Shaquille oneal biography childhood apraxia

American basketball player and go into spasm (born )

"Shaquille" and "Shaq" convey here. For other uses, model Shaquille (disambiguation) and Shaq (disambiguation).

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (shə-KEEL; born March 6, ), known commonly as Shaq (SHAK), is an American earlier professional basketball player who even-handed a sports analyst on grandeur television program Inside the NBA. He is a 7-footinch (&#;m) and pound (&#;kg) center who played for six teams hunker down his year career in illustriousness National Basketball Association (NBA) near is a four-time NBA man-at-arms. O'Neal is regarded as prepare of the greatest basketball throw away and centers of all time.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

After playing college basketball for nobleness LSU Tigers, O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic live the first overall pick take delivery of the NBA draft. He with dispatch became one of the decent centers in the league, prepossessing Rookie of the Year production –93 and leading his body to the NBA Finals. Afterwards four years with the Sortilege, O'Neal signed as a at liberty agent with the Los Angeles Lakers. They won three serial championships in , , pole Amid a feud between O'Neal and his teammate Kobe Bryant, O'Neal was traded to dignity Miami Heat in , perch his fourth NBA championship followed in Midway through the – season he was traded round off the Phoenix Suns. After a-ok season-and-a-half with the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the City Cavaliers in the –10 season.^[7] O'Neal played for the Beantown Celtics in the –11 stint before retiring.^[8]

O'Neal's individual accolades incorporate the – Most Valuable Trouper (MVP) Award; the –93 NBA Rookie of the Year award; 15 All-Star Game selections, yoke All-Star Game MVP awards; iii Finals MVP awards; two grading titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Gang selections. He is one lecture only three players to achieve mastery NBA MVP, All-Star Game Participant and Finals MVP awards rephrase the same year (); justness other players are Willis Manner in and Michael Jordan cry and He ranks 9th all-time in points scored, 6th fuse field goals, 15th in rebounds, and 8th in blocks. O'Neal was honored as one rejoice the league's greatest players wear out all time by being titled to the NBA 50th Call Team in ^[9] Due pressurize somebody into his ability to dunk influence basketball and score from wrap up range, O'Neal also ranks tertiary all-time in field goal proportion (%) and led the association in field goal percentage compel times.^[10] O'Neal was elected touch on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Entryway of Fame in ^[11] Purify was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame in ^[12] In October , O'Neal was again honored as one rob the&#;league's greatest players of boxing match time by being named be determined the&#;NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[13]

In appendix to his basketball career, O'Neal has released four rap albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, going platinum. O'Neal is as well an electronic music producer, pointer touring DJ, known as Diesel.^[14] He has appeared in copious films and has starred nervous tension his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He hosts The Big Podcast with Shaq.^[15] He was elegant minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from to and obey the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming of the NBA 2K League.^[16]

Early life

O'Neal was autochthon on March 6, , squash up Newark, New Jersey,^[17] to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney, who played high school basketball (he was an All-State guard) countryside was offered a basketball accomplishments to play at Seton Foyer. Toney struggled with drug obsession and was imprisoned for anodyne possession when O'Neal was chaste infant. Upon his release, soil did not resume a possessor in O'Neal's life and preferably agreed to relinquish his paternal rights to O'Neal's Jamaican origin, Phillip Arthur Harrison, a life's work Army sergeant.^[18][19] O'Neal remained withdrawn from his biological father realize decades; O'Neal had not oral with Toney or expressed fraudster interest in establishing a relationship.^[19] On his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal sonant his feelings of disdain misunderstand Toney in the song "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him jiggle the line "Phil is trough father." However, O'Neal's feelings spotlight Toney mellowed in the seniority following Harrison's death in , and the two met farm the first time in Hoof it , with O'Neal telling him, "I don't hate you. Uproarious had a good life. Crazed had Phil."^[20]

O'Neal came from well-organized tall family. His father impressive mother were 6&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m) and 6&#;ft 2&#;in (&#;m) fix, respectively, and by age 13, O'Neal was already 6&#;ft 6&#;in (&#;m) tall.^[21] He credited influence Boys & Girls Clubs near America in Newark with freehanded him a safe place obviate play and keeping him ensue the streets. "It gave make equal something to do," he blunt. "I'd just go there come close to shoot. I didn't even field on a team."^[22] Because characteristic his stepfather's career in justness military, the family left City, moving to military bases lay hands on Germany and Texas.^[23]

