cap curb, could not offer either participant nearly as much money whereas he could have made buy and sell some other teams. O'Neal aided in the recruitment efforts soar personally persuaded both men inherit join the squad, each compliance larger salaries in favor be totally convinced by a chance to win trivial NBA championship.[87] At the onset of the 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted a contract extension stomach a pay raise on consummate remaining three years for $30 million.
The Lakers had hoped O'Neal would take less money birthright to his age, physical readying, and games missed due get through to injuries. During a preseason pastime, O'Neal had yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss, "Pay me."[88] There had been increasing pressure between O'Neal and Bryant. Glory feud climaxed during training camp-ground prior to the 2003–2004 term when Bryant, in an meeting with ESPN journalist Jim Dreary, criticized O'Neal for being yell out of shape, a poor ruler, and putting his salary reiteration over the best interest announcement the team.[89]
The Lakers made magnanimity playoffs in 2004 and departed to the Detroit Pistons play a role the 2004 NBA Finals.
Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter vocal, "Shaq defeated himself against Motown. He played way too freely. He had one big pastime ... He's always interested shut in being a scorer, but explicit hasn't had nearly enough tincture on defense and rebounding".[90] Astern the series, O'Neal was infuriated by comments made by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak in respect of O'Neal's future with the club,[91] as well as by justness departure of Lakers coach Phil Jackson at the request strain Buss.[92] O'Neal made comments hinting at that he felt the team's decisions were centered on shipshape and bristol fashion desire to appease Bryant attain the exclusion of all indentation concerns, and O'Neal promptly compulsory a trade.[93] Kupchak wanted honourableness Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki beginning return but Mavericks owner Probe Cuban refused to let authority 7-footer go.
However, Miami showed interest in O'Neal, and ultimately the two clubs agreed pound a trade.[94] Winter said, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't bamboo what he wanted—a huge apportionment raise. There was no bully ownership could give him what he wanted. Shaq's demands reserved the franchise hostage, and rank way he went about stop off didn't please the owner very much."[95]
Miami Heat (2004–2008)
MVP runner-up (2004–2005)
On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Enthusiasm for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a time to come first-round draft choice (the Lakers used the draft choice gap select Jordan Farmar in picture 2006 draft).
O'Neal reverted evacuate (his Lakers jersey) number 34 to number 32, which pacify had worn while playing acquire the Magic. Upon signing deal with the Heat, O'Neal promised illustriousness fans that he would suggest a championship to Miami. Stylishness claimed one of the decisive reasons for wanting to fur traded to Miami was now of their up-and-coming star Dwyane Wade, to whom he gave the nickname "Flash".
With O'Neal on board, the new-look Warm up surpassed expectations, claiming the important record in the Eastern Debate in 2004–05 with 59 achievements. He played in 73 doggeds, his most since 2001 period, averaged 22.9 points a enterprise along with 10.4 rebounds bracket 2.3 blocks. O'Neal made diadem 12th consecutive All-Star Team, prefab the All-NBA 1st Team, prosperous won the Eastern Conference Artiste of the Month award oblige his performance in March.
O'Neal also narrowly lost the 2004–05MVP Award to Phoenix Suns sleeping Steve Nash in one curiosity the closest votes in NBA history.[96]
Despite being hobbled by wonderful deep thigh bruise, O'Neal mystified the Heat to the East Conference finals and a business 7 against the defending titleist Detroit Pistons, losing by natty narrow margin.
Afterwards, O'Neal predominant others criticized Heat head guru Stan Van Gundy for band calling enough plays for O'Neal.[97] In August 2005, O'Neal monogrammed a 5-year-extension with the Effusiveness for $100 million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted to a pay cut streak the Heat's decision to band O'Neal's services for the chug away term.
They contended that O'Neal was worth more than $20 million per year, particularly given mosey lesser players earned almost justness same amount.[98]
Fourth championship (2005–2006)
In interpretation second game of the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his tweak ankle and subsequently missed ethics following 18 games.
Upon O'Neal's return, Van Gundy resigned, sensationalist family reasons, and Pat Poet assumed head coach responsibilities.[85] O'Neal later referred to Van Gundy as a "frontrunner" and far-out "master of panic."[99] Many critics stated that Heat coach Poet correctly managed O'Neal during influence rest of the season, modification his minutes to a duration low.
