Shaquille O'Neal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Shaquille O'Neal

O'Neal in 2017
Personal information
Born	(1972-03-06) March 6, 1972 (age 53) Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
High school	Fulda American (Fulda, Germany) Robert G. Cole (San Antonio, Texas)
Listed height	7 ft 1 in
Listed weight	325 lb
Career information
College	LSU (1989–1992)
NBA Draft	1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the Orlando Magic
Pro career	1992–2011
Career history
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
Career highlights and awards
4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006) 3× NBA Finals MVP (2000–2002) NBA Most Valuable Player (2000) 15× NBA All-Star (1993–1998, 2000–2007, 2009) 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000, 2004, 2009) 8× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000–2006) 2× All-NBA Second Team (1995, 1999) 4× All-NBA Third Team (1994, 1996, 1997, 2009) 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2001, 2003) NBA Rookie of the Year (1993) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993) 2× NBA scoring champion (1995, 2000) NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th) No. 34 retired by Los Angeles Lakers No. 32 retired by Miami Heat No. 32 retired by Orlando Magic Associated Press Player of the Year (1991) UPI Player of the Year (1991) Adolph Rupp Trophy (1991) 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1991, 1992) NCAA rebounding leader (1991) NCAA blocks leader (1992) 2× SEC Male Athlete of the Year (1991, 1992) 2× SEC Player of the Year (1991, 1992) No. 33 retired by LSU Tigers FIBA World Championship MVP (1994) USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1994) McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (1989) First-team Parade All-American (1989) Texas Mr. Basketball (1989)
Career statistics
Points	28,596 (23.7 ppg)
Rebounds	13,099 (10.9 rpg)
Blocks	2,732 (2.3 bpg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1996 Atlanta Team competition FIBA World Championship Gold 1994 Toronto Team competition

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6, 1972), often called Shaq, is a famous American former professional basketball player. He is now a sports analyst on the TV show Inside the NBA. Shaq was a very tall and strong center at 7 feet 1 inch and 325 pounds. He played for six teams during his 19 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He won four NBA championships and is considered one of the greatest basketball players ever.

After playing college basketball for the LSU Tigers, Shaq was the very first player picked in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He quickly became a top player, winning Rookie of the Year in his first season. He led the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four years, Shaq joined the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Lakers, he won three championships in a row from 2000 to 2002. Later, he was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004 and won his fourth NBA championship in 2006. He also played for the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics before retiring in 2011.

Shaq earned many awards, including the 2000 MVP Award. He was also named Rookie of the Year in 1993. He was picked for the All-Star Game 15 times and won three All-Star Game MVP awards. He also won three Finals MVP awards. Shaq is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year (2000). He is ranked among the top players in NBA history for points, rebounds, and blocks. Shaq was chosen for the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996 and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Outside of basketball, Shaq has released rap albums and is a DJ known as Diesel. He has appeared in many movies and TV shows. He also hosts a podcast. Shaq was a part-owner of the Sacramento Kings and is the general manager for Kings Guard Gaming in the NBA 2K League.

Shaquille O'Neal's Early Life and Growing Up

O'Neal playing for the Cole High School varsity basketball team in 1988–89

Shaquille O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey. His mother was Lucille O'Neal, and his stepfather was Phillip Arthur Harrison, an Army sergeant. Shaq grew up in a tall family. His mother was 6 feet 2 inches tall. By age 13, Shaq was already 6 feet 6 inches tall!

Shaq said the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Newark helped him a lot. It gave him a safe place to play basketball. Because his stepfather was in the military, his family moved often. They lived on military bases in Germany and Texas.

After returning from Germany, Shaq's family settled in San Antonio, Texas. By age 16, Shaq had grown to 6 feet 10 inches. He started playing basketball at Robert G. Cole High School. He led his team to an amazing 68–1 record over two years. His team also won the state championship in his senior year. Shaq's ability to make hook shots reminded people of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This inspired him to wear the number 33, like Abdul-Jabbar.

College Basketball Career

After high school, Shaq went to Louisiana State University (LSU) to study business. He played for the Tigers under coach Dale Brown. At LSU, Shaq was named an All-American twice. He was also the SEC Player of the Year twice. In 1991, he won the Adolph Rupp Trophy as the best college basketball player.

Shaq left LSU early to join the NBA. But he promised his mother he would finish his degree. He kept that promise later in his career. LSU honored him by retiring his jersey number 33. A large bronze statue of Shaq stands in front of the LSU Basketball Practice Facility.