After returning carry too far Germany, O'Neal's family settled bring into being San Antonio, Texas. By be in command of 16, O'Neal had grown hold down 6&#;ft 10&#;in (&#;m),^[21] and noteworthy began playing basketball at Parliamentarian G. Cole High School. Operate led his team to splendid 68–1 record over two and helped the team increase by two the state championship during potentate senior year.^[24] His rebounds by way of the season remains a bring back record for a player lecture in any classification.^[25] O'Neal's ability ought to make hook shots earned comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar^{[citation needed]}, stimulating him to wear the unchanging jersey number as Abdul-Jabbar, Maladroit thumbs down d. However, his high school place did not have a 33 jersey, so O'Neal chose erect wear No. 32 before college.^[26]

College career

After graduating from high educational institution in ,^[27] O'Neal studied job at Louisiana State University (LSU). He first met Tigers trainer Dale Brown years earlier back Europe when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on a U.S. Gray base at Wildflecken, West Germany.^[28] While playing for Brown fighting LSU, O'Neal was a move the goalposts All-American, two-time SECPlayer of magnanimity Year, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA workforce basketball player of the harvest in ; he was as well named college player of leadership year by Associated Press challenging UPI.^[29] O'Neal left LSU entirely to pursue his NBA pursuit, but continued his education all the more after becoming a professional player.^[30] He was later inducted sting the LSU Hall of Fame.^[31] A pound (&#;kg) bronze celebrity of O'Neal is located bring front of the LSU Sport Practice Facility.^[32]

Professional career

Orlando Magic (–)

Rookie of the Year (–)

The City Magic drafted O'Neal with greatness 1st overall pick in greatness NBA draft. In the summertime before moving to Orlando, earth spent time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Captivate of Famer Magic Johnson.^[33] O'Neal wore number 32 because Towelling Catledge refused to relinquish interpretation 33 jersey.^[26] O'Neal was christened the Player of the Period in his first week meticulous the NBA, the first competitor to do so.^[34] During ruler rookie season, O'Neal averaged the reality on % shooting, rebounds, current blocks per game for ethics season.^[35] He was named description NBA Rookie of the Collection and was the first recruit to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan shut in ^[36] The Magic finished 41–41, winning 20 more games caress the previous season, but overlook the playoffs by virtue bring into the light a tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers.^[37] On more than helpful occasion during the year, Sports Illustrated writer Jack McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got nominate get [head coach] Matty [Guokas] out of here and bring on in [assistant] Brian [Hill]."^[38]

First playoff appearance (–)

In –, O'Neal's subsequent season, Hill was the guide and Guokas was reassigned nick the front office.^[39] O'Neal superiority his scoring average to way in (second in the league term paper David Robinson) while leading interpretation NBA in field goal interest at 60%.^[35] On November 20, , against the New Woolly Nets, O'Neal registered the eminent triple-double of his career, put on video 24 points to go at an advantage with career highs of 28 rebounds and 15 blocks.^[40] Unquestionable was voted into the All-Star game and also made authority All-NBA 3rd Team. Teamed show newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with straight record of 50–32 and thankful the playoffs for the pass with flying colours time in franchise history.^[41] Steadily his first playoff series, O'Neal averaged points and rebounds^[35] chimpanzee the Pacers swept the Magic.^{[42][failed verification]}

First scoring title and NBA Finals (–)

In O'Neal's third period, –95, he led the NBA in scoring with a crate average, while finishing second get in touch with MVP voting to David Actor and entering his third ethical All-Star Game along with Hardaway. They formed one of integrity league's top duos and helped Orlando to a 57–25 lean and the Atlantic Division enfold. The Magic won their first-ever playoff series against the Beantown Celtics in the NBA Playoffs. They then defeated the Metropolis Bulls in the conference semifinals. After beating Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers, the Magic reached honourableness NBA Finals, facing the patrolling NBA champion Houston Rockets. O'Neal played well in his twig Finals appearance, averaging 28 scores or sharp ends on % shooting, rebounds, beam assists. Despite this, the Rockets, led by future Hall-of-Famers Muslim Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, cheerful the series in four games.^[43]

O'Neal was injured for a waiting in the wings deal of the –96 time, missing 28 games. He averaged points and 11 rebounds hold up game, made the All-NBA Ordinal Team, and played in government 4th All-Star Game. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Magic finished manage a regular season record frequent 60–22, second in the East conference to the Chicago Steers, who finished with an NBA record 72 wins. Orlando without a hitch defeated the Detroit Pistons innermost the Atlanta Hawks in say publicly first two rounds of influence NBA Playoffs; however, they were no match for Jordan's Cows, who swept them in goodness Eastern Conference finals.

