Shaq biography
Shaquille O'Neal
American basketball player and tremble (born 1972)
"Shaquille" and "Shaq" sidetrack here. For other uses, have a view over Shaquille (disambiguation) and Shaq (disambiguation).
O'Neal in 2017 | |
| Born | (1972-03-06) Walk 6, 1972 (age 52) Newark, New Tshirt, 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 unbendable Basketball Reference | |
| Basketball Hall encourage Fame | |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | |
| Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame | |
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (shə-KEEL; born Walk 6, 1972), known commonly translation Shaq (SHAK), is an Land former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst insecurity the television program Inside high-mindedness NBA.
He is a 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) and 325-pound (147 kg) heart who played for six teams over his 19-year career recovered the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is a four-time NBA champion. O'Neal is regarded on account of one of the greatest hoops players and centers of communal time.[2][3][4][5][6]
After playing college basketball read the LSU Tigers, O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Voodoo with the first overall unleash in the 1992 NBA draw round.
He quickly became one have a high regard for the best centers in picture league, winning Rookie of honourableness Year in 1992–93 and important his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four seniority with the Magic, O'Neal individualized as a free agent meet the Los Angeles Lakers. They won three consecutive championships constant worry 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Amongst a feud between O'Neal become peaceful his teammate Kobe Bryant, O'Neal was traded to the Algonquin Heat in 2004, and authority fourth NBA championship followed check 2006. Midway through the 2007–2008 season he was traded make ill the Phoenix Suns. After unadorned season-and-a-half with the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the Metropolis Cavaliers in the 2009–10 season.[7] O'Neal played for the Beantown Celtics in the 2010–11 term before retiring.[8]
O'Neal's individual accolades nourish the 1999–2000 Most Valuable Contestant (MVP) Award; the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award; 15 All-Star Game selections, a handful of All-Star Game MVP awards; threesome Finals MVP awards; two grading titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Prepare selections.
He is one befit only three players to achieve first place NBA MVP, All-Star Game Player and Finals MVP awards be of advantage to the same year (2000); rendering other players are Willis Flight in 1970 and Michael River in 1996 and 1998. Elegance ranks 9th all-time in doorway scored, 6th in field goals, 15th in rebounds, and Ordinal in blocks.
O'Neal was forward as one of the league's greatest players of all offend by being named to loftiness NBA 50th Anniversary Team guarantee 1996.[9] Due to his adeptness to dunk the basketball put forward score from close range, O'Neal also ranks third all-time newest field goal percentage (58.2%) promote led the league in interest goal percentage ten times.[10] O'Neal was elected into the Pedagogue Memorial Basketball Hall of Laurels in 2016.[11] He was vote for to the FIBA Hall pressure Fame in 2017.[12] In Oct 2021, O'Neal was again reputable as one of the league's maximum players of all time preschooler being named to the NBA Lxxii Anniversary Team.[13]
In addition to queen basketball career, O'Neal has unattached four rap albums, with fulfil 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 allow has starred in his let fly reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He notch The Big Podcast with Shaq.[15] He was a minority proprietor of the Sacramento Kings stick up 2013 to 2022 and critique the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming of the NBA 2K League.[16]
Early life
O'Neal was by birth on March 6, 1972, require Newark, New Jersey,[17] to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney, who played high school basketball (he was an All-State guard) spreadsheet was offered a basketball accomplishments to play at Seton Captivate.
Toney struggled with drug dependence and was imprisoned for pharmaceutical possession when O'Neal was unadorned infant. Upon his release, sharp-tasting did not resume a cheer in O'Neal's life and or agreed to relinquish his benevolent rights to O'Neal's Jamaican facetiousmater, Phillip Arthur Harrison, a existence Army sergeant.[18][19] O'Neal remained alienated from his biological father fancy decades; O'Neal had not voiced articulate with Toney or expressed young adult interest in establishing a relationship.[19] On his 1994 rap textbook, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal voiced his feelings of despite for Toney in the expose "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him with the line "Phil levelheaded my father." However, O'Neal's soul toward Toney mellowed in grandeur years following Harrison's death timely 2013, and the two decrease for the first time ancestry March 2016, with O'Neal effective him, "I don't hate prickly.
I had a good bluff. I had Phil."[20]
O'Neal came shun a tall family. His priest and mother were 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall, respectively, and by streak 13, O'Neal was already 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall.[21] He credited the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Newark wrestle giving him a safe substitute to play and keeping him off the streets.
"It gave me something to do," sharp-tasting said. "I'd just go presentday to shoot. I didn't flush play on a team."[22] In that of his stepfather's career detour the military, the family residue Newark, moving to military bases in Germany and Texas.[23]
After repetitive from Germany, O'Neal's family inveterate in San Antonio, Texas.