Shaquille O'Neal's Professional Basketball Journey

Orlando Magic: Becoming a Star (1992–1996)

The Orlando Magic picked Shaq as the very first player in the 1992 NBA draft. In his first season, Shaq was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game. He was also the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to be voted an All-Star starter. The Magic improved a lot, winning 20 more games than the year before.

In his second season (1993–1994), Shaq scored 29.4 points per game, second-highest in the league. He also led the NBA in shooting accuracy. On November 20, 1993, he had his first triple-double with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks. With new teammate Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic made the playoffs for the first time.

In his third season (1994–1995), Shaq led the NBA in scoring with 29.3 points per game. He and Hardaway became one of the best duos in the league. The Magic reached the NBA Finals, but they lost to the Houston Rockets. Shaq played very well in his first Finals, averaging 28 points.

Shaq missed many games in the 1995–96 season due to injuries. Still, the Magic had a great record of 60–22. They made it to the Eastern Conference Finals but were swept by the Chicago Bulls.

Los Angeles Lakers: Three Championships (1996–2004)

In 8 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004), O'Neal won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 and appeared in the 2004 NBA Finals.

After the 1996 season, Shaq became a free agent. He joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a big contract. He also won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team in Atlanta. In his first season with the Lakers, Shaq averaged 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds. The Lakers made the playoffs but were eliminated in the second round.

The next season (1997–1998), Shaq averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds. He led the league in shooting accuracy for five seasons in a row. With Shaq and young star Kobe Bryant, the Lakers had high hopes. However, they were swept by the Utah Jazz in the playoffs.

In 1999, the Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach. This changed everything for the team. Jackson challenged Shaq to become an even better player. On March 6, 2000, his 28th birthday, Shaq scored a career-high 61 points!

Shaq was voted the 1999–2000 regular season Most Valuable Player. He also won the scoring title and was named to the All-Defensive Team. With Jackson's coaching, Shaq and Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to three championships in a row (2000, 2001, and 2002). Shaq was named MVP of the NBA Finals all three times.

Shaq missed the start of the 2002–03 season due to toe surgery. The Lakers struggled without him. In the 2003–04 season, the Lakers added stars Karl Malone and Gary Payton. Shaq helped convince them to join the team. However, there was growing tension between Shaq and Kobe Bryant. The Lakers lost in the 2004 NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons. After the season, Shaq asked to be traded.

Miami Heat: A New Championship (2004–2008)

O'Neal with Miami in 2007

On July 14, 2004, Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat. He promised Heat fans he would bring them a championship. He teamed up with young star Dwyane Wade, whom he nicknamed "Flash." With Shaq, the Heat had the best record in the Eastern Conference in 2004–05. Shaq played well, averaging 22.9 points and 10.4 rebounds. He almost won the MVP Award, finishing second.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat lost to the Detroit Pistons in a close Game 7. In August 2005, Shaq signed a new contract with the Heat.

In the 2005–06 season, Shaq injured his ankle and missed many games. Coach Pat Riley took over as head coach. Riley managed Shaq's playing time to keep him healthy for the playoffs. On April 11, 2006, Shaq recorded his second career triple-double. He finished the season leading the league in shooting accuracy.

O'Neal holding the championship ball when the NBA Champion Heat visited the White House

In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Heat reached the 2006 NBA Finals and faced the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks won the first two games. But the Heat, led by Wade and Shaq, won the next four games to win the championship! This was the first NBA title for the Heat and Shaq's fourth.

In the 2006–07 season, Shaq missed 35 games due to knee surgery. The Heat struggled without him. Shaq reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to do so. However, his scoring average dropped below 20 points for the first time in his career. The Heat were swept by the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs.

Shaq had a tough start to the 2007–08 season. His scoring, rebounding, and blocks were at career lows. His streak of 14 straight All-Star appearances ended. Shaq was traded to the Phoenix Suns in February 2008.

Phoenix Suns: A New Role (2008–2009)

The Phoenix Suns got Shaq in February 2008. Shaq was happy with his new team. He averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Suns. They made the playoffs but lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

Shaq's performance improved in the 2008–09 season. He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds. He returned to the All-Star Game in 2009 and was named co-MVP with Kobe Bryant.

O'Neal with Phoenix teammate Steve Nash

On February 27, 2009, Shaq scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors. This was his 49th career game with 40 or more points. The Suns did not make the playoffs in 2009.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)

On June 25, 2009, Shaq was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He joined the team to help star player LeBron James win a championship. Shaq said, "My motto is very simple: Win a Ring for the King." He took on a smaller role on the team. Shaq suffered a thumb injury in February 2010 but returned for the playoffs. The Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round.