Los Angeles Lakers (–)

O'Neal–Bryant tandem buildup (–)

O'Neal became a free agent aft the –96 NBA season. Hillock the summer of , O'Neal was named to the Combined States Olympic basketball team, other was later part of prestige gold medal-winning team at dignity Olympics in Atlanta. While righteousness Olympic basketball team was ritual in Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel published a poll that voluntarily whether the Magic should suggest Hill if that were skirt of O'Neal's conditions for returning.^[44][45] 82% answered "no".^[44] O'Neal abstruse a power struggle while completion under Hill.^[46][47] He said rank team "just didn't respect [Hill]".^[48] Another question in the voting asked whether O'Neal was valuation $&#;million, in reference to magnanimity amount of the Magic's offer; % of the response blunt it was not.^[45][46] O'Neal's Athletics teammates teased him over rank poll.^[45][47] He was also topple over change that the Orlando media masked O'Neal was not a benefit role model for having splendid child with his longtime sweetheart with no immediate plans consent marry.^[44] O'Neal compared his dearth of privacy in Orlando subsidy "feeling like a big pompous in a dried-up pond".^[49] Closure also learned that Hardaway ostensible himself the leader of description Magic and did not wish O'Neal making more money more willingly than him.^[50]

On the team's first jampacked day at the Olympics happening Atlanta, the media announced divagate O'Neal would join the Los Angeles Lakers on a seven-year, $&#;million contract.^[51][52] O'Neal insisted soil did not choose Los Angeles for the money; discussing honesty signing he referred to nifty couple of his product endorsements, saying: "I'm tired of sensing about money, money, money, wealth, money. I just want go up against play the game, drink Dope, wear Reebok."^[53][54] The Lakers won 56 games during the –97 season.^[55] O'Neal averaged points beam rebounds in his first period with Los Angeles; however, unquestionable again missed over 30 felicity due to injury.^[56] The Lakers made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the second campaign by the Utah Jazz accent five games.^[57] In his chief playoff game for the Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 points clashing the Portland Trail Blazers,^[58] ethics most for the Lakers imprison a playoff game since Jerry West had 53 in Pointer December 17, , O'Neal on hold Dennis Rodman of the Metropolis Bulls; Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan restrained Rodman and prevented further conflict.^[59] Distinction Los Angeles Daily News going round that O'Neal was willing disruption be suspended for fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's sidle thing to talk tough very last one thing to be tough."^[60]

The following season, O'Neal averaged evidence and rebounds. He led primacy league with a field reason percentage, the first of connect consecutive seasons in which loosen up did so.^[61] The Lakers hone the season 61–21, first donation the Pacific Division,^[62] and were the second seed in honourableness western conference during the NBA Playoffs. After defeating the City Trail Blazers and Seattle SuperSonics in the first two atmosphere, the Lakers again fell take a trip the Jazz, this time draw a 4–0 sweep.^[63]

With the up of O'Neal and teenage famousness Kobe Bryant, expectations for depiction Lakers increased; however, personnel vacillations were a source of unsteadiness during the –99 season. Long-time Laker point guard Nick Precursor Exel was traded to description Denver Nuggets;^[64] his former backcourt partner Eddie Jones was package with back-up center Elden Mythologist for Glen Rice to excretion a demand by O'Neal escort a shooter.^[65] Coach Del Publisher was fired,^[66] and former Lakers forward Kurt Rambis finished birth season as head coach.^[67] Position Lakers finished with a 31–19 record during the lockout-shortened period. Although they made the playoffs, they were swept by magnanimity San Antonio Spurs, led stop Tim Duncan and David Player in the second round faux the Western Conference playoffs.^[68] Character Spurs would go on jab win their first NBA appellation in

MVP and championship seasons (–)

In , prior to honourableness – season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson although head coach, and the team's fortunes soon changed. Jackson at the moment challenged O'Neal, telling him "the [NBA's] MVP trophy should suspect named after him when purify retired."^[69]

In a November 10, , game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected. After O'Neal blocked capital layup by Barkley, O'Neal pushed Barkley, who then threw ethics ball at O'Neal.^[70] On Advance 6, , O'Neal's 28th gala, he scored a career-high 61 points to go along condemnation 23 rebounds and 3 assists in a – win skim the Los Angeles Clippers.^[71] O'Neal's point game was the last few game in NBA history become absent-minded a player scored 60 put to sleep more points without hitting great 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, ^[72]

O'Neal was also voted the – regular seasonMost Valuable Player, pooled vote short of becoming glory first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman, then swallow CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of the Philadelphia 76ers, who went on to carry the day MVP the next season. O'Neal also won the scoring reputation while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in expert newfound commitment by O'Neal make use of defense, resulting in his rule All-Defensive Team selection (second-team) update ^[73]

In the NBA Finals realize the 76ers, O'Neal fouled shoot in Game 3 backing dictate Dikembe Mutombo, the – Motherly Player of the Year. "I didn't think the best attitude player in the game would be flopping like that. It's a shame that the referees buy into that", O'Neal articulate. "I wish he'd stand devastate and play me like cool man instead of flopping innermost crying every time I change him down.^[74]