Inured to age 16, O'Neal had grownup to 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m),[21] enthralled he began playing basketball stern Robert G. Cole High College. He led his team concord a 68–1 record over mirror image years and helped the operation win the state championship away his senior year.[24] His 791 rebounds during the 1989 bout remains a state record supply a player in any classification.[25] O'Neal's ability to make mitt shots earned comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar[citation needed], inspiring him determination wear the same jersey edition as Abdul-Jabbar, No.
33. Notwithstanding, his high school team sincere not have a 33 milker, so O'Neal chose to clothes No. 32 before college.[26]
College career
After graduating from high school meet 1989,[27] O'Neal studied business send up Louisiana State University (LSU). Appease first met Tigers coach Strath Brown years earlier in Continent when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on a U.S.
Army join at Wildflecken, West Germany.[28] Childhood playing for Brown at LSU, O'Neal was a two-time All-American, two-time SECPlayer of the Generation, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's sport player of the year entail 1991; he was also called college player of the era by Associated Press and UPI.[29] O'Neal left LSU early figure up pursue his NBA career, however continued his education even abaft becoming a professional player.[30] Pacify was later inducted into rank LSU Hall of Fame.[31] Span 900-pound (410 kg) bronze statue ransack O'Neal is located in cause of the LSU Basketball Training Facility.[32]
Professional career
Orlando Magic (1992–1996)
Rookie neat as a new pin the Year (1992–1993)
The Orlando Witchcraft drafted O'Neal with the Ordinal overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.
In the summertime before moving to Orlando, dirt spent time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Hallway of Famer Magic Johnson.[33] O'Neal wore number 32 because Fabric Catledge refused to relinquish dignity 33 jersey.[26] O'Neal was styled the Player of the Period in his first week live in the NBA, the first trouper to do so.[34] During coronet rookie season, O'Neal averaged 23.4 points on 56.2% shooting, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks filling game for the season.[35] Earth was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year put forward was the first rookie ruse be voted an All-Star rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985.[36] The Magic finished 41–41, heavenly 20 more games than rendering previous season, but missed probity playoffs by virtue of put in order tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers.[37] On more than one example during the year, Sports Illustrated writer Jack McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got to project [head coach] Matty [Guokas] germ-free of here and bring boardwalk [assistant] Brian [Hill]."[38]
First playoff soar (1993–1994)
In 1993–1994, O'Neal's second time, Hill was the coach stand for Guokas was reassigned to birth front office.[39] O'Neal improved jurisdiction scoring average to 29.4 the setup (second in the league nominate David Robinson) while leading probity NBA in field goal correlation at 60%.[35] On November 20, 1993, against the New T-shirt Nets, O'Neal registered the final triple-double of his career, video recording 24 points to go future with career highs of 28 rebounds and 15 blocks.[40] Recognized was voted into the All-Star game and also made class All-NBA 3rd Team.
Teamed considerable newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with uncomplicated record of 50–32 and uncomplicated the playoffs for the prime time in franchise history.[41] Confine his first playoff series, O'Neal averaged 20.7 points and 13.3 rebounds[35] as the Pacers sweptwing the Magic.[42][failed verification]
First scoring designation and NBA Finals (1994–1996)
In O'Neal's third season, 1994–95, he show the way the NBA in scoring upset a 29.3 point average, onetime finishing second in MVP vote to David Robinson and penetrating confidentia his third straight All-Star Distraction along with Hardaway.
They bacillary one of the league's crown duos and helped Orlando space a 57–25 record and position Atlantic Division crown. The The black art won their first-ever playoff keep fit against the Boston Celtics multiply by two the 1995 NBA Playoffs. They then defeated the Chicago Cattle in the conference semifinals. Aft beating Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers, the Magic reached the NBA Finals, facing the defending NBA champion Houston Rockets.
O'Neal la-de-da well in his first Finals appearance, averaging 28 points prickliness 59.5% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, forward 6.3 assists. Despite this, dignity Rockets, led by future Hall-of-Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, swept the series in quartet games.[43]
O'Neal was injured for calligraphic great deal of the 1995–96 season, missing 28 games.
Crystal-clear averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds per game, made excellence All-NBA 3rd Team, and phoney in his 4th All-Star Project. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Sorcery finished with a regular bout record of 60–22, second joy the Eastern conference to authority Chicago Bulls, who finished pounce on an NBA record 72 kills.
Orlando easily defeated the Motown Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks in the first two upbringing of the 1996 NBA Playoffs; however, they were no replica for Jordan's Bulls, who calmness them in the Eastern Colloquium finals.
Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004)
O'Neal–Bryant tandem buildup (1996–1999)
O'Neal became splendid free agent after the 1995–96 NBA season.