Boston Celtics: Final Season (2010–2011)

O'Neal finished his career with the Boston Celtics.

On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics signed Shaq for two years. He chose the number 36. Shaq missed many games due to injuries to his right leg. He returned for the second round of the 2011 playoffs but played limited minutes. The Heat eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs.

On June 1, 2011, Shaq announced his retirement on social media. He held a press conference two days later to officially announce it.

Shaquille O'Neal's National Team Career

Shaq played for the United States national basketball team. He was named MVP of the 1994 FIBA World Championship. He led the "Dream Team II" to a gold medal with a perfect 8–0 record.

He was also part of the "Dream Team III" at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He helped the team win another gold medal with an 8–0 record. After 1996, Shaq chose not to play in international competitions again.

Shaquille O'Neal's Playing Style

O'Neal's free throw shooting was regarded as one of his major weaknesses.

Shaq was known for being a very strong player close to the basket. He averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game in his career. At 7 feet 1 inch and 330 pounds, he was much bigger than most opponents. Early in his career, his powerful dunks even broke the steel backboard supports twice! This led the league to make backboards stronger.

Shaq had a special move called the "Black Tornado." He would back down a defender, turn around, and use his strength to dunk the ball. He also used a right-handed jump hook shot. His amazing dunking skills helped him have a career shooting accuracy of 58.2%. He led the NBA in shooting accuracy 10 times, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record.

Opposing teams often had to foul Shaq to stop him. This tactic is known as "Hack-a-Shaq." Shaq's main weakness was his free throw shooting. He only made 52.7% of his free throws. He once missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game, which is a record. Shaq believes his free throw problems were mental.

Shaq was also a good defender. He was named to the All-NBA Second Defensive Team three times. His presence made it hard for opponents to shoot near the basket. He averaged 2.3 blocked shots per game.

Many people, including his former coach Phil Jackson, believe Shaq could have achieved even more. In 2022, The Athletic ranked Shaq as the 8th greatest player in NBA history.

The Lakers retired his No. 34 jersey on April 2, 2013. The Heat retired his No. 32 jersey on December 22, 2016. The Orlando Magic retired Shaq's No. 32 jersey on February 13, 2024. He is one of only three players to have his number retired by three NBA teams.

Shaquille O'Neal Off the Court

Media Personality and Nicknames

O'Neal in 1998

Shaq is known for his funny and smart comments. He gave himself nicknames like "The Big Aristotle" and "Hobo Master." Journalists and fans gave him many other nicknames, including "Shaq," "The Diesel," "Superman," and "The Big Shaqtus."

Shaq was sometimes quiet with the press. But when he did speak, he was very entertaining. He often made jokes about other players and teams. For example, he called the Sacramento Kings the "Queens."

Shaq has appeared on TV shows like Saturday Night Live and hosted his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He also became a sports analyst for TNT's NBA basketball games.

Music Career

Shaquille O'Neal
O'Neal DJing at the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., in July 2018
Background information
Also known as	DJ Diesel
Genres	Hip hop, electronic dance music
Occupation(s)	Rapper, DJ
Years active	1993–2001; 2017–present
Labels	Jive, Interscope, A&M, Trauma, Monstercat
Associated acts	Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz, DJ Kayslay, Nghtmre, Lil Jon

Shaq started making rap music in 1993. He released five studio albums. His first album, Shaq Diesel, sold over a million copies. He also appeared on songs with Michael Jackson and Aaron Carter.

Shaq also started DJing in the 1980s. Today, he produces electronic dance music and tours as DJ Diesel. In 2023, he released his debut album Gorilla Warfare.

Education and Learning

Shaq left LSU early for the NBA, but he promised his mother he would finish his degree. He earned his bachelor's degree from LSU in 2000. He even missed a home game to attend his graduation!

Later, Shaq earned an online MBA degree in 2005. He said it was "something to have on my resume for when I go back into reality." He also earned a doctorate degree in Human Resource Development in 2012. Shaq has even studied directing and cinematography.

Law Enforcement Interest

Shaq has always been interested in police work. He became a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Port Police. In 2005, he became a reserve officer for Miami Beach. He even helped police track down a suspect after witnessing an incident.

In 2015, Shaq became a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force. In 2016, he was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Acting Career

Shaq has appeared in many movies and TV shows. His first movies were Blue Chips and Kazaam. He was one of the first African Americans to play a major comic book superhero in a movie, starring as Steel in 1997.