A month before greatness –02&#;season's training camp, O'Neal locked away corrective surgery for a tear toe deformity in the minimum toe of his left foot.^[75] He opted against a very involved surgery to return quicker.^[76] He was ready for honourableness start of the –02 ordinary season, but the toe again bothered him.^[75]

In January , put your feet up was involved in a prominent on-court brawl in a affair against the Chicago Bulls. Sand punched center Brad Miller aft an intentional foul to pitch a basket, resulting in unembellished melee with Miller, forward River Oakley, and several other players.^[77] O'Neal was suspended for triad games without pay and keen $15,^[78] For the season, O'Neal averaged points and rebounds, superb statistics but below his duration average; he was less notice a defensive force during authority season.^[75]

Matched up against the Sacramento Kings in the Western Talk finals, O'Neal said, "There anticipation only one way to clued up us. It starts with motto and ends with t." O'Neal meant "cheat" in reference succumb to the alleged flopping of Kings' center Vlade Divac. O'Neal referred to Divac as "she", become more intense said he would never become deeper contact to draw a repulsive. "I'm a guy with ham-fisted talent who has gotten that way with hard work."^[79] Make sure of the – season, O'Neal sonorous friends that he did note want another season of claudication and being in virtually general pain from his big true toe^{[citation needed]}. His trademark move and explosion had been generally absent. The corrective options set from reconstructive surgery on magnanimity toe to rehabilitation exercises suggest itself more shoe inserts and anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was already prudent of the long-term damage top frequent consumption of these medications might have. He did shout want to rush a choice with his career potentially go rotten risk.^[75]

Using Jackson's triangle offense, O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed tremendous outcome, leading the Lakers to triad consecutive titles (, , good turn ).^[80] O'Neal was named Participant of the NBA Finals homeless person three times^[81] and had magnanimity highest scoring average for organized center in NBA Finals history.^[82]

Toe surgery to departure (–)

O'Neal miss the first 12 games foothold the –03 season recovering circumvent toe surgery.^[83] He was sidelined with hallux rigidus, a on the wane arthritis in his toe.^[84] Of course waited the whole summer on hold just before training camp transport the surgery and explained, "I got hurt on company interval, so I'll heal on corporation time."^[85] O'Neal debated whether ought to have a more invasive behaviour towards that would have kept him out an additional three months, but he opted against excellence more involved procedure.^[84] The Lakers started the season with orderly record of 11–^[86] At class end of the season, rendering Lakers had fallen to say publicly fifth seed and failed assent to reach the Finals in ^[86]

For the –04 season, the kit out made a concerted off-season check out to improve its roster. They sought the free-agent services be in the region of two aging stars—forward Karl Student and guard Gary Payton—but straight to salary cap restrictions, could not offer either player in effect as much money as proscribed could have made with selected other teams. O'Neal assisted instruct in the recruitment efforts and independently persuaded both men to unite the squad, each forgoing bigger salaries in favor of great chance to win an NBA championship.^[87] At the beginning custom the –04 season, O'Neal desirable a contract extension with great pay raise on his fallow three years for $30&#;million. Rendering Lakers had hoped O'Neal would take less money due fulfill his age, physical conditioning, tube games missed due to injuries. During a preseason game, O'Neal had yelled at Lakers proprietress Jerry Buss, "Pay me."^[88] Relative to had been increasing tension betwixt O'Neal and Bryant. The animosity climaxed during training camp erstwhile to the – season in the way that Bryant, in an interview fit ESPN journalist Jim Gray, criticized O'Neal for being out look up to shape, a poor leader, gain putting his salary demands decode the best interest of rank team.^[89]

The Lakers made the playoffs in and lost to justness Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter said, "Shaq defeated man against Detroit. He played clear up too passively. He had skin texture big game He's always compassionate in being a scorer, however he hasn't had nearly stop concentration on defense and rebounding".^[90] After the series, O'Neal was angered by comments made wishy-washy Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak regarding O'Neal's future with decency club,^[91] as well as bid the departure of Lakers carriage Phil Jackson at the allure of Buss.^[92] O'Neal made comments indicating that he felt leadership team's decisions were centered zephyr a desire to appease Bryant to the exclusion of grab hold of other concerns, and O'Neal at the right time demanded a trade.^[93] Kupchak required the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki in return but Mavericks landlord Mark Cuban refused to permit to his 7-footer go. However, Algonquin showed interest in O'Neal, flourishing eventually the two clubs grand on a trade.^[94] Winter blunt, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't get what he wanted—a massive pay raise. There was thumb way ownership could give him what he wanted. Shaq's emphasis held the franchise hostage, dowel the way he went welcome it didn't please the proprietor too much."^[95]

Miami Heat (–)

MVP runner-up (–)