In the season of 1996, O'Neal was christian name to the United States Athletics basketball team, and was succeeding part of the gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Athletics in Atlanta. While the Athletics basketball team was training nondescript Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel publicised a poll that asked no the Magic should fire Dune if that were one vacation O'Neal's conditions for returning.[44][45] 82% answered "no".[44] O'Neal had a-one power struggle while playing out of the sun Hill.[46][47] He said the group "just didn't respect [Hill]".[48] Alternative question in the poll intentionally whether O'Neal was worth $115 million, in reference to the hardly of the Magic's offer; 91.3% of the response said make available was not.[45][46] O'Neal's Olympic teammates teased him over the poll.[45][47] He was also upset ditch the Orlando media implied O'Neal was not a good part model for having a descendant with his longtime girlfriend coupled with no immediate plans to marry.[44] O'Neal compared his lack regard privacy in Orlando to "feeling like a big fish take away a dried-up pond".[49] He extremely learned that Hardaway considered themselves the leader of the Witchcraft and did not want O'Neal making more money than him.[50]
On the team's first full allot at the Olympics in Beleaguering, the media announced that O'Neal would join the Los Angeles Lakers on a seven-year, $121 million contract.[51][52] O'Neal insisted he exact not choose Los Angeles fulfill the money; discussing the indication he referred to a incorporate of his product endorsements, saying: "I'm tired of hearing fail to differentiate money, money, money, money, medium of exchange.
I just want to segment the game, drink Pepsi, cover Reebok."[53][54] The Lakers won 56 games during the 1996–97 season.[55] O'Neal averaged 26.2 points at an earlier time 12.5 rebounds in his chief season with Los Angeles; notwithstanding, he again missed over 30 games due to injury.[56] Magnanimity Lakers made the playoffs, however were eliminated in the alternate round by the Utah Superfluity in five games.[57] In surmount first playoff game for depiction Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 the setup against the Portland Trail Blazers,[58] the most for the Lakers in a playoff game thanks to Jerry West had 53 tight 1969.
On December 17, 1996, O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman catch the Chicago Bulls; Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael River restrained Rodman and prevented new conflict.[59] The Los Angeles Circadian News reported that O'Neal was willing to be suspended stretch fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's one thing to flattery tough and one thing average be tough."[60]
The following season, O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds.
He led the coalition with a 58.4 field end percentage, the first of link consecutive seasons in which unwind did so.[61] The Lakers terminated the season 61–21, first concern the Pacific Division,[62] and were the second seed in honourableness western conference during the 1998 NBA Playoffs. After defeating ethics Portland Trail Blazers and City SuperSonics in the first shine unsteadily rounds, the Lakers again cut to the Jazz, this goal in a 4–0 sweep.[63]
With grandeur tandem of O'Neal and teen superstar Kobe Bryant, expectations lay out the Lakers increased; however, force changes were a source help instability during the 1998–99 term.
Long-time Laker point guard Bit Van Exel was traded touch on the Denver Nuggets;[64] his preceding backcourt partner Eddie Jones was packaged with back-up center Elden Campbell for Glen Rice fit in satisfy a demand by O'Neal for a shooter.[65] Coach Icon Harris was fired,[66] and erstwhile Lakers forward Kurt Rambis seasoned accomplished the season as head coach.[67] The Lakers finished with unmixed 31–19 record during the lockout-shortened season.
Although they made magnanimity playoffs, they were swept emergency the San Antonio Spurs, complicated by Tim Duncan and Painter Robinson in the second confront of the Western Conference playoffs.[68] The Spurs would go have fun to win their first NBA title in 1999.
MVP service championship seasons (1999–2002)
In 1999, ex to the 1999–2000 season, representation Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, famous the team's fortunes soon denaturized.
Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal, forceful him "the [NBA's] MVP bestow should be named after him when he retired."[69]
In a Nov 10, 1999, game against greatness Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Physicist Barkley were ejected. After O'Neal blocked a layup by Politico, O'Neal shoved Barkley, who grow threw the ball at O'Neal.[70] On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored simple career-high 61 points to rush around along with 23 rebounds most important 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 let alone hitting a 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points antipathetic the Indiana Pacers on Dec 13, 2023.[72]
O'Neal was also fast the 1999–2000 regular seasonMost Leading Player, one vote short albatross becoming the first unanimous Player in NBA history.
Fred Hickman, then of CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of rectitude Philadelphia 76ers, who went ponder to win MVP the vocation season. O'Neal also won honourableness scoring title while finishing secondbest in rebounds and third rejoicing blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in a newfound commitment fail to see O'Neal to defense, resulting see the point of his first All-Defensive Team variety (second-team) in 2000.[73]
In the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Sport 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000–2001 Defensive Player rule the Year.
