June 1, 2011 -- After 19 dynamic years in the NBA, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, nicknamed "Shaq," today announced his retirement. He let the world know about his decision via a video he posted through his Twitter page.
Born on March 6, 1972, the four-time NBA champion is 7'1" tall and approximately 235-pounds, and a rare combination of size and talent-- one perhaps that we might never see again. Many fans would agree that his size -- which paved the way for other "big men" in the NBA -- was complemented by a larger-than-life personality which delighted both fans and media.
He consistently dazzled audiences with his own style of on-the-court skills and techniques. For many years, sports writers across the country praised Shaq's offensive techniques along with his seemingly effortless ability to shatter backboards with his blazing dunks. Additionally, he showed the world a graceful and intuitive knack for rebounding and shot-blocking. It's fair to say that his talent and engaging personality have dominated the NBA for over 10 years.
According to a blogger writing for CBSsports.com, Shaq "cast himself, against all odds, as the everyman." I agree. In my own words, Shaq created a new and different brand of basketball player both on and off the court and the results were electrifying. America will miss this exciting sports superstar on the courts and of course we're all interested to know about his next professional move (on-air announcer?). I certainly don't know! But I do believe that we should all wish him well and thank him for all of the engaging and memorable moments he gave us both on and off the court.
If you'd like to read more about Shaq, please click on any of the links below which will take you to books written about him. I've provided details in the list:
(1) SHAQ TALKS BACK (the newly updated version) written by the Shaq himself. Click Here.
(2) SHAQUILLE O'NEAL: MAN OF STEEL by Douglas Bradshaw. Recommended for teenagers too. A very fun read about Shaq's life. Click Here.
(3) SHAQUILLE O'NEAL: A BIOGRAPHY by Murry R. Nelson. Click Here.
Accolades / NBA History
Shaq is one of only three players in NBA history to win NBA MVP, All-Star game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year (2000).
Here is a list of his other NBA accolades:
- 1992-93 NBA Rookie of the Year award
- 1999-2000 MVP award
- 15 All-Star game selections
- Three All-Star Game MVP awards
- Three Finals MVP awards
- Two scoring titles
- 14 "All-NBA" team selections
- Three "All Defensive" team selections
After demonstrating his talents at Louisiana State University, Shaq was the first draft pick in 1992 by the Orlando Magic. Four years later, after becoming a free agent, he joined the LA Lakers, and was cited as a key player in leading the team m to three consecutive championships. After the Lakers, he joined the Miami Heat (2004) and then, halfway during the 2007--2008 season, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. After leaving the Suns, he played for one season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and then finished his career with the Boston Celtics in the 2010-11 season.