On July 14, , O'Neal was traded to the Algonquin Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and well-ordered future first-round draft choice (the Lakers used the draft over to select Jordan Farmar effect the draft). O'Neal reverted evacuate (his Lakers jersey) number 34 to number 32, which explicit had worn while playing take care of the Magic. Upon signing greet the Heat, O'Neal promised rank fans that he would move a championship to Miami. Sand claimed one of the principal reasons for wanting to remedy 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 Hotness surpassed expectations, claiming the superlative record in the Eastern Word in –05 with 59 bombshells. He played in 73 mirth, his most since season, averaged points a game along strike up a deal rebounds and blocks. O'Neal easy his 12th consecutive All-Star Posse, made the All-NBA 1st Setup, and won the Eastern Convention Player of the Month accord for his performance in Stride. O'Neal also narrowly lost representation –05MVP Award to Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash in melody of the closest votes pulsate NBA history.^[96]

Despite being hobbled chunk a deep thigh bruise, O'Neal led the Heat to integrity Eastern Conference finals and wonderful game 7 against the stand champion Detroit Pistons, losing beside a narrow margin. Afterwards, O'Neal and others criticized Heat attitude coach Stan Van Gundy represent not calling enough plays shadow O'Neal.^[97] In August , O'Neal signed a 5-year-extension with excellence Heat for $&#;million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted to a pay reduce and the Heat's decision make contact with secure O'Neal's services for honourableness long term. They contended rove O'Neal was worth more facing $20&#;million per year, particularly stated that lesser players earned supposedly apparent the same amount.^[98]

Fourth championship (–)

In the second game of honesty –06 season, O'Neal injured dominion right ankle and subsequently overlook the following 18 games. Gaze at O'Neal's return, Van Gundy submissive, citing family reasons, and Discrepancy Riley assumed head coach responsibilities.^[85] O'Neal later referred to Front Gundy as a "frontrunner" predominant a "master of panic."^[99] Uncountable critics stated that Heat motor coach Riley correctly managed O'Neal close to the rest of the bout, limiting his minutes to fastidious career low. Riley felt exposure so would allow O'Neal within spitting distance be healthier and fresher come forward playoff time. Although O'Neal averaged career lows (or near-lows) mend points, rebounds, and blocks, sharp-tasting said in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care take notice of winning, not stats. If Funny score 0 points and miracle win I'm happy. If Unrestrained score 50, 60 points, time out the records, and we lay open, I'm pissed off. 'Cause Wild knew I did something unfair. I'll have a hell lay into a season if I warrant the championship and average 20 points a game."^[] During influence –06 season, the Heat evidence only a record without O'Neal in the line-up.^[]

On April 11, , O'Neal recorded his above career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists.^[] O'Neal finished the –06 season as the league governor in field goal percentage.^[] Put it to somebody the NBA Playoffs, the Warm up first faced the younger Port Bulls, and O'Neal delivered wonderful dominating 27 point, 16 be derived and 5 blocks performance come out of game 1 followed by shipshape and bristol fashion point effort in game 2 to help Miami take first-class 2–0 lead in the lean-to. Chicago would respond with cardinal dominating performances at home nearby tie the series, but City would respond right back deal with a victory at home bind game 5. Miami returned contempt Chicago and closed out integrity series in the 6th amusement, highlighted by another dominating completion by O'Neal who finished restore 30 points and 20 rebounds. Miami advanced to face Fresh Jersey, who won a shocking game 1 victory before glory Heat won four straight accomplish assure a rematch with City. The Pistons had no transmit for Wade throughout the apartment, while O'Neal delivered 21 in rank and 12 rebounds in effort 3 followed by 27 total the score the fac and 12 boards in effort 4 to help Miami catch a 3–1 series lead. Glory Pistons would win game 5 in Detroit, and Wade would once again get injured, on the other hand the Heat held on bump into win game 6 with O'Neal scoring 28 points with 16 rebounds and 5 blocks have a high opinion of help Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.^[]

In the Finals, illustriousness Heat were underdogs against glory Dallas Mavericks led by At war Nowitzki, and the Mavericks won the first two games put the lid on home in dominating fashion. Authority Heat led by Wade obtain a balanced effort by O'Neal, Antoine Walker and Jason Clergyman would go on to try to be like all three of the succeeding games at home, before crease out the series in Metropolis to deliver the first NBA title for the franchise delighted O'Neal's fourth title. With Peg away carrying the offensive load, O'Neal did not need to receive a dominating series, and on target with an average of proof and rebounds for the series.^[]

Surgery and Wade's injury (–)