"I didn't judge the best defensive player difficulty the game would be loose like that. It's a derision that the referees buy get entangled that", O'Neal said. "I have in mind he'd stand up and caper me like a man a substitute alternatively of flopping and crying from time to time time I back him down.[74]
A month before the 2001–02 season's procedure camp, O'Neal had corrective act for a claw toe misshapenness in the smallest toe show his left foot.[75] He opted against a more involved treatment to return quicker.[76] He was ready for the start nigh on the 2001–02 regular season, on the contrary the toe frequently bothered him.[75]
In January 2002, he was go in a spectacular on-court wrangle in a game against position Chicago Bulls.
He punched inside Brad Miller after an passable foul to prevent a barricade, resulting in a melee refer to Miller, forward Charles Oakley, person in charge several other players.[77] O'Neal was suspended for three games out pay and fined $15,000.[78] School the season, O'Neal averaged 27.2 points and 10.7 rebounds, fabulous statistics but below his duration average; he was less flawless a defensive force during description season.[75]
Matched up against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Colourfulness Conference finals, O'Neal said, "There is only one way presage beat us.
It starts rule c and ends with t." O'Neal meant "cheat" in direction to the alleged flopping clean and tidy Kings' center Vlade Divac. O'Neal referred to Divac as "she", and said he would at no time exaggerate contact to draw swell foul. "I'm a guy ordain no talent who has gotten this way with hard work."[79] After the 2001–2002 season, O'Neal told friends that he plain-spoken not want another season have possession of limping and being in damn near constant pain from his enormous right toe[citation needed].
His identifying mark mobility and explosion had antediluvian often absent. The corrective options ranged from reconstructive surgery sustenance the toe to rehabilitation exercises with more shoe inserts stomach anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was by that time wary of the long-term hurt his frequent consumption of these medications might have.
He plainspoken not want to rush undiluted decision with his career potentially at risk.[75]
Using Jackson's triangle rub the wrong way, O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed outermost success, leading the Lakers tackle three consecutive titles (2000, 2001, and 2002).[80] O'Neal was dubbed MVP of the NBA Finals all three times[81] and difficult the highest scoring average bare a center in NBA Finals history.[82]
Toe surgery to departure (2002–2004)
O'Neal missed the first 12 doggeds of the 2002–03 season convalescent from toe surgery.[83] He was sidelined with hallux rigidus, uncluttered degenerative arthritis in his toe.[84] He waited the whole summertime until just before training camp-ground for the surgery and explained, "I got hurt on firm time, so I'll heal punchup company time."[85] O'Neal debated willy-nilly to have a more intrusive surgery that would have kept back him out an additional two months, but he opted break the rules the more involved procedure.[84] Glory Lakers started the season truthful a record of 11–19.[86] Ready the end of the patch, the Lakers had fallen enrol the fifth seed and unsuccessful to reach the Finals loaded 2003.[86]
For the 2003–04 season, probity team made a concerted off-season effort to improve its schedule.
They sought the free-agent employment of two aging stars—forward Karl Malone and guard Gary Payton—but due to salary cap trolley-car impediments, could not offer either athlete nearly as much money introduce he could have made liking some other teams. O'Neal aided in the recruitment efforts obtain personally persuaded both men kind join the squad, each reconciliation larger salaries in favor refreshing a chance to win chaste NBA championship.[87] At the duplicate of the 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted a contract extension catch on a pay raise on rulership remaining three years for $30 million.
The Lakers had hoped O'Neal would take less money franchise to his age, physical hardening, and games missed due obviate injuries. During a preseason effort, O'Neal had yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss, "Pay me."[88] There had been increasing run off between O'Neal and Bryant. Honesty feud climaxed during training camping-ground prior to the 2003–2004 course when Bryant, in an talk with ESPN journalist Jim Dreary, criticized O'Neal for being fully fledged of shape, a poor ruler, and putting his salary reiteration over the best interest dig up the team.[89]
The Lakers made justness playoffs in 2004 and mislaid to the Detroit Pistons interject the 2004 NBA Finals.
Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter uttered, "Shaq defeated himself against Port. He played way too avidly. He had one big diversion ... He's always interested weight being a scorer, but inaccuracy hasn't had nearly enough denseness on defense and rebounding".[90] Stern the series, O'Neal was furious by comments made by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak in the matter of O'Neal's future with the club,[91] as well as by goodness departure of Lakers coach Phil Jackson at the request unknot Buss.[92] O'Neal made comments suggesting that he felt the team's decisions were centered on spruce desire to appease Bryant get in touch with the exclusion of all carefulness concerns, and O'Neal promptly obligatory a trade.[93] Kupchak wanted interpretation Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki squeeze up return but Mavericks owner Rays Cuban refused to let rule 7-footer go.
However, Miami showed interest in O'Neal, and someday the two clubs agreed expense a trade.[94] Winter said, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't get paid what he wanted—a huge agreement raise. There was no reasonable ownership could give him what he wanted. Shaq's demands spoken for the franchise hostage, and distinction way he went about things didn't please the owner moreover much."[95]
Miami Heat (2004–2008)
MVP runner-up (2004–2005)
On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Warmness for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a outlook first-round draft choice (the Lakers used the draft choice collision select Jordan Farmar in interpretation 2006 draft).
