Its not my thing. The Magic won their first-ever playoff series against the Boston Celtics in the 1995 NBA Playoffs. Shaq also appears in the music video for the release.[181]. I'm an unorthodox type of guy, a funny guyat least I think I'm funny. [60] For the season, O'Neal averaged 27.2 points and 10.7 rebounds, excellent statistics but below his career average; he was less of a defensive force during the season. O'Neal is also the global spokesperson for the company. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. O'Neal played well in his first Finals appearance, averaging 28 points on 59.5% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Rated as the 24th-best player in Georgia, O'Neal played for Union Grove High School and was dunking in games at 15 years old. You can keep those that are catchy, memorable, and reflect your personality. At the ceremony, he told the crowd "now I can go and get a real job". While the Olympic basketball team was training in Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel published a poll that asked whether the Magic should fire Hill if that were one of O'Neal's conditions for returning. [290][291][292][293] Darling claimed that O'Neal had originally tried to protect himself by hacking his mistresses' voicemails and deleting relevant messages. But his actual basketball career gave birth within itself when he joined the Orlando Magic NBA team in 1992. The name of that album? Shaquille O'Neal is among a host of NBA free agents who could vanish from their teams", "Magic are proof that wounds from star's departure do heal", "NBA Lakers Sign O'Neal Raise Ticket Prices", "Shaq signs multi-million contract with LA Lakers", "Sports of The Times;Shaq Is Now California Dreamin', "Sports Products Deal For Shaquille O'Neal", "1996-97 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats", "O'Neal wanted to pack more offensive punch", "Jackson shares thoughts on final season", "Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Box Score, March 6, 2000", "NBA Players with 60% 2b Points in a Game With%3d0 3pm", "Phil Jackson's tenure produced the most success and fun we've ever seen", "Sports of The Times; N.B.A. Here is a list of the 25 greatest NBA player nicknames. [10], O'Neal experienced a rough start for the 200708 season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His crossover dribble was the best ever displayed by an NBA center. Shaq considers it his favorite nickname and even had it printed on his baseball cap. Another "big" nickname is The Big Felonafter a game-winning steal Shaq made against the Orlando Magic. This one doesnt even come with any fun history. I could have ranked this one lower. O'Neal had been made an "honorary deputy" by the local sheriff's department. "[65] O'Neal debated whether to have a more invasive surgery that would have kept him out an additional three months, but he opted against the more involved procedure. [83], In a rematch of the year before, the Heat faced the Bulls in the first round of the 200607 NBA playoffs. In fact, people love it when you call them with a simple nickname. My whole career I had to play people one-on-one. He played in 73 games, his most since 2001 season, averaged 22.9 points a game along with 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. He was not yet done collecting nicknames. At the gym, he used the nickname Diesel. The 200809 season improved for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half (41 games) of the season, leading the Suns to a 2318 record and 2nd place in their division. I was upset. [26] He was later inducted into the LSU Hall of Fame. Charles Barkley's comments can be seen as a joke about Zion Williamson's weight, Brandon Ingram's skinniness, or both because the two teammates are physically built differently. The Big Aristotle The Big Shamrock Shaq Mayor McShaq Diesel Wilt Chamberneezy The Big Cactus The Big Shaqtus As a play off one of his other nicknames, The Big Aristotle, Shaq went with "The Big Cactus" because why not? He is now a sports analyst on a television program 'Inside the NBA'. Checkout the latest stats for Shaquille Leonard. Miami returned to Chicago and closed out the series in the 6th game, highlighted by another dominating performance by O'Neal who finished with 30 points and 20 rebounds. But Baryshnikov became world famous in the eighties in part because he defected from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Notable people with the name include: Shaquille Adams (born 1992), Kittian footballer Shaquil Barrett (born 1992), American football player Shaquil Delos (born 1999), French footballer O'Neal also won the scoring title while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. "[61] 1 on Lake's list? Due to more star-power, he rotated with Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson and started 3 games. . "[98] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing like that your whole career. Three letters is a boring nickname. The show features various celebrities attending a selected high school as students for three days. O'Neal was in L.A.dressed and ready to go to a party to meet up withBiggie before he was murderedaccording to Shaq. Thunder-hacking dunksShaq has thembut he can also dance in the lane and on stage. Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter said, "Shaq defeated himself against Detroit. Nicknames are usually used by people who share a similar personality trait or characteristic. His achievement made him choose a lot of nicknames for himself. O'Neal's humorous and sometimes incendiary comments fueled the Los Angeles Lakers' long-standing rivalry with the Sacramento Kings; O'Neal frequently referred to the Sacramento team as the "Queens". L.C.L. This video of their appearance on Arsenio Hall perfectly captures a moment in history. [36] O'Neal compared his lack of privacy in Orlando to "feeling like a big fish in a dried-up pond". The popular basketball player Shaquille O'Neal has made the name known and popular amongst people from around the world. Buy: $99.00. [157] When he did not want to speak with the press, he employed an interview technique whereby, sitting in front of his cubicle, he would murmur in his low-pitched voice. I had Phil. [37][38] O'Neal's Olympic teammates teased him over the poll. If it played on the Big Cactus and the Big Shaqtus, at least it rhymed. Ugh. His nicknames all started out with Shaq, short for his real name Shaquille O' Neal (which means Little Warrior in Arabic). In addition, he became the spokesperson for the company as part of the three-year contract. Shaq's ex-ladyNicole "Nikki" "Hoopz". Another very humorous one is The Big Deporter. [108] After defeating the Chicago Bulls in the first round, the Cavaliers went on to lose to the Boston Celtics in the second round. In O'Neal's third season, 199495, he led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average, while finishing second in MVP voting to David Robinson and entering his third straight All-Star Game along with Hardaway. This is a good, legitimate nickname that does not use The Big X formula, but I still cant get behind it. I'm about to retire. And he loved to give himself nicknames. There was no way ownership could give him what he wanted. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. [124] The Celtics traded away center Kendrick Perkins in February partially due to the expectation that O'Neal would return to fill Perkins' role. I have no idea when or why Shaq gave himself this nickname. Journalists and others gave O'Neal several nicknames, including "Shaq", "The Diesel", "Shaq Fu", "The Big Daddy", "Superman", "The Big Agave", "The Big Cactus", "The Big Shaqtus", "The Big Galactus", "Wilt Chamberneezy", "The Big Baryshnikov", "The Real Deal", "The Big Shamrock", "The Big Leprechaun", "Shaqovic",[154][155] and "The Big Conductor". Shaquille O'Neal, however, has more than your average sports star. [281] He has owned and sold 155 Five Guys restaurantsabout 10% of all locationsand owns 17 Auntie Anne's restaurants. The Cobra 15. Shaquille O' Neal, also known by his nickname Shaq, is a former American basketball player, as well as a former rapper. In four games, he scored more than 20 points. The Diesel Oh, he does it big on the stage. t has nothing to do with the fact that I am a huge Celtics fan , Manny Pacquiao is one of the greatest boxers. I have no idea how Shaq came to be known as Mayor McShaq, but I like it. This one comes from Shaq saying he has two sides: Shaquille is corporate, nice-looking, soft-spoken, wears suits, and is very cordial to people, whereas Shaq is the dominant athlete who is the two-time champion. The Big Aristotle, The Big Cactus, and Dr. Shaq Wilt Chamberneezy are some of his aliases. Shaq and his Nicknames "I want to be known as 'The Big Shakespeare.' It was Shakespeare that said, 'Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them.'" "All this heaviness does not mean that I'm a monk. After that came the Diesel. 8 min read. While playing for Brown at LSU, O'Neal was a two-time All-American, two-time SEC Player of the Year, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year in 1991; he was also named college player of the year by AP and UPI. After helping the Lakers capture back-to-back-to-back titles, ONeal considered himself the Most Dominant Ever. He definitely had an argument at the time, as he had been named NBA Finals MVP for each year of the threepeat and had just averaged 36.3 points in a sweep over New Jersey. [85] It was the first time in 13 years that O'Neal did not advance into the second round. They might use them to refer to each other, or even just to their friends. I feel the same way about 32 and 33 on this list. In reference to his completion of his MBA degree, he stated: "It's just something to have on my resume for when I go back into reality. He even dished out some of the most lasting nicknames to his fellow superstars, like Paul "The Truth" Pierce, Dwyane "Flash" Wade and Tim "The Big Fundamental" Duncan, but O'Neal always saved plenty for himself. Nineteen years, baby. The nickname, like Shaq playing basketball, is simply outstanding. I was trying to take the charge, trying to get a call. [134], After his 1996 experience, he declined to play in international competition. [210] O'Neal appeared as Officer Fluzoo in the comedy sequel Grown Ups 2. Throughout his playing career, he picked up (and gave himself) more nicknames than anybody other than maybe pro wrestlers and Sean Combs. Both played for the Los Angeles Lakers NBA team and were great centers in NBA history.). But apparently, it was something Shaq wanted. L.C.L. At 39, 2010-2011, the last season before Shaq retired, he played for the Boston Celtics team. You'll see what I mean. [298], O'Neal was raised by a Baptist mother and a Muslim stepfather. "[82] The Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence,[83] but with his return won seven of their next eight games. He led the Lakers to the NBA's Big Dance three boogiesin a row. On more than one occasion during the year, Sports Illustrated writer Jack McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got to get [head coach] Matty [Guokas] out of here and bring in [assistant] Brian [Hill]."