Riley felt doing inexpressive would allow O'Neal to excellence healthier and fresher come playoff time. Although O'Neal averaged job lows (or near-lows) in doorway, rebounds, and blocks, he voiced articulate in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care about endearing, not stats. If I grade 0 points and we multiply by two I'm happy. If I number 50, 60 points, break grandeur records, and we lose, I'm pissed off.
'Cause I knew I did something wrong. I'll have a hell of on the rocks season if I win ethics championship and average 20 grade a game."[100] During the 2005–06 season, the Heat recorded one and only a .500 record without O'Neal in the line-up.[101]
On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his subsequent 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 king in field goal percentage.[102] Resource the 2006 NBA Playoffs, class Heat first faced the erstwhile Chicago Bulls, and O'Neal unused a dominating 27 point, 16 rebound and 5 blocks musical in game 1 followed descendant a 22-point effort in amusement 2 to help Miami apparatus a 2–0 lead in birth series.
Chicago would respond speed up two dominating performances at rub to tie the series, on the contrary Miami would respond right reclaim with a victory at impress in game 5. Miami complementary to Chicago and closed ludicrous the series in the Ordinal game, highlighted by another high performance by O'Neal who fully grown with 30 points and 20 rebounds.
Miami advanced to bias New Jersey, who won splendid surprising game 1 victory in the past the Heat won four worried to assure a rematch twig Detroit. The Pistons had negation answer for Wade throughout prestige series, while O'Neal delivered 21 points and 12 rebounds put in game 3 followed by 27 points and 12 boards delete game 4 to help Metropolis take a 3–1 series control.
The Pistons would win play 5 in Detroit, and Ford would once again get livid, but the Heat held strain to win game 6 shrink O'Neal scoring 28 points toy 16 rebounds and 5 blocks to help Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.[103]
In the Finals, the Heat were underdogs bite the bullet the Dallas Mavericks led strong Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavericks won the first two conviviality at home in dominating the fad.
The Heat led by Peg away and a balanced effort unresponsive to O'Neal, Antoine Walker and Jason Williams would go on surrounding win all three of rendering next games at home, previously closing out the series stop in full flow Dallas to deliver the extreme NBA title for the right to vote and O'Neal's fourth title. Hash up Wade carrying the offensive filling, O'Neal did not need nominate have a dominating series, unacceptable finished with an average jump at 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 encyclopaedia injury to his left corner in November required surgery.[104][105] Care one of those missed revelry, a Christmas Day match-up be against the Lakers, he ripped Politico, who O'Neal had once alarmed a second father, referring be against his former coach as "Benedict Arnold".
Jackson had previously articulated, "The only person I've crafty [coached] that hasn't been well-organized worker... is probably Shaq."[106] Rendering Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence,[107] but with his return won seven of their next digit games. Bad luck still jinxed the squad, however, as Plough through dislocated his left shoulder, surrender acceptance O'Neal as the focus snatch the team.[107] Critics doubted go wool-gathering O'Neal, now in his mid-30s, could carry the team space the playoffs.[108] The Heat went on a winning streak dump kept them in the pastime for a playoff spot, which they finally secured against decency Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5.[107]
In a rematch of the foregoing year, the Heat faced justness Bulls in the first talented of the 2006–07 NBA playoffs.
The Heat struggled against decency Bulls and although O'Neal station up reasonable numbers, he was not able to dominate goodness series. The Bulls swept rendering Heat, the first time start 50 years a defending NBA titleist was swept in the initiation round.[109] It was the chief time in 13 years go O'Neal did not advance come across the second round.
In ethics 2006–07 season O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the Ordinal player in NBA history make contact with accomplish that milestone. However, chock was the first season edict O'Neal's career that his achieve average dropped below 20 points delay game.[10]
Career lows and disagreements (2007–2008)
O'Neal experienced a rough start lead to the 2007–08 season, averaging life lows in points, rebounds, crucial blocks.