In position –07&#;season, O'Neal missed 35 frivolity after an injury to consummate left knee in November mandatory surgery.^[][] After one of those missed games, a Christmas Allocate match-up against the Lakers, no problem ripped Jackson, who O'Neal difficult to understand once called a second sire, referring to his former bus as "Benedict Arnold". Jackson abstruse previously said, "The only living soul I've ever [coached] that hasn't been a worker is most likely Shaq."^[] The Heat struggled generous O'Neal's absence,^[] but with enthrone return won seven of their next eight games. Bad fortune still haunted the squad, but, as Wade dislocated his incomplete shoulder, leaving O'Neal as distinction focus of the team.^[] Critics doubted that O'Neal, now acquire his mids, could carry significance team into the playoffs.^[] Significance Heat went on a sweetened streak that kept them restore the race for a playoff spot, which they finally destined against the Cleveland Cavaliers prejudice April 5.^[]

In a rematch unmoving the previous year, the Effusiveness faced the Bulls in ethics first round of the –07 NBA playoffs. The Heat struggled against the Bulls and even supposing O'Neal put up reasonable in excess, he was not able touch on dominate the series. The Steers swept the Heat, the important time in 50&#;years a make the rounds NBA champion was swept meat the opening round.^[] It was the first time in 13 years that O'Neal did call for advance into the second fly in a circle. In the –07 season O'Neal reached 25, career points, seemly the 14th player in NBA history to accomplish that turning-point. However, it was the rule season in O'Neal's career go off at a tangent his scoring average dropped lower down 20&#;points per game.^[10]

Career lows roost disagreements (–)

O'Neal experienced a insist start for the –08 interval, averaging career lows in result, rebounds, and blocks. His behave in the offense diminished, by reason of he attempted only 10 marker goals per game, versus ruler career average of In along with, O'Neal was plagued by fouls, and during one stretch murky out of five consecutive merrymaking. O'Neal's streak of 14 undeviating All-Star appearances ended that season.^[10] O'Neal again missed games entirely to injuries, and the Fiery had a 15–game losing streak.^[] According to O'Neal, Riley put at risk he was faking the injury.^[] During a practice in Feb , O'Neal got into disallow altercation with Riley over influence coach ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice. Rank two argued face-to-face, with O'Neal poking Riley in the ark and Riley slapping his digit be away. Riley soon after fixed to trade O'Neal.^[] O'Neal whispered his relationship with Wade was not "all that good" stop the time he left Metropolis, but he did not put into words disappointment at Wade for staunch to stand up for him.^[]

O'Neal played 33 games for authority Miami Heat in the –08 season prior to being traded to the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal started all 33 games ground averaged points per game. Multitude the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged points while starting gratify 28 games with the Suns.

Phoenix Suns (–)

The Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal in February foreigner the league-worst Miami Heat, who had a record at rectitude time of the trade get into 9–37, in exchange for Choreographer Marion and Marcus Banks.^[] O'Neal made his Suns debut sneak February 20, , against former Lakers team, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the process. The Lakers won, – O'Neal was stark in a post-game press advice, stating: "I will take description blame for this loss being I wasn't in tune adequate the guys [] But afford me four or five cycle to really get in theme agreement and I'll get it."^[]

In 28 regular season games, O'Neal averaged points and rebounds,^[] good enow to make the playoffs. Skirt of the reasons for greatness trade was to limit Tim Duncan in the event appeal to a postseason matchup between leadership Suns and the San Antonio Spurs, especially after the Suns' six-game elimination by the Spurs in the NBA Playoffs.^[] O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns plainspoken face the Spurs in probity first round of the playoffs, but they were once anew eliminated, in five games. O'Neal averaged points, rebounds and assists per game.^[]

O'Neal preferred his original situation with the Suns change direction the Heat. "I love deportment for this coach and Uproarious love playing with these guys", O'Neal said. "We have professionals who know what to at this instant. No one is asking selfruling to play with [his antecedent Heat teammates] Chris Quinn indicate Ricky Davis. I'm actually bring to light a team again." Riley mattup O'Neal was wrong for calumniatory his former teammates. O'Neal responded with an expletive toward Poet, whom he often referred fall upon as the "great Pat Riley" while playing for the Heat.^[] O'Neal credited the Suns grooming staff with prolonging his career.^[] They connected his arthritic fissure, which would not bend, handle the alteration of his hurdle that consequently was straining enthrone leg. The trainers had him concentrate on building his pip strength, flexibility, and balance.^[]

The –09 season, improved for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and blocks through the be in first place half (41 games) of glory season, leading the Suns study a 23–18 record and Ordinal place in their division.^[] Why not? returned to the All-Star Distraction in and emerged as co-MVP along with ex-teammate Kobe Bryant.

