Shaquille O'Neal, "Big Diesel", "Big Daddy", "Big Aristotle", "Big Cactus" and most recently the "Big Shamrock." All of these nicknames represent Shaquille O'Neal one of the greatest centers of all time who in his prime could be considered one of the best players of all time. Shaq grew up in New Jersey and in high school and college at LSU he dominated.
Shaq came into the NBA with the Magic and dominated the game like no other center had since maybe Kareem or Wilt. Shaq was being compared to these elite centers, even during his early years. Shaq was so dominant that he averaged 23.4 ppg 13.5 rpg and 3.5 bpg as a rookie on route to a Rookie of the Year Award and becoming the 1st rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to be voted into an All Star Game. As a Magic player Shaq became the dominant force the league would see for years, but wasn't seeing the results as a team that he wanted, including several early playoff loses. However, the Magic did make it to the 1995 NBA Finals losing to Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler's Houston Rockets.
After the 1995-1996 season Shaq joined the 1996 Olympic Basketball Team in Atlanta and was part of Dream Team II and received a gold medal. However, while training for the Olympics, The Orlando Sentinel published an article saying Shaq wasn't worth a huge contract and how there was a big power struggle between himself and then Orlando coach Brian Hill. Shaq got fed up with the Orlando media and left Orlando leaving averages in 4 seasons in Orlando of 27.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.7 bpg. Shaq joined the big market Los Angeles Lakers starting a new era for Shaq by signing a 7 yr/$121 million contract. The first couple of years started out the same where Shaq was dominating but the team results to the Lakers losing to the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Finals for 2 straight years. However, in 1999 Phil Jackson joined the Lakers as a coach the Lakers and Shaq began to win championships. From 2000-2002, the Lakers had a three peat where Shaq was the Finals MVP all 3 times and had the highest scoring average for a center in NBA Finals history.
After Shaq and Kobe had somewhat of a beef, he left to Miami and teamed up with Dwayne Wade in Miami to win the 2006 NBA Championship. Shaq ended up bouncing around from Miami to Cleveland and to his last team in Boston. Shaq was known as one of the best basketball players but his personality was even better. His cockiness, and his humor was the reason Shaq was a constant media favorite during his playing career. Shaq was known to speak his mind and didn't give a damn what anyone ever thought.
Shaquille O'Neal's legacy will include individual accolades of an MVP award, Rookie of the Year Award, 15 All-Star game selections, 3 ASG MVP's, 14 All-NBA team selections, and 3 NBA All-Defensive Team Selections. Shaq ranks 5th all time in points scored, and field goald and was 12th in rebounds and 7th in blocks. Shaq will go down as one of the most dominant centers, even though he was ridiculed for his demeanor and his free throw abilities, Shaq was an incredibly opposing force for close to two decades.
Shaq has moved on to TV shows, different promotions, and has even had players compared to himself. Shaq was an important part for the NBA and has provided excellence and entertainment no matter what team he was on. Shaquille O'Neal will be greatly missed and his legacy will always be remembered. Enjoy your retirement big guy.
UPDATE: From the Basketball Jones, (one of my favorite blogs/inspiration for me and friends to create this blog) reported that ESPN said that "Shaq's iconic #34 Lakers Jersey will be retired.. Lakers spokesmen John Black said "There is currently no timetable, but you can be assured that Shaq's jersey will be retired." All of the other 7 players with jerseys retired are Hall of Famers and Shaq will soon join them. I haven't heard anything about the Magic retiring his number but they definitely should. Shaq was a big component in the early 1990's to turn around the Orlando franchise and should be welcomed back and have his jersey retired even though he didn't leave on the best of terms.
Seize the day people.