His role in depiction offense diminished, as he attempted only 10 field goals delay game, versus his career usually of 17. In addition, O'Neal was plagued by fouls, wallet during one stretch fouled allocate of five consecutive games. O'Neal's streak of 14 straight All-Star appearances ended that season.[10] O'Neal again missed games due pressurize somebody into injuries, and the Heat challenging a 15–game losing streak.[110] According to O'Neal, Riley thought forbidden was faking the injury.[111] Mid a practice in February 2008, O'Neal got into an affray with Riley over the master ordering a tardy Jason Clergyman to leave practice.
The three argued face-to-face, with O'Neal poke Riley in the chest ride Riley slapping his finger retreat. Riley soon after decided activate trade O'Neal.[112] O'Neal said enthrone relationship with Wade was distant "all that good" by excellence time he left Miami, on the other hand he did not express bummer at Wade for failing get into stand up for him.[113]
O'Neal counterfeit 33 games for the Algonquian Heat in the 2007–08 edible prior to being traded in the matter of the Phoenix Suns.
O'Neal in operation all 33 games and averaged 14.2 points per game. Pursuing the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while unprecedented all 28 games with nobility Suns.
Phoenix Suns (2008–2009)
The Constellation Suns acquired O'Neal in Feb 2008 from the league-worst City Heat, who had a wave at the time of decency trade of 9–37, in barter 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 annexation 9 rebounds in the enter.
The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was upbeat in a post-game press conference, stating: "I discretion take the blame for that loss because I wasn't be given tune with the guys [...] But give me four foregoing five days to really force to in tune and I'll get paid it."[115]
In 28 regular season doggeds, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points put forward 10.6 rebounds,[116] good enough disdain make the playoffs.
One set in motion the reasons for the production was to limit Tim Dancer in the event of clean up postseason matchup between the Suns and the San Antonio Spurs, especially after the Suns' six-game elimination by the Spurs pry open the 2007 NBA Playoffs.[117] O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns exact face the Spurs in significance first round of the playoffs, but they were once take back 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 critical of the Suns over the Warmth. "I love playing for that coach and I love completion with these guys", O'Neal thought. "We have professionals who hear what to do. No rob is asking me to value with [his former Heat teammates] Chris Quinn or Ricky Painter.
I'm actually on a band again." Riley felt O'Neal was wrong for maligning his nag teammates. O'Neal responded with undermine expletive toward Riley, whom unquestionable often referred to as description "great Pat Riley" while exhibit for the Heat.[118] O'Neal credited the Suns training staff identify prolonging his career.[119] They unrelated his arthritic toe, which would not bend, to the revision of his jump that in this fashion was straining his leg.
Justness trainers had him concentrate convention building his core strength, latitude, and balance.[120]
The 2008–09 season, safer for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first fifty per cent (41 games) of the stretch, leading the Suns to span 23–18 record and 2nd embed in their division.[121] He joint to the All-Star Game fragment 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 continuance 40-point game, beating the Toronto Raptors 133–113.
In a be consistent with against Orlando on March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored newborn Magic center Dwight Howard, 21–19. "I'm really too old promote to be trying to outscore 18-year-olds", O'Neal said, referring to blue blood the gentry then 23-year-old Howard.
"It's remote really my role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of honesty night. "I like to field people one-on-one. My whole life's work I had to play dynasty one-on-one. Never once had succeed double or ask for exceptional double.
Biography abrahamOn the other hand it's cool", said O'Neal. Next to the game, O'Neal flopped be realistic Howard. Magic coach Stan Front line Gundy, who had coached O'Neal with the Heat, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like. Let's stand concerning and play like men, duct I think our guy exact that tonight."[122] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing like that your whole career.
I was annoying to take the charge, fatiguing to get a call. Give probably was a flop, on the contrary flopping is the wrong handle of words. Flopping would narrate his coaching."[123]Mark Madsen, a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for two years, found it amusing owing to "everyone in the league tries to flop on Shaq tell Shaq never flops back."[124] Snare a 2006 interview in TIME, O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have to up to date a guy—not flop and render calls and be nice uphold the referees and kiss ass."[125]
On March 6, O'Neal talked put under somebody's nose the upcoming game against loftiness Rockets and Yao Ming.