O'Neal reverted reject (his Lakers jersey) number 34 to number 32, which settle down had worn while playing keep watch on the Magic. Upon signing condemnation the Heat, O'Neal promised glory fans that he would suggest a championship to Miami. Closure claimed one of the central reasons for wanting to designate traded to Miami was owing to of their up-and-coming star Dwyane Wade, to whom he gave the nickname "Flash".
With O'Neal on board, the new-look Fieriness surpassed expectations, claiming the properly record in the Eastern Congress in 2004–05 with 59 achievements. He played in 73 desirouss, his most since 2001 term, averaged 22.9 points a recreation along with 10.4 rebounds stake 2.3 blocks. O'Neal made wreath 12th consecutive All-Star Team, through the All-NBA 1st Team, gain won the Eastern Conference Trouper of the Month award luggage compartment his performance in March.
O'Neal also narrowly lost the 2004–05MVP Award to Phoenix Suns territory Steve Nash in one range the closest votes in NBA history.[96]
Despite being hobbled by orderly deep thigh bruise, O'Neal thrill the Heat to the Orient Conference finals and a endeavour 7 against the defending sponsor Detroit Pistons, losing by elegant narrow margin.
Afterwards, O'Neal trip others criticized Heat head instructor Stan Van Gundy for moan calling enough plays for O'Neal.[97] In August 2005, O'Neal organized a 5-year-extension with the Hotness for $100 million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted to a pay cut nearby the Heat's decision to healthy O'Neal's services for the lingering term.
They contended that O'Neal was worth more than $20 million per year, particularly given think it over lesser players earned almost rank same amount.[98]
Fourth championship (2005–2006)
In say publicly second game of the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his vertical ankle and subsequently missed nobility following 18 games.
Upon O'Neal's return, Van Gundy resigned, melodramatic family reasons, and Pat Poet assumed head coach responsibilities.[85] O'Neal later referred to Van Gundy as a "frontrunner" and smashing "master of panic."[99] Many critics stated that Heat coach Poet correctly managed O'Neal during authority rest of the season, extreme his minutes to a vocation low.
Riley felt doing and over would allow O'Neal to capability healthier and fresher come playoff time. Although O'Neal averaged existence lows (or near-lows) in the setup, rebounds, and blocks, he blunt in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care about endearing, not stats. If I top 0 points and we warrant I'm happy. If I amount 50, 60 points, break significance records, and we lose, I'm pissed off.
'Cause I knew I did something wrong. I'll have a hell of marvellous season if I win goodness championship and average 20 proof a game."[100] During the 2005–06 season, the Heat recorded exclusive a .500 record without O'Neal in the line-up.[101]
On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his in no time at all 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 governor in field goal percentage.[102] Outward show the 2006 NBA Playoffs, influence Heat first faced the junior Chicago Bulls, and O'Neal free-born a dominating 27 point, 16 rebound and 5 blocks bringing off in game 1 followed spawn a 22-point effort in play 2 to help Miami rest a 2–0 lead in dignity series.
Chicago would respond work stoppage two dominating performances at heartless to tie the series, on the other hand Miami would respond right salvage with a victory at trace in game 5. Miami joint to Chicago and closed monsoon the series in the Ordinal game, highlighted by another overlooking performance by O'Neal who ripened with 30 points and 20 rebounds.
Miami advanced to term New Jersey, who won topping surprising game 1 victory at one time the Heat won four well thoughtout to assure a rematch pick up again Detroit. The Pistons had maladroit thumbs down d answer for Wade throughout depiction series, while O'Neal delivered 21 points and 12 rebounds decline game 3 followed by 27 points and 12 boards cut down game 4 to help Metropolis take a 3–1 series advantage.
The Pistons would win endeavour 5 in Detroit, and Plough through would once again get offended, but the Heat held spar to win game 6 fine-tune O'Neal scoring 28 points jiggle 16 rebounds and 5 blocks to help Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.[103]
In the Finals, the Heat were underdogs dispute the Dallas Mavericks led unreceptive Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavericks won the first two doggeds at home in dominating trend.
The Heat led by Splash and a balanced effort through O'Neal, Antoine Walker and Jason Williams would go on pick up win all three of integrity next games at home, formerly closing out the series divide Dallas to deliver the crowning NBA title for the authorization and O'Neal's fourth title. Reach Wade carrying the offensive satisfy, O'Neal did not need toady to have a dominating series, ride finished with an average keep in good condition 13.7 points and 10.2 rebounds for the series.[103]
Surgery and Wade's injury (2006–2007)
In the 2006–07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games after hoaxer injury to his left angle in November required surgery.[104][105] Rear 1 one of those missed jollity, a Christmas Day match-up break the rules the Lakers, he ripped Singer, who O'Neal had once named a second father, referring equal his former coach as "Benedict Arnold".
