Shaq's Colossal Footprint on the Game of Basketball

Whether it was Shaquille O’Neal's charisma on air, his feats on the court or his endless array of nicknames and quotes on record, The Big Fella had a resounding impact on the game of basketball. He managed to single-handedly change the game through the use of his enormous frame and personality.

Shaq was a consummate professional; his impact was visible on and off the court, as evidenced by his four O’Brien trophies, three NBA Finals MVP awards and MBA degree. A few of his astounding and seemingly endless accomplishments and accolades are as follows: 

• 28,596 regular season points ranks fifth all time
• 5,250 postseason points ranks fourth all time
• 2,142 postseason rebounds ranks fourth all time
• 393 postseason blocks ranks third all time
• 58 percent regular season field goals ranks second all time
• 56 percent postseason field goals ranks fifth all time
• 1996 “Best Supporting Actor” for his role in Kazaam (just making sure you’re still with me)
• 15 career All-Star appearances rank second all time
• 1993 Rookie of the Year
• 1999-2000 League MVP
• 1996 Olympic Gold Medal
• One of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time
• B.A. in General Studies at LSU
• And the list goes on…

Shaq’s career has him being called one of the most dominant players of all time, as well as being mentioned in the same breath as all-time greats like Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem and Olajuwon. His success and legacy won’t be defined solely by his remarkable list of statistics and awards though, but rather by the intangible aspects of his career.

He is widely recognized as the first exceedingly outgoing big man in the NBA. The Diesel was always good for a newspaper-worthy sound bite or two, and never ceased to amaze fans and media personnel with his outlandish antics.

He paved the way for current personalities like that of Dwight Howard. His charisma in front of a camera or microphone was rivaled by none during his 19-year career.

His well-balanced persona was enhanced by his extensive educational background supported by his two degrees. O’Neal is even in the process of earning his doctorate from Barry University. According to the New York Times, the subject of his dissertation aimed at “How Leaders Utilize Humor or Aggression in Leadership Styles.”

The Diesel will always be remembered as a well-rounded player and human being, which makes his retirement a bittersweet one. It allows us to memorialize a career defined by longevity and success, but also sadly represents the end of an era led by one of the most polarizing players in NBA history.