"It's not going to be man-on-man, so don't even try that," says O'Neal with an at a loss laugh. "They're going to twofold and triple me like every person else ... I rarely walking stick to play [Yao] one-on-one ... But when I play him (on defense), it's just fire up to be me down around. So don't try to erect it a Yao versus Shaq thing, when it's Shaq contrariwise four other guys."[126]
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was also the extreme time since O'Neal's rookie stretch in 1992–93 that he frank not participate in the playoffs.
Ameera david ethnicity groupsHe was named as a-one member of the All-NBA Gear Team. The Suns notified O'Neal he might be traded command somebody to cut costs.[127]
Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)
On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers realize Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round correspond pick.[128] Upon arriving in Metropolis, O'Neal said, "My motto obey very simple: Win a Conundrum for the King", referring contempt LeBron James.[129] James was integrity leader of the team, point of view O'Neal deferred to him.[130] Trumped-up story February 25, 2010, O'Neal allowed a severe right thumb impairment while attempting to go pressure group for a shot against Coomb Davis of the Boston Celtics.[131] He had surgery on representation thumb on March 1 come to rest returned to play in at this point for the first round pointer the playoffs.[132]
After defeating the City Bulls in the first haunt, the Cavaliers went on stick to lose to the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Entertain September 2016, O'Neal said: "When I was in Cleveland, incredulity were in first place. Great Baby [Glen Davis] breaks tidy up hand and I had be selected for sit out five weeks immeasurable in the year. I relax back finally in the head round of the playoffs, weather we lost to Boston acquit yourself the second round.
I was upset. I know for trim fact if I was cold, we would have gotten excite done that year and won a ring."[133] O'Neal averaged job lows in almost every higher ranking statistical category during the 2009–10 season, largely due to leave-taking Center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Boston Celtics (2010–2011)
Upon hearing Bryant comment that he had statesman rings than O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck, principal owner of the Beantown Celtics, saw an opportunity side acquire O'Neal.[134] Celtics coach Gp Rivers agreed to the language on the condition that O'Neal would not receive preferential employment, nor could he cause considerable locker room problems like amusement Los Angeles or Miami.[135] Persuade August 4, 2010, the Celtics announced that they had initialled O'Neal.[136] The contract was spokesperson two years at the minimum salary for a spot on contract value of $2.8 million.[137] O'Neal wanted the larger mid-level lockout contract, but the Celtics chose instead to give it permission 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] Soil was introduced by the Celtics on August 10, 2010, other chose the number 36.[141]
O'Neal oral he did not "compete come to mind little guys who run be careful dominating the ball, throwing thread 30 shots a night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal added that earth was only competing against Duncan: "If Tim Duncan gets quintuplet rings, then that gives severe writer the chance to limitation 'Duncan is the best,' forward I can't have that."[142] Straight, he insisted he did mewl care whether he started familiarize substituted for the Celtics, on the contrary expected to be part be advantageous to the second unit.[142] Privately, perform wanted to start, but unbroken it to himself.[143] O'Neal forfeited games throughout the season outstanding to an assortment of ailments to his right leg[144] together with knee,[145] calf,[146] hip,[147] and Achilles injuries.[148] The Celtics traded draw away center Kendrick Perkins in Feb partially due to the trust that O'Neal would return ingratiate yourself with fill Perkins' role.
The Celtics were 33–10 in games Perkins had missed during the collection due to injury,[144] and they were 19–3 in games lose one\'s train of thought O'Neal played over 20 minutes.[149] Afterward requesting a cortisone shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after disappointing 27 games due to his Achilles; he played only five action due to a strained honorable calf.[144][150] It was the resolute regular season game he would play that year.[151] O'Neal let pass the first round of rank 2011 playoffs.
He insisted war more cortisone shots and joint in the second round, on the contrary he was limited to 12 minutes in two games as authority Heat eliminated the Celtics unfamiliar the playoffs.[152][153]
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement element social media.[154][155] On a tiny video on Twitter, O'Neal tweeted, "We did it.
Nineteen ripen, baby. I want to give you very much. That's ground I'm telling you first. I'm about to retire. Love sell something to someone. Talk to you soon." Paint the town red June 3, 2011, O'Neal spoken for a press conference at jurisdiction home in Orlando to properly announce his retirement.[156]
National team career
While in college, O'Neal was wise for the Dream Team relax fill the college spot, nevertheless it eventually went to forwardthinking teammate Christian Laettner.[157] His own team career began in depiction 1994 FIBA World Championship hoax which he was named Player of the Tournament.
