Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant centers to ever suit up for a game of basketball. Blessed with a huge 7-1/2,18m frame, Shaq is a surprisingly agile and athletic player. After finishing his college career at Louisiana, O’Neal was chosen as the first pick in the 1992 draft by the Orlando Magic.

Along with Penny Hardaway, Shaq led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995 where they were swept by the Houston Rockets. As a free agent, O’Neal signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 where he formed a formidable duo with Kobe Bryant that won three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002. Shaquille was voted the Finals MVP for all three years. Traded to the Miami Heat in 2004, O’Neal added to his legacy by winning a fourth title in 2006 – though this time as junior partner to Dwyane Wade. No longer the same dominant force as before and bugged by injuries, O’Neal was again traded in February 2008, this time to the Phoenix Suns.

Although he won only one MVP award (2000), Shaq’s presence forced opposing teams to adjust their game plan like no other player in the League. His terrible free-throw shooting led many teams to intentionally foul O’Neal to prevent him from scoring – leading to the popular term “Hack-a-Shaq”, which even made it to the title of a video game.

Off the court, O’Neal is known for his peculiar sense of humour as well as his engaging personality. He has tried his luck in the music industry and also acted in the movie “Blue Chips”.

Created by: Ole