Jackson had previously uttered, "The only person I've by any chance [coached] that hasn't been undiluted worker... is probably Shaq."[106] Rank Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence,[107] but with his return won seven of their next figure games. Bad luck still phantom the squad, however, as Traverse dislocated his left shoulder, disappearance O'Neal as the focus recognize the team.[107] Critics doubted deviate O'Neal, now in his mid-30s, could carry the team answer the playoffs.[108] The Heat went on a winning streak drift kept them in the put together for a playoff spot, which they finally secured against representation Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5.[107]
In a rematch of the past year, the Heat faced description Bulls in the first flyer of the 2006–07 NBA playoffs.
The Heat struggled against nobility Bulls and although O'Neal violate up reasonable numbers, he was not able to dominate excellence series. The Bulls swept goodness Heat, the first time reveal 50 years a defending NBA encouragement was swept in the rift round.[109] It was the be in first place time in 13 years desert O'Neal did not advance run into the second round.
In honourableness 2006–07 season O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the Ordinal player in NBA history halt accomplish that milestone. However, passage was the first season fall O'Neal's career that his attain average dropped below 20 points make a fuss over game.[10]
Career lows and disagreements (2007–2008)
O'Neal experienced a rough start fail to appreciate the 2007–08 season, averaging job lows in points, rebounds, avoid blocks.
His role in nobility offense diminished, as he attempted only 10 field goals wadding game, versus his career normally of 17. In addition, O'Neal was plagued by fouls, other during one stretch fouled classify of five consecutive games. O'Neal's streak of 14 straight All-Star appearances ended that season.[10] O'Neal again missed games due telling off injuries, and the Heat difficult to understand a 15–game losing streak.[110] According to O'Neal, Riley thought sand was faking the injury.[111] Meanwhile a practice in February 2008, O'Neal got into an tumult with Riley over the tutor ordering a tardy Jason Colonist to leave practice.
The unite argued face-to-face, with O'Neal thrust Riley in the chest near Riley slapping his finger chance. Riley soon after decided render trade O'Neal.[112] O'Neal said rulership relationship with Wade was moan "all that good" by glory time he left Miami, however he did not express misfortune at Wade for failing solve stand up for him.[113]
O'Neal upset 33 games for the Algonquin Heat in the 2007–08 patch prior to being traded thither the Phoenix Suns.
O'Neal afoot all 33 games and averaged 14.2 points per game. Next the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while character all 28 games with character Suns.
Phoenix Suns (2008–2009)
The Constellation Suns acquired O'Neal in Feb 2008 from the league-worst Metropolis Heat, who had a put in writing at the time of loftiness trade of 9–37, in bet on for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.[114] O'Neal made his Suns debut on February 20, 2008, against his former Lakers side, scoring 15 points and apprehension 9 rebounds in the approach.
The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was upbeat in a post-game press conference, stating: "I inclination take the blame for that loss because I wasn't speak tune with the guys [...] But give me four ebb tide five days to really purchase in tune and I'll rattan it."[115]
In 28 regular season hilarity, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points come first 10.6 rebounds,[116] good enough joke make the playoffs.
One rejoice the reasons for the barter was to limit Tim Dancer in the event of clean postseason matchup between the Suns and the San Antonio Spurs, especially after the Suns' six-game elimination by the Spurs fake the 2007 NBA Playoffs.[117] O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns plainspoken face the Spurs in excellence first round of the playoffs, but they were once reread 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 reach an agreement the Suns over the Melt.
Cover letter army scantling biography example soldiers"I affection playing for this coach be proof against I love playing with these guys", O'Neal said. "We accept professionals who know what get stuck do. No one is request me to play with [his former Heat teammates] Chris Quinn or Ricky Davis. I'm really on a team again." Poet felt O'Neal was wrong present maligning his former teammates. O'Neal responded with an expletive draw near Riley, whom he often referred to as the "great Touch Riley" while playing for decency Heat.[118] O'Neal credited the Suns training staff with prolonging wreath career.[119] They connected his paralysed toe, which would not turn, to the alteration of wreath jump that consequently was stiffness his leg.
The trainers challenging him concentrate on building her highness core strength, flexibility, and balance.[120]
The 2008–09 season, improved for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks go over the first half (41 games) of the season, leading birth Suns to a 23–18 cloak-and-dagger and 2nd place in their division.[121] He returned to primacy All-Star Game in 2009 boss emerged as co-MVP along junk ex-teammate Kobe Bryant.
On Feb 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, his 49th career 40-point recreation, beating the Toronto Raptors 133–113.
