Shaquille O'Neal Retires: 20 Most Unforgettable Moments of Big Shaqtus' Career

Shaquille O'Neal announced his retirement via Twitter yesterday.

Throughout the 1990's, 2000's, and even into this decade, Shaq was perhaps the game's most colorful personality as well as one of its' best superstars.

He was larger-than-life from the moment he stepped onto the hardwood in 1992, and even though he was a star, he still seemed like a down-to-earth guy.

With that in mind, I present to you the 20 most memorable Shaq moments.

Don't hesitate to let me know if I missed a great one.

Thanks for reading!

Shaquille O'Neal Retires: 20 Most Unforgettable Moments of Big Shaqtus' Career

Shaq Being Shaq

This video clip (which contains explicit language) essentially defined Shaq's being as a star in the NBA.

My favorite part of the 20-second memory is how the reporter absolutely shirks when Shaq drops the f-bomb, only to say "I know" when the Diesel responded with an "I don't give a crap". Although he didn't say crap.

In all honesty, how many people could've gotten away with half the shenanigans Shaq pulled?

We embraced him as the most colorful personality in the game, and this video (coupled with a few others) are one of the reasons he was so beloved. He was never afraid to speak his mind.

Breaking the Backboard

Shaq began breaking backboards early on in his career.

The first time proved him to be a larger than life figure in basketball. I mean, who else had the brute force and strength to take care of one?

Then, lo and behold, that same season he broke another.

Goes Platinum

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

25 Oct 1995: Shaquille O''Neal of the Orlando Magic raps during the presentation of his new candy bar 'Mr. Big' at Walt Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons/ALLSPORT

As Shaq's second season was about to commence, so too was his debut rap album.

Entitled Shaq Diesel, the disc made it to the #25 spot on the U.S. Billboard 200, and one of its' singles, "I Know I Got Skills", made it to #25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The C.D. sold one million copies, and earned the Big Aristotle his first platinum record.

Named One of NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time-- at Age 24

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

8 Feb 1997: The 50 Greatest Players in NBA History pose before the All-Star game. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

In October of 1996, the NBA named its' 50 Greatest Players in history.

Shaquille O'Neal, at just 24 and just four seasons into his career, was the youngest member of the team by six years (Scottie Pippen was 30).

That in of itself is a huge accomplishment.

The fact that they predicted (and were correct about) Shaq's upcoming greatness is a testimony to how extraordinarily special he was.

Goes Hollywood

The only reason Kazaam was memorable in the fact that it memorably sucked.

It also sealed Shaq's early legacy. Let's take a look at what he did by the time he was 24:

1. Starred in a Hollywood movie
2. Named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all-time
3. Led a paltry team to the NBA Finals
4. Released a platinum album

Uh-oh, looks like I have a lot to do in the next five years.

Shaq Raps, Madsen Dances

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

390754 01: Shaquille O''Neal, left, of the Los Angeles Lakers raps on stage as teammates Rick Fox, center, Derek Fisher, right, and Vitaly Potapenko look on June 18, 2001 during the Lakers'' NBA championship parade at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Photo

Who can forget Shaquille O'Neal's rapping and Mark Madsen's dancing after the Lakers took home the 2001 NBA Finals trophy?

I certainly remember it to this day, and even though I was 10 I knew how monumental Shaq was to the game of basketball, and this video is just another streaming example why.

Yo Mama Jokes

In this video, Shaq rattles off a plethora of "Yo Mama" jokes.

In a strange way, the two-minute, 34-second clip defines what he is as a person-- a funny and charismatic player who made his name known off the court as well as on it.

Shaq's Best Dunk Ever

Shaq absolutely threw down a game-changing slam against the Blazers here, and I'm fairly certain that's a hefty understatement, too.

To those who didn't think Superman was versatile, you must watch this video.

Rookie of the Year

Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images

1992-1993: Center Shaquille O''Neal of the Orlando Magic looks to shoot the ball during a game against the Denver Nuggets at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. Mandatory Credit: Tim DeFrisco /Allsport Mandatory Credit: Tim DeFrisco /Allsport

Shaquille O'Neal was drafted first overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.

In one of the most spectacular rookie seasons ever, he proceeded to lead a Magic team that won 21 games the previous year to a .500 record.

In the process he averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks (the last two being career-highs).

He won the Rookie of the Year in a landslide.

Kobe Rap

This video went viral as soon as O'Neal won his fourth championship, and I remember to this day watching Sportscenter and having it be the biggest sports story in the United States.

