Shaquille ONeal is an American former professional basketball player who is now a businessman and television analyst. He is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA Draft. He played for six teams throughout his 19-year NBA career. ONeal won four NBA championships, was the Finals MVP three times, and was the league MVP in 2000. He is a 15-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-Star Game MVP. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Early life and education
ONeal was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, to Lucille ONeal and Joseph Toney. He has three siblings: Ayesha, Lateef, and Jamal. The family moved to San Antonio, Texas, when he was young. His stepfather, Philip Harrison, was a career military man, which meant that the family moved around a lot. ONeal did not get along with his stepfather and the two had a very strained relationship.
ONeal attended Cole High School in San Antonio, where he was a standout player on the basketball team. He was named a McDonald’s All-American after his senior year. He was also recruited by several colleges, including LSU, where he ultimately decided to play.
College career
ONeal played college basketball for LSU from 1989 to 1992. He was a two-time All-American and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA Final Four in 1991. He left LSU after his junior year to enter the 1992 NBA Draft.
NBA career
Orlando Magic (1992-1996)
ONeal was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA Draft. He quickly became one of the best players in the league, averaging 23.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game in his rookie season. He was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year. He also helped lead the Magic to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons.
In 1995-96, ONeal averaged a career-high 28.7 points per game and led the Magic to the NBA Finals. However, the Magic were no match for the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls and lost in the Finals in four games.
Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004)
ONeal was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the start of the 1996-97 season. He teamed up with All-Star guard Kobe Bryant to form one of the most dominant duos in NBA history. Together, they helped lead the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. ONeal was named the Finals MVP each time.
In 2003-04, the Lakers failed to make the playoffs and ONeal was traded to the Miami Heat.
Miami Heat (2004-2008)
ONeal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. He teamed up with All-Star guard Dwyane Wade to form a dominant duo. He was named the Finals MVP for the fourth time in his career.
Los Angeles Lakers (2008-2009)
ONeal was traded back to the Lakers in 2008. He teamed up with Kobe Bryant for a second time. The Lakers made it back to the NBA Finals, but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games.
Boston Celtics (2009-2010)
ONeal was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2009. He teamed up with All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to form a “Big Three”. The Celtics made it back to the NBA Finals, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.
Phoenix Suns (2010-2011)
ONeal was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2010. He played one season with the Suns before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2011-2012)
ONeal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011. He played one season with the Cavaliers before retiring.
Post-playing career
ONeal has appeared in numerous films and television shows since retiring from the NBA. He has also released several rap albums. He currently works as a television analyst for NBA on TNT.
In September 2018, it was announced that ONeal would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted in September 2019.
Net worth and earnings
Shaquille ONeal has a net worth of $400 million. He has earned his net worth through his successful career as a professional basketball player and businessman. During his 19-year NBA career, he earned a total of $292 million in salary. He has also earned millions through endorsement deals with companies like Reebok, Coca-Cola, and Burger King.
In addition to his NBA earnings, ONeal has also earned millions through his business ventures. He has a minority stake in the Sacramento Kings and owns a number of restaurants, including Shaquille’s, a chain of burger restaurants. He also has a stake in the Papa John’s pizza chain.
Age, height, and weight
Shaquille ONeal is 47 years old. He is 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 325 pounds.