Shaquille O'Neal

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Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (pronounced /ʃəˈkiːl/ "sha-KEEL"; born March 6, 1972), frequently referred to simply as "Shaq", is an American professional basketball player, regarded as one of the most dominant in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1][2] He starts at center for the Phoenix Suns, after previous stints with the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic. O'Neal has won four NBA Championships, most recently in 2006, with the Miami Heat. At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 321 lb (146 kg/22.9 st)[3] and U.S. shoe size 23,[4] he is famous for his physical stature. He has several nicknames, such as "Shaq", "The Diesel", "Shaq Fu", "The Big Aristotle", "The Big Daddy", "Superman", "The Big Agave", "The Big Cactus", "The Big Shaqtus" (which, according to SI, "is apparently all the rage in Phoenix")[5], "Wilt Chamberneezy" (given to him by former teammate Kobe Bryant[6]), "The Big Baryshnikov", "The Real Deal" and most recently after earning his MBA from the University of Phoenix, "Dr. Shaq."

In his career, O'Neal established himself as a formidable low post presence, putting up lifetime averages of 25.9 points on .580 field goal accuracy, 11.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game (as of May 2007).

O'Neal's 7 ft 1 in/321-lb (2.16 m / 146 kg)[11] frame gives him a power advantage over most opponents, and for a man of that size, he is quick and explosive. His "drop step", (called the "Black Tornado" by Shaq) in which he posts up a defender, turns around and, using his elbows for leverage, powers past him for a very high-percentage slam dunk, has proven an extremely effective offensive weapon, though it has been limited in recent years. In addition, O'Neal frequently uses a right-handed jump hook shot to score near the basket. The ability to dunk frequently contributes to his lifetime field goal accuracy of .580; he is the third most accurate shooter of all time. [12]

Opposing teams often use up many fouls on Shaq, limiting the playing time of their own big men. O'Neal's physical presence inside the paint has caused dramatic changes in many teams' offensive and defensive strategies that can be seen over the course of his career. Trying to defend O'Neal, teams put two, or sometimes even three defenders on him, resulting in uncontested shot opportunities for his teammates.

On his own half of the hardwood, O'Neal is considered to be a capable defender, and he was named three times to the All-NBA Second Defensive Team. His presence serves to intimidate opposing players shooting near the basket, and he has averaged 2.4 blocked shots per game over the course of his career. He is a less effective defender at the perimeter, sometimes targeted for pick-and-roll plays by opposing teams.

O'Neal has been able to step up his performance in big games, having been voted three-times NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. However, because of his poor free-throw shooting (see below), often he is either placed on the bench, or not called upon to take shots, in the closing moments of games, when free throws become important.

As a teammate, he is also noted for his ability to form symbiotic relationships with young, talented guards. Playing alongside O'Neal, talents like Penny Hardaway, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade blossomed into legitimate superstars. Eventually, his relationships with Hardaway and Bryant soured, however O'Neal has embraced his relationship with Wade, and the two have shown to be fully supportive of each other in their three years together.

O'Neal's primary weakness is his free-throw shooting. His lifetime average is 52.4%. He once missed all 11 free throws in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics on December 8, 2000, a record.[13] In hope of exploiting O'Neal's poor foul shooting, opponents often commit intentional fouls against him, a tactic known as "Hack-a-Shaq". O'Neal is the fourth-ranked player all-time in free throws taken,[14] having shot 9744 in 971 games.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_oneal