What Is Shaq Net Worth + Curious Facts About Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is known as one of the best basketball players in American history. He used to play professional basketball, and now he talks about sports on TV. He’s really tall, standing at 7 feet and 1 inch (2.16 m). When he was just 10 years old, he was already more than 6 feet (1.82 m)!

Now, after playing basketball for 19 years, he’s on TV, talking about the game on a show called Inside the NBA. We decided to check, what is Shaq net worth right now, and tell you a bunch of interesting facts about the player!

The player has a long list of achievements and contributions.

Shaquille O’Neal, born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 6, 1972, is widely known as one of basketball’s greatest players ever. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch tall (2.16 m) and weighing 325 pounds (147 kg), Shaq’s incredible size and powerful skills have made him a beloved figure in sports and entertainment worldwide.

After playing college basketball at Louisiana State University, Shaq was chosen as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA Draft. He quickly became a star, winning the Rookie of the Year award and leading his team to the NBA Finals in 1995. Later, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers and won three championships in a row from 2000 to 2002. Shaq then moved to the Miami Heat, helping them win another championship in 2006. Over the years, he also played for teams like the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics before retiring from basketball.

Shaquille’s list of achievements is impressive. He’s won numerous awards including the MVP award in 1999-2000 and the Rookie of the Year award in 1992-93. He’s been selected for the All-Star game 15 times and has received several MVP awards. In addition to his basketball accomplishments, Shaq has also found success in acting, music, television, and gaming. Currently, he works as an analyst on the TV show Inside The NBA.

Off the court, Shaquille is involved in philanthropy, especially with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He’s been working with them for over 15 years, helping to support and uplift young people across the country. Shaq’s impact goes far beyond basketball, making him a true legend both on and off the court.

Just at the age of 10, he was already way taller than average kids.

When Shaquille O’Neal was just 10 years old, he was already towering at a height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m). This made him stand out among his peers and even intimidated some young basketball players in Newark during the mid-’80s.

Shaquille’s extraordinary height caused quite a stir in the basketball community. There’s a memorable incident where a rival player’s father angrily pulled his son out of a game, accusing Shaq of not really being 10 years old because of his size. By the time Shaq reached the age of 13, he had grown even taller, reaching 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m). Not only that, but he also wore enormous size 17 shoes (size 53), which made finding footwear a challenge.

This rapid growth spurt not only marked Shaq as a physical phenomenon but also hinted at the remarkable basketball career that lay ahead of him