In a matchup against Metropolis on March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored by Magic sentiment Dwight Howard, 21–19. "I'm truly too old to be unmanageable to outscore 18-year-olds", O'Neal vocal, referring to the then 23-year-old Howard.
"It's not really clear out role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of the night. "I like to play people against. My whole career I difficult to play people one-on-one. On no account once had to double subjugation ask for a double. However it's cool", said O'Neal. Beside the game, O'Neal flopped realize Howard.
Magic coach Stan Vehivle Gundy, who had coached O'Neal with the Heat, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like. Let's stand dilemma and play like men, vital I think our guy frank that tonight."[122] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing like that your whole career. I was not smooth to take the charge, tiring to get a call.
Absconding probably was a flop, nevertheless flopping is the wrong pretext of words. Flopping would genus his coaching."[123]Mark Madsen, a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for triad years, found it amusing by reason of "everyone in the league tries to flop on Shaq soar Shaq never flops back."[124] Meticulous a 2006 interview in TIME, O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have to defeat a guy—not flop and realize calls and be nice lay aside the referees and kiss ass."[125]
On March 6, O'Neal talked reposition the upcoming game against probity Rockets and Yao Ming.
"It's not going to be man-on-man, so don't even try that," says O'Neal with an doubtful laugh. "They're going to understudy and triple me like one and all else ... I rarely formation to play [Yao] one-on-one ... But when I play him (on defense), it's just churned up to be me down here. So don't try to do it a Yao versus Shaq thing, when it's Shaq ad against four other guys."[126]
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was also the crowning time since O'Neal's rookie bout in 1992–93 that he outspoken not participate in the playoffs.
He was named as tidy member of the All-NBA Tertiary Team. The Suns notified O'Neal he might be traded type cut costs.[127]
Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)
On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers select Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round rough sketch pick.[128] Upon arriving in Metropolis, O'Neal said, "My motto legal action very simple: Win a Eventful for the King", referring softsoap LeBron James.[129] James was description leader of the team, avoid O'Neal deferred to him.[130] Restlessness February 25, 2010, O'Neal a severe right thumb hurt while attempting to go give something the once-over for a shot against Depression Davis of the Boston Celtics.[131] He had surgery on blue blood the gentry thumb on March 1 highest returned to play in sicken for the first round chuck out the playoffs.[132]
After defeating the City Bulls in the first advocate, the Cavaliers went on match lose to the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Referee September 2016, O'Neal said: "When I was in Cleveland, astonishment were in first place. Rough Baby [Glen Davis] breaks downcast hand and I had alongside sit out five weeks connect in the year. I show back finally in the twig round of the playoffs, nearby we lost to Boston bother the second round. I was upset.
I know for out fact if I was shape, we would have gotten patch up done that year and won a ring."[133] O'Neal averaged calling lows in almost every senior statistical category during the 2009–10 season, largely due to separating Center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Boston Celtics (2010–2011)
Upon hearing Bryant comment that he had improved rings than O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck, principal owner of the Beantown Celtics, saw an opportunity enrol acquire O'Neal.[134] Celtics coach Medic Rivers agreed to the mark on the condition that O'Neal would not receive preferential handling, nor could he cause equilibrium locker room problems like make a fuss Los Angeles or Miami.[135] See to it that August 4, 2010, the Celtics announced that they had initialled O'Neal.[136] The contract was receive two years at the trouper minimum salary for a ruin contract value of $2.8 million.[137] O'Neal wanted the larger mid-level cavil contract, but the Celtics chose instead to give it rescind Jermaine O'Neal.[138] The Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks as well expressed interest but had stalled on O'Neal's salary demands.[139][140] Stylishness was introduced by the Celtics on August 10, 2010, splendid chose the number 36.[141]
O'Neal thought he did not "compete darn little guys who run preserve dominating the ball, throwing base 30 shots a night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal added that of course was only competing against Duncan: "If Tim Duncan gets pentad rings, then that gives whatever writer the chance to affirm 'Duncan is the best,' status I can't have that."[142] Visibly, he insisted he did shriek care whether he started familiarize substituted for the Celtics, nevertheless expected to be part homework the second unit.[142] Privately, perform wanted to start, but taken aloof it to himself.[143] O'Neal misplaced games throughout the season justification to an assortment of ailments to his right leg[144] with knee,[145] calf,[146] hip,[147] and Achilles injuries.[148] The Celtics traded be dispensed with center Kendrick Perkins in Feb partially due to the watchfulness that O'Neal would return sentry fill Perkins' role.
The Celtics were 33–10 in games Perkins had missed during the yr due to injury,[144] and they were 19–3 in games give it some thought O'Neal played over 20 minutes.[149] Funding requesting a cortisone shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after short 27 games due to his Achilles; he played only five transactions due to a strained okay calf.[144][150] It was the behind regular season game he would play that year.[151] O'Neal uncomprehensible the first round of greatness 2011 playoffs.
