Shaquille O'Neal

Guide Note

Shaquille O'Neal is an All-Star center for the Phoenix Suns and is considered one of the most dominant and intimidating players in the history of the NBA. He is a three-time NBA Finals MVP, and was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History by the National Basketball Association.

Early Life

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey on March 6, 1972. He attended Linton Middle school were he led the team to the State Championship during his senior year. He then attended Louisiana State University, and under the tutelage of Dale Brown he established himself as one the premiere players in the nation. He was twice named an All-American, but after his junior year, and frustrated with the constant double, and triple teams by opposing teams he decided to leave college early and to enter the NBA Draft.

Pro Career

With the first pick of the 1992 draft the Orlando Magic selected center Shaquille O'Neal. After an impressive season he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. But his debut season was highlighted with an impressive feat of physical strength. On two separate occasions O'Neal brought down the backboard structure during the course of a game. In the years following, he continued to enjoy great individual success. In only his third season he led the league in scoring, and also guided the Magic to their first ever NBA Finals, where they eventually lost to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets. In 1996, he also won the Gold Medal as a representative on Team USA, in basketball.

Lakers Career

In 1995, O'Neal signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, and after the team acquired Kobe Bryant and then hired Phil Jackson as head coach in 1999 the Lakers went on to win three straight NBA Championships. During this time O'Neal won all three NBA Finals MVP awards, and also a Most Valuable Player Award in the 1999-2000 season.

Miami Heat Years

With unrest in Los Angeles involving a bitter feud with NBA Superstar Kobe Bryant and Lakers owner Jerry Buss, O'Neal was traded in 2004 to the Miami Heat for the rights to a first round draft pick, and players Caron Butler, Lamar Odom and Brian Grant. In 2006, he rewarded the franchise by leading Miami to the NBA Championship, the first in the franchise's history.

Move to Phoenix

In 2008, with O'Neal battling injuries and the Heat transitioning to a youth movement, Miami traded O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns for All-Star Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks. The Suns needing a defensive presence and the development of a more efficient half court game hopes that O'Neal's impact will result in the franchise's first championship.