Shaq, Shaq Diesel, Big Daddy and the Big Aristotle are just a few of the nicknames for NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal. There is also, Superman, Doctor Shaq and who doesn’t like his self-proclaimed nickname: M.E.D (Most Dominate Ever)?
Since his rookie season in 1992, O’Neal has been a big fixture in the landscape that is the NBA. “Big” doesn’t quite cover it either; try “massive”.
At 7’1” and 320 pounds, no other athlete in the league today can out muscle Shaq underneath the boards. He may be in his early 30’s, but he still dominates games on his own from time to time, which is evident in his team’s 2006 title run.
O’Neal and fellow Miami Heat teammates are on the verge of winning their first NBA Finals Championship in franchise history. And it’s not like Shaq hasn’t been in this situation with his former teams, either.
While a member of the Los Angles Lakers, O’Neal led the Lakers to three straight titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002. He came close in 2004, but the Lakers lost in the Finals to the Detroit Pistons.
Shaq joins Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to win three consecutive NBA Finals M.V.P. awards. He was also named league M.V.P. in 2000 and is a 13-time NBA All-Star.
Named Rookie of the Year in 1993, O’Neal was selected as a three-time All-Defensive player and was also a key member of the 1994 USA Basketball Championship Team.
Drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992, Shaq came into the league as not only an imposing player, but also a dynamic personality that the NBA has marketed around every year he has been in the league.
He has recorded rap records, been in movies and has even hosted Saturday Nigh Live. Perhaps when O’Neal finally does decide to hang up is size 23 shoe, he will arguably be the most recognized NBA star behind Michael Jordan.
O’Neal even has aspirations after his NBA life that include law enforcement. Shaq has already worked with a special task force in helping arrest Internet child molesters and may one day become a full-time officer.
Shaq had a long career and is one of the all-time great centers.