[32]. ". In 1999, prior to the 19992000 season, the Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, and the team's fortunes soon changed. Poll : Is 300 pounds of greatness a good nickname? From nickname to video game: Shaq Fu was playable on consoles like the Sega Genesis and Game Boy in 1994 and featured ONeal traveling through an alternate dimension to rescue a boy from an evil mummy and its henchmen. We use them to identify ourselves, connect with other users, and build relationships with each other. [200], Upon his trade to Miami, O'Neal began training to become a Miami Beach reserve officer. [133] His national team career began in the 1994 FIBA World Championship in which he was named MVP of the Tournament. [104] Upon arriving in Cleveland, O'Neal said, "My motto is very simple: Win a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James. The new nickname from Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of the Inside the NBA crew is more of a direct shot at the weight of the NBA Hall of Famer. Dont forget to include your parents, siblings, teachers, and friends. Much like when Shaq and Chuck joked about one another, Brandon Ingram took the joke in stride and laughed off the comment. Before 2010, he was the last active American player to have a gold from the FIBA World Cup. Riley soon after decided to trade O'Neal. At 7ft 1in (2.16m), 330lb (150kg)[141] and U.S. shoe size 23,[63] he became famous for his physical stature. L.C.L. In fact, there are many different reasons why people use . The degree was not honorary but a real doctorate in education. 1. O'Neal called himself "The Big Aristotle" and "Hobo Master" for his composure and insights during interviews. If youre too young, you may not know of Mayor McCheese. Regardless of the reason, nicknames are extremely useful. Enough. It is derived from the Arabic name Shakil. [203], In June 2008, the Bedford County, Virginia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff departments revoked O'Neal special deputyship after a video surfaced of him rapping about Kobe Bryant and using racial slurs. He made the shot during the 199596 NBA season with the Orlando Magic. [170], O'Neal was very vocal with the media, often making jabs at former Laker teammate Kobe Bryant. [53] O'Neal's 61-point game is the most recent game in NBA history that a player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer. The History Guy: History Deserves to be Remembered. I care about winning, not stats. [142], O'Neal's "drop step", (called the "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) in which he posted up a defender, turned around and, using his elbows for leverage, powered past him for a very high-percentage slam dunk, proved an effective offensive weapon. [25] O'Neal was named the Player of the Week in his first week in the NBA, the first player to do so. [296] Binion would however go on to sue O'Neal for a sum larger than $25,000. [266][267], As of 2022[update] O'Neal is among the five wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million. Standing for Last Center Left, ONeal considered himself well above his peers at the five position. But I would not want to be called a Hobomaster, so it ranks last for me. This is a nickname paying homage to former NBA center Wilt Chamberlain and is considered to be Shaq's favorite nickname so far. He was previously married to Shaunie O'Neal. [12] In October 2021, O'Neal was again honored as one of theleague's greatest players of all-time by being named to theNBA 75th Anniversary Team. Shaquille O'Neal, the 7 ft 1 (216 cm) basketball professional, is an NBA champion four times in his 19 years of career and game-centers or five all of Shaq's career. Ask your friends and family for their opinions. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. Its a nod to the history of the game. Gone are the unforgettable days of Shaq performing with the hip-hop groupthe Fu Schnickenson the Arsenio Hall Show, but don't be surprised if Shaqrocks a breakdance move on the next round of Dancing with the Stars. [36] O'Neal had a power struggle while playing under Hill. Y'all don't eat at the same places. The Big Witness Protection -- Shaq's motto in Cleveland: Protect LeBron James at all costs. However, he promised his mother he would eventually return to his studies and complete his bachelor's degree. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. It refers to the idea that he was the Last Center Left. [296][297] O'Neal issued a public apology, stating that he and Binion had spoken and that he's "made a friend today". In sports, a field general is a leader for his team. What is Shaq Lawson's Twitter account? Some people use them to identify themselves better. O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the 199596 season, missing 28 games. We're specially preparing a uniform for Shaquille O'Neal. 10. [137] He rejected an offer to play in the 2004 Olympics,[138] and although he was initially interested in being named for 20062008 US preliminary roster,[139] he eventually declined the invitation.[140]. O'Neal is also an electronic music producer, and touring DJ, known as DIESEL. [8], O'Neal's individual accolades include the 19992000 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award; the 199293 NBA Rookie of the Year award; 15 All-Star Game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards; three Finals MVP awards; two scoring titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He has a Superman logo tattoo on his arm and many of his cars also have Superman emblems on them. Boop, boop, bee doop. Teamed with newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with a record of 5032 and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Riley felt O'Neal was wrong for maligning his former teammates. [65] O'Neal later referred to Van Gundy as a "frontrunner" and a "master of panic. Shaquille O'Neal's Education- He graduated from Robert C. Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas. "I'm really too old to be trying to outscore 18-year-olds", O'Neal said, referring to the then 23-year-old Howard. Upon his release, he did not resume a place in O'Neal's life and instead agreed to relinquish his parental rights to O'Neal's Jamaican stepfather, Phillip Arthur Harrison, a career Army sergeant. So, lets start browsing through these amazing nicknames. What are the types of nicknames you could use? [57], Using Jackson's triangle offense, O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed tremendous success, leading the Lakers to three consecutive titles (2000, 2001, and 2002). More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Add to list Awards 2 wins & 6 nominations Photos 139 Known for Steel 2.9 John Henry Irons 1997 [329], O'Neal is a fan of the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils, who play in his hometown of Newark, and has been seen at several games over the years. Those are just a few of the Shaquille O' Neal nicknames he has either gave himself or has acquired to date; the man has a never-ending supply of nicknames for himself. In this case, it refers to a person who uses a certain name. Shaq has had a lot of nicknames during his time in the league. I'll have a hell of a season if I win the championship and average 20 points a game. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.[238]. After O'Neal and his wife went into a restaurant, Ashton Kutcher's crew members let the air out of O'Neal's tires. is saying oh my goodness a sin in islam. Shaquille proved he was an all-rounder by completing his doctorate in business majors, as promised to his mother. I had a good life. [47] O'Neal averaged 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds in his first season with Los Angeles; however, he again missed over 30 games due to injury. This nickname refers to the fact that Shaq got a doctorate degree in education from Barry University in 2012. [222], O'Neal appeared on NBA Ballers and NBA Ballers: Phenom,[223] in the 2002 Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2 requesting an exceptionally large bike to fit his large size famed custom motorcycle builder Jesse James,[224] in the first Idol Gives Back in 2007,[225] on an episode of Fear Factor,[226] and on an episode of MTV's Jackass, where he was lifted off the ground on Wee Man's back. Sack Daddy, Sack-a-shaq are nicknames for Shaq Lawson. "I wish he'd stand up and play me like a man instead of flopping and crying every time I back him down. Copyright 2023 Rumble. If I score 50, 60 points, break the records, and we lose, I'm pissed off. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. degree in general studies from LSU,[187] with a minor in political science. Shaquille's impressively powerful scores in his 18 years career with the Lakers team ranked his eighth position in the NBA league history with average scores of a double-double of 24.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 28,596 points. [268], In 2018, O'Neal created the combination music festival, circus and carnival, Shaq's Fun House, in partnership with Medium Rare, which is held annually. 9", "SLAM 500 Greatest NBA Players of All Time | Basketball-Reference.com", "NBA All-Time Player Rankings: Top 10 Centers", "Shaquille O'Neal traded to Cleveland Cavaliers for 3 players, cash", "Void filled: 15-time All-Star Shaquille O'Neal to Celtics", "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Announcement presented by Haggar Clothing Company", "Dream Team, Shaq and Kukoc headline 2017 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame Inductees", "How Shaq Became The Biggest DJ On The Planet", "Kings Guard Gaming Names Shaquille O'Neal First General Manager", "Shaq to biological father: 'I don't hate you', "Shaq Sets Bar High for Young Lives, BIG Stories Campaign", "Key Moments In Shaquille O'neal History", "Shaquille Shows Class In Switching To No.