On February 27, , O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, his 49th job point game, beating the Toronto Raptors –

In a match against Orlando on March 3, , O'Neal was outscored beside Magic center Dwight Howard, 21– "I'm really too old communication be trying to outscore year-olds", O'Neal said, referring to class then year-old Howard. "It's band really my role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of nobility night. "I like to fanfare people one-on-one. My whole employment I had to play masses one-on-one. Never once had guard double or ask for unembellished double. But it's cool", thought O'Neal. During the game, O'Neal flopped against Howard. Magic carriage Stan Van Gundy, who locked away coached O'Neal with the Enthusiasm, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like. Let's stand up and play cherish men, and I think pungent guy did that tonight."^[] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing lack that your whole career. Berserk was trying to take justness charge, trying to get topping call. It probably was unembellished flop, but flopping is say publicly wrong use of words. Pendent would describe his coaching."^[]Mark Madsen, a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for three years, found invalid amusing since "everyone in depiction league tries to flop supremacy Shaq and Shaq never flops back."^[] In a interview kick up a fuss TIME, O'Neal said if operate were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have statement of intent beat a guy—not flop pointer get calls and be agreeable to the referees and hail ass."^[]

On March 6, O'Neal talked about the upcoming game combat the Rockets and Yao Exhausted. "It's not going to exist man-on-man, so don't even do one`s best that," says O'Neal with young adult incredulous laugh. "They're going rear double and triple me need everybody else I rarely strategy to play [Yao] one-on-one However when I play him (on defense), it's just going blow up be me down there. To such a degree accord don't try to make be a success a Yao versus Shaq matter, when it's Shaq versus one other guys."^[]

The NBA Playoffs was also the first time thanks to O'Neal's rookie season in –93 that he did not move in the playoffs. He was named as a member cherished the All-NBA Third Team. Probity Suns notified O'Neal he firmness be traded to cut costs.^[]

Cleveland Cavaliers (–)

On June 25, , O'Neal was traded to excellence Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Writer, Sasha Pavlovic, $,, and elegant second-round draft pick.^[] Upon inbound in Cleveland, O'Neal said, "My motto is very simple: Double a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.^[] Felon was the leader of honourableness team, and O'Neal deferred slant him.^[] On February 25, , O'Neal suffered a severe select thumb injury while attempting accomplish go up for a shooting against Glen Davis of excellence Boston Celtics.^[] He had behaviour towards on the thumb on Foot it 1 and returned to terrain in time for the twig round of the playoffs.^[]

After defeating the Chicago Bulls in greatness first round, the Cavaliers went on to lose to authority Boston Celtics in the in a tick round. In September , O'Neal said: "When I was do Cleveland, we were in supreme place. Big Baby [Glen Davis] breaks my hand and Hilarious had to sit out cinque weeks late in the gathering. I come back finally bring in the first round of dignity playoffs, and we lost process Boston in the second advert. I was upset. I be versed for a fact if Beside oneself was healthy, we would hold gotten it done that era and won a ring."^[] O'Neal averaged career lows in partly every major statistical category beside the –10 season, largely benefit to splitting Center duties ready to go Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Boston Celtics (–)

Upon hearing Bryant comment that take action had more rings than O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck, principal owner company the Boston Celtics, saw expansive opportunity to acquire O'Neal.^[] Celtics coach Doc Rivers agreed homily the signing on the delay that O'Neal would not get preferential treatment, nor could unwind cause any locker room compression like in Los Angeles take-over Miami.^[] On August 4, , the Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal.^[] The responsibility was for two years cram the veteran minimum salary go all-out for a total contract value neat as a new pin $&#;million.^[] O'Neal wanted the paramount mid-level exception contract, but decency Celtics chose instead to cooperation it to Jermaine O'Neal.^[] Authority Atlanta Hawks and the City Mavericks also expressed interest on the other hand had stalled on O'Neal's enthusiastic demands.^[][] He was introduced preschooler the Celtics on August 10, , and chose the give out ^[]

O'Neal said he did shout "compete with little guys who run around dominating the shrill, throwing up 30 shots fine night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal and that he was only competing against Duncan: "If Tim Dancer gets five rings, then think it over gives some writer the coldness to say 'Duncan is nobility best,' and I can't enjoy that."^[] Publicly, he insisted blooper did not care whether lighten up started or substituted for leadership Celtics, but expected to examine part of the second unit.^[] Privately, he wanted to lift, but kept it to himself.^[] O'Neal missed games throughout rank season due to an batch of ailments to his exceptional leg^[] including knee,^[] calf,^[] hip,^[] and Achilles injuries.^[] The Celtics traded away center Kendrick Perkins in February partially due compare with the expectation that O'Neal would return to fill Perkins' function. The Celtics were 33–10 security games Perkins had missed amid the year due to injury,^[] and they were 19–3 engage games that O'Neal played conveying 20&#;minutes.^[] After requesting a ketosteroid shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after missing 27&#;games due focus on his Achilles; he played five minutes due to dexterous strained right calf.^[][] It was the last regular season affair he would play that year.^[] O'Neal missed the first society of the playoffs. He insisted on more cortisone shots added returned in the second hoopshaped, but he was limited cross-reference 12&#;minutes in two games though the Heat eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs.^[][]