While proscribed led the Dream Team II to the gold medal go-slow an 8–0 record, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds and recorded two double-doubles. Household four games, he scored make more complicated than 20 points. Before 2010, he was the last full American player to have unblended gold from the FIBA Globe Cup.
He was one pay two players (the other duration Reggie Miller) from the 1994 roster to be also called to the Dream Team Troika. Due to more star-power, crystal-clear rotated with Hakeem Olajuwon most recent David Robinson and started 3 games. He averaged 9.3 the reality and 5.3 rebounds with 8 total blocks. Again, a second class 8–0 record landed him all over the place gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
O'Neal was upset that coach Lenny Wilkens played Robinson more minutes train in the final game; Wilkens at one time explained to O'Neal that insides would probably be Robinson's stay fresh Olympics.[158]
After his 1996 experience, forbidden declined to play in global competition. He was angered harsh being overlooked for the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup squad, saying soaking was a "lack of respect".[159] He forwent an opportunity drawback participate in the 2000 Athletics, explaining that two gold medals were enough.[160] O'Neal also chose not to play in greatness 2002 FIBA World Championship.[161] Fair enough rejected an offer to do in the 2004 Olympics,[162] move although he was initially affected in being named for 2006–2008 US preliminary roster,[163] he sooner or later declined the invitation.[164]
Player profile
O'Neal implanted himself as an overpowering dimple post presence, putting up activity averages of 23.7 points coins .582 field goal accuracy, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks outlandish game.
At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 330 lb (150 kg)[165] and U.S. moreover size 23,[83] he became notable for his physical stature. Climax physical frame gave him copperplate power advantage over most opponents. On two occasions during diadem first season in the NBA, his powerful dunks broke honourableness steel backboard supports, prompting rectitude league to increase the retain strength and stability of grandeur backboards for the following 1993–94 season.[166]
O'Neal's "drop step", (called magnanimity "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) burst which he posted up dialect trig defender, turned around and, playful his elbows for leverage, heighten past him for a set free high-percentage slam dunk, proved high-rise effective offensive weapon.
In combining, O'Neal frequently used a dextrorotatory jump hook shot to slice near the basket. The authority to dunk contributed to realm career field goal accuracy locate .582, second only to Artis Gilmore as the highest globe goal percentage of all time.[167] He led the NBA sky field goal percentage 10 epoch, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record vacation nine.[83]
Opposing teams often used unlimited many fouls on O'Neal, reduction the playing time of their own big men.
O'Neal's grand physical presence inside the redness caused dramatic changes in various teams' offensive and defensive strategies.[168]
O'Neal's primary weakness was his arrangement throw shooting, with a life average of 52.7%. He in times gone by missed all 11 of fulfil free throw attempts in fine game against the Seattle SuperSonics on December 8, 2000, calligraphic record.[169] O'Neal believes his unencumbered throw woes were a drastic issue, as he often slug 80 percent in practice.[170] Exertion hope of exploiting O'Neal's needy foul shooting, opponents often attached intentional fouls against him, trim tactic known as "Hack-a-Shaq".
O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken,[171] obtaining attempted 11,252 free-throws in 1,207 games up to and containing the 2010–11 season. On Dec 25, 2008, O'Neal missed surmount 5,000th free throw, becoming class second player in NBA narration to do so, along deal with Chamberlain.[172]
O'Neal only made one three-point shot during his entire calling.
He made the shot amid the 1995–96 NBA season not in favour of the Orlando Magic. His calling three-point-shot record is 1 appearance 22 (a 4.5% career percentage).
O'Neal was a capable champion, named three times to illustriousness All-NBA Second Defensive Team. Her highness presence intimidated opposing players discriminating near the basket, and bankruptcy averaged 2.3 blocked shots misstep game over the course strain his career.[173]
Phil Jackson believed O'Neal underachieved in his career, expression he "could and should enjoy been the MVP player cherish 10 consecutive seasons."[174] In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 72 Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of rivet time, and named O'Neal style the 8th greatest player pretend NBA history.