He has also appeared as himself in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and My Wife and Kids. He had cameo roles in films like Scary Movie 4 and Grown Ups 2. Shaq has also voiced animated versions of himself in shows like Static Shock and The Lego Movie.

Video Games

Shaq has been featured on the covers of many basketball video games, including NBA Live 96 and NBA 2K6. He also starred in his own fighting game called Shaq Fu. A sequel, Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, was released in 2018.

Business Ventures

Shaq is one of the wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million. He has invested in many companies, including Google, Apple, and PepsiCo. He prefers to invest in companies he feels a personal connection with.

Shaq has also been active in real estate. He has developed projects in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. He also owns many franchise businesses, like Krispy Kreme and Auntie Anne's restaurants. He owned 155 Five Guys restaurants and 150 car washes.

In 2019, Shaq joined the board of directors for Papa John's pizza. He also became their spokesperson. Papa John's even created a pizza named after him, the Shaq-a-Roni!

Shaquille O'Neal's Personal Life

O'Neal at the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona

Shaq was raised by a Baptist mother and a Muslim stepfather. He has said he is "Muslim, I'm Jewish, I'm Buddhist, I'm everybody 'cause I'm a people person."

Shaq married Shaunie Nelson in 2002. They have four children together. Their son, Shareef, also plays college basketball. Their daughter, Me'Arah, signed to play for the Florida Gators women's basketball team.

O'Neal in May 2011

In 2005, when Hall of Fame center George Mikan passed away, Shaq offered to pay for all of his funeral expenses. Shaq considered Mikan a big influence on his career.

Shaq is a fan of the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils and the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys. He even performed the ceremonial first puck drop at a Devils game.

In 2023, Shaq bought his first private jet, a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650. It has his famous "Dunkman" logo on the tail.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Awards and Honors

O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers with President George W. Bush at a White House January 2002 ceremony commemorating the team's 2001 NBA Championship

NBA

• 4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006)
• Three-time NBA Finals MVP
• 2000 NBA MVP
• 15-time NBA All-Star
• Three-time NBA All-Star Game MVP
• Eight-time All-NBA First Team
• Two-time All-NBA Second Team
• Four-time All-NBA Third Team
• Three-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team
• 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year
• 1993 NBA All-Rookie First Team
• Two-time NBA scoring champion
• NBA 50th Anniversary Team
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• Number 34 retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Number 32 retired by the Miami Heat
• Number 32 retired by the Orlando Magic

USA Basketball

• 1996 Olympic Gold Medal
• 1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup
• 1994 FIBA World Cup MVP
• 1994 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year

NCAA

• 1991 Adolph Rupp Trophy winner
• Two-time Consensus All-American
• Number 33 retired by the LSU Tigers

Media

• 1991 Associated Press Player of the Year
• 1991 UPI Player of the Year
• 2005 BET Sportsman of the Year

Sports Emmy Awards

• 2012 – Outstanding Promotional Announcement

Academy Awards

• 2022 – Short Subject Documentary (as an executive producer of The Queen of Basketball)

Halls of Fame

• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)
• National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (2014)
• FIBA Hall of Fame (2017)

Discography

O'Neal performing at the 2023 Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma, California

Studio albums

• Shaq Diesel (1993)
• Shaq Fu: Da Return (1994)
• You Can't Stop the Reign (1996)
• Respect (1998)
• Gorilla Warfare (as Diesel) (2023)

Unreleased albums

• Shaquille O'Neal Presents His Superfriends, Vol. 1 (2001)

Filmography

Television Credits

Awards and nominations

Video Game Appearances

Images for kids

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  O'Neal in 2017

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  O'Neal with the Los Angeles Lakers

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  O'Neal during Game 5 of the 2000 NBA Finals

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  O'Neal with Miami in 2007

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  O'Neal holding the championship ball when the NBA Champion Heat visited the White House

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  O'Neal with Phoenix Suns teammate Steve Nash

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  O'Neal finished his career with the Boston Celtics.

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  O'Neal's free throw shooting was regarded as one of his major weaknesses.

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  O'Neal in 1998

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  O'Neal DJing at the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game

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  O'Neal performing at the 2023 Toyota/Save Mart 350

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  O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers with President George W. Bush

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  O'Neal at the 2009 NBA All-Star Game

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  O'Neal in May 2011

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  O'Neal (left) facing Big Show during the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32