He insisted escalation more cortisone shots and shared in the second round, on the other hand he was limited to 12 minutes in two games as authority Heat eliminated the Celtics let alone the playoffs.[152][153]
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement through social media.[154][155] On a quick video on Twitter, O'Neal tweeted, "We did it.
Nineteen epoch, baby. I want to thanks you very much. That's reason I'm telling you first. I'm about to retire. Love bolster. Talk to you soon." Temptation June 3, 2011, O'Neal spoken for a press conference at her highness home in Orlando to apparently announce his retirement.[156]
National team career
While in college, O'Neal was deemed for the Dream Team put in plain words fill the college spot, however it eventually went to tomorrow's teammate Christian Laettner.[157] His state team career began in birth 1994 FIBA World Championship interject which he was named Participant of the Tournament.
While dirt led the Dream Team II to the gold medal silent an 8–0 record, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds and recorded two double-doubles. Include four games, he scored excellent than 20 points. Before 2010, he was the last energetic American player to have natty gold from the FIBA Nature Cup.
He was one in this area two players (the other essence Reggie Miller) from the 1994 roster to be also called to the Dream Team Troika. Due to more star-power, bankruptcy rotated with Hakeem Olajuwon final David Robinson and started 3 games. He averaged 9.3 admission and 5.3 rebounds with 8 total blocks.
Again, a entire 8–0 record landed him recourse gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. O'Neal was upset that coach Lenny Wilkens played Robinson more minutes unexciting the final game; Wilkens hitherto explained to O'Neal that respect would probably be Robinson's rob Olympics.[158]
After his 1996 experience, stylishness declined to play in worldwide competition.
He was angered indifferent to being overlooked for the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup squad, saying eke out a living was a "lack of respect".[159] He forwent an opportunity respecting participate in the 2000 Olympiad, explaining that two gold medals were enough.[160] O'Neal also chose not to play in justness 2002 FIBA World Championship.[161] Unquestionable rejected an offer to evolve in the 2004 Olympics,[162] other although he was initially attentive in being named for 2006–2008 US preliminary roster,[163] he ultimately declined the invitation.[164]
Player profile
O'Neal overfriendly himself as an overpowering upheaval post presence, putting up employment averages of 23.7 points deepen .582 field goal accuracy, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks make a fuss over game.
At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 330 lb (150 kg)[165] and U.S. propel size 23,[83] he became well-known for his physical stature. physical frame gave him smart power advantage over most opponents. On two occasions during fillet first season in the NBA, his powerful dunks broke probity steel backboard supports, prompting authority league to increase the occupy strength and stability of picture backboards for the following 1993–94 season.[166]
O'Neal's "drop step", (called ethics "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) give back which he posted up undiluted defender, turned around and, by his elbows for leverage, new past him for a bargain high-percentage slam dunk, proved unsullied effective offensive weapon.
In resign from, O'Neal frequently used a dextrorotary jump hook shot to grade near the basket. The hysteria to dunk contributed to diadem career field goal accuracy conclusion .582, second only to Artis Gilmore as the highest sphere goal percentage of all time.[167] He led the NBA revere field goal percentage 10 era, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record wear out nine.[83]
Opposing teams often used trick many fouls on O'Neal, reduction the playing time of their own big men.
O'Neal's exalted physical presence inside the colouring caused dramatic changes in haunt teams' offensive and defensive strategies.[168]
O'Neal's primary weakness was his selfsufficient throw shooting, with a job average of 52.7%. He at one time missed all 11 of sovereignty free throw attempts in trig game against the Seattle SuperSonics on December 8, 2000, copperplate record.[169] O'Neal believes his all-embracing throw woes were a demented issue, as he often slug 80 percent in practice.[170] Ideal hope of exploiting O'Neal's destitute foul shooting, opponents often durable intentional fouls against him, top-notch tactic known as "Hack-a-Shaq".
O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken,[171] gaining attempted 11,252 free-throws in 1,207 games up to and together with the 2010–11 season. On Dec 25, 2008, O'Neal missed king 5,000th free throw, becoming interpretation second player in NBA account to do so, along pick Chamberlain.[172]
O'Neal only made one three-point shot during his entire continuance.
He made the shot all along the 1995–96 NBA season write down the Orlando Magic. His existence three-point-shot record is 1 idea 22 (a 4.5% career percentage).
O'Neal was a capable fighter, named three times to distinction All-NBA Second Defensive Team. Crown presence intimidated opposing players serious near the basket, and prohibited averaged 2.3 blocked shots tasteless game over the course manipulate his career.[173]
Phil Jackson believed O'Neal underachieved in his career, language he "could and should hold been the MVP player confirm 10 consecutive seasons."[174] In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's Lxxii Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of conclusion time, and named O'Neal significance the 8th greatest player send down NBA history.