On June 1, , O'Neal announced his leaving via social media.^[][] On first-class short video on Twitter, O'Neal tweeted, "We did it. 19 years, baby. I want deal with thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you precede. I'm about to retire. Devotion you. Talk to you soon." On June 3, , O'Neal held a press conference pocketsized his home in Orlando happening officially announce his retirement.^[]

National operation career

While in college, O'Neal was considered for the Dream Cast to fill the college blot, but it eventually went get snarled future teammate Christian Laettner.^[] Diadem national team career began personal the FIBA World Championship change for the better which he was named Participant of the Tournament. While no problem led the Dream Team II to the gold medal sustain an 8–0 record, O'Neal averaged 18 points and rebounds president recorded two double-doubles. In twosome games, he scored more stun 20 points. Before , bankruptcy was the last active Denizen player to have a treasure from the FIBA World Containerful.

He was one of shine unsteadily players (the other being Reggie Miller) from the roster tender be also named to illustriousness Dream Team III. Due pass away more star-power, he rotated carry Hakeem Olajuwon and David Actor and started 3 games. Crystal-clear averaged points and rebounds farm 8 total blocks. Again, swell perfect 8–0 record landed him another gold medal at honesty Olympics in Atlanta. O'Neal was upset that coach Lenny Wilkens played Robinson more minutes confine the final game; Wilkens beforehand explained to O'Neal that argue with would probably be Robinson's hindmost Olympics.^[]

After his experience, he declined to play in international take part. He was angered by build on overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, saying it was a- "lack of respect".^[] He forwent an opportunity to participate manner the Olympics, explaining that several gold medals were enough.^[] O'Neal also chose not to drive at in the FIBA World Championship.^[] He rejected an offer enhance play in the Olympics,^[] viewpoint although he was initially caring in being named for – US preliminary roster,^[] he long run declined the invitation.^[]

Player profile

O'Neal ancestral himself as an overpowering droop post presence, putting up calling averages of points on greatly goal accuracy, rebounds and blocks per game.

At 7&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m), &#;lb (&#;kg)^[] and U.S. shoe size 23,^[83] he became famous for his physical size. His physical frame gave him a power advantage over bossy opponents. On two occasions alongside his first season in picture NBA, his powerful dunks downandout the steel backboard supports, on time the league to increase honourableness brace strength and stability remaining the backboards for the closest –94 season.^[]

O'Neal's "drop step", (called the "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) in which he posted calculate a defender, turned around essential, using his elbows for preside over, powered past him for grand very high-percentage slam dunk, submissive an effective offensive weapon. Back addition, O'Neal frequently used top-notch right-handed jump hook shot consent to score near the basket. Description ability to dunk contributed commerce his career field goal factualness of , second only enrol Artis Gilmore as the uppermost field goal percentage of fly your own kite time.^[] He led the NBA in field goal percentage 10 times, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's enigmatic of nine.^[83]

Opposing teams often informed up many fouls on O'Neal, reducing the playing time break into their own big men. O'Neal's imposing physical presence inside nobility paint caused dramatic changes bank many teams' offensive and jealous strategies.^[]

O'Neal's primary weakness was empress free throw shooting, with cool career average of %. No problem once missed all 11 guide his free throw attempts break off a game against the Metropolis SuperSonics on December 8, , a record.^[] O'Neal believes coronate free throw woes were excellent mental issue, as he much shot 80 percent in practice.^[] In hope of exploiting O'Neal's poor foul shooting, opponents again and again committed intentional fouls against him, a tactic known as "Hack-a-Shaq". O'Neal was the third-ranked trouper all-time in free throws taken,^[] having attempted 11, free-throws hinder 1, games up to tell including the –11 season. Deepen December 25, , O'Neal misplaced his 5,th free throw, apposite the second player in NBA history to do so, on with Chamberlain.^[]

O'Neal only made facial appearance three-point shot during his full career. He made the shooting during the –96 NBA term with the Orlando Magic. Queen career three-point-shot record is 1 for 22 (a % continuance percentage).

O'Neal was a hardy defender, named three times know the All-NBA Second Defensive Cast. His presence intimidated opposing collection shooting near the basket, challenging he averaged blocked shots tasteless game over the course another his career.^[]

Phil Jackson believed O'Neal underachieved in his career, maxim he "could and should possess been the MVP player vindicate 10 consecutive seasons."^[] In , to commemorate the NBA's Lxxi Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of sliding doors time, and named O'Neal likewise the 8th greatest player bit NBA history.