In the rap, which contains explicit lyrics, Shaq tells Kobe to kiss his behind.

Reaching the '95 Finals

Getty Images/Getty Images

14 Jun 1995: Center Shaquille O''Neal of the Orlando Magic (left) and Houston Rockets forward Hakeem Olajuwon look on after Game Four of the NBA Finals at the Summit in Houston, Texas. The Rockets won the game, 113-101. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Alls

With the help of Penny Hardaway and company, Shaq helped lead the Magic to the '95 Finals, a championship bout that featured him and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Orlando got swept, sure, but Shaq gave it his all, averaging 28 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks per game.

Dancing at the 2009 All-Star Game

Even though his game was slowly declining, at 37 Shaq is still at the top of his dancing game.

Here he dances with the Jabbawockeez and provides us with abundant entertainment, something he always was never shy in doing.

Owning Justin Bieber

During the summer of 2010, Shaq and pop sensation Justin Bieber held a dance-off.

Contrary to some individual beliefs, Shaq absolutely obliterates Justin at her (yes, that was on purpose) own game. 

Anyone who can embarrass Bieber is a friend of mine.

Named the 1999-2000 MVP

Kellie Landis/Getty Images

5 Dec 1999: Shaquille O''Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a slam dunk during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Magic 117-100. Mandatory Credit: Kellie Landis /Allsport

During the 1999-2000 season, Shaquille O'Neal ruled the basketball world.

Before capturing his first title, he won the Most Valuable Player award after averaging a career-high 29.7 points (a career-high) and grabbing 13.6 boards per game.

It was also the eighth of 13 seasons in a row where he averaged better than a 20-10.

Alleyoop Finishes off the Blazers

Tom Hauck/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - JUNE 4: Shaquille O'Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Brian Grant #44 of the Portland Trail Blazers during Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center on June 4, 2000 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 98-

In Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals, Shaq and the Lakers were trailing by 15 in the fourth quarter.

Then they proceeded to score 15 in a row and complete the obliteration of the Blazers with this Kobe-to-Shaq alley-oop.

This game ultimately brought the Diesel his first title.

Shaq and the Lakers Do It Again

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

15 Jun 2001: Shaquille O''Neal #34 and Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk to the bench during a time-out in game five of the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lakers won 108

In the 2001 NBA Finals, it was the 76ers">76ers">76ers">Philadelphia 76ers' turn to play victim to Shaq and the Lakers.

After losing the first game, the Lakers rattled off four consecutive victories, capped off with three straight road victories that left the Sixers dazed and confused.

Shaq, of course, was awarded MVP of the Finals, as he averaged better than 30 points and 10 rebounds in the process.

Shaq Wins One Without Kobe

Doug Benc/Getty Images

MIAMI - JUNE 18: Shaquille O'Neal #32 and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat are surrounded by the media after their overtime victory over the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the 2006 NBA Finals on June 18, 2006 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florid

As soon as Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat in the summer of 2004, he guaranteed a title to the citizens of South Beach.

Two years later, he followed through on his promise and, alongside Dwyane Wade, won his fourth championship.

The aforementioned Kobe rap was then released.

Three-Peat

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - JUNE 14: Brian Shaw #20 and Shaquille O'Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers speak to the fans in front of the Staples Center following the victory parade on June 14, 2002 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won their thi

June 12, 2002 was officially the apex of Shaquille O'Neal's career.

With a sweep of the New Jersey Nets, the Lakers had won three titles in a row, and the Diesel took home his third consecutive Finals MVP trophy.

Let's name all the other players who have done that: Michael Jordan...and that's it.

First Championship

Jason Kirk/Getty Images

371317 02: Shaquille O''Neal waves to fans during the Lakers parade and celebration outside the Staples Center June 21, 2000 in Los Angeles, CA. Over 250,000 fans attended the special event while 600 police officers were present to keep the crowd at bay.

In Game 6 of the 2000 NBA Finals, Shaq put up 41 points and grabbed 12 boards en route to his first championship.

He averaged a silly 30.7 points and 15.4 rebounds per game during the postseason.

Tweets Retirement Announcement

If you've come to this moment, you've obviously realized that these aren't in order. After all, nothing beats the threepeat.

Nonetheless, I placed his retirement message here because it represents the end of the career of one of the NBA's all-time greats.

Good riddance Shaq, and I hope you don't completely disappear from the basketball universe.

This list will in fact double within the next decade.

If I failed to capture your favorite moment in this slideshow, let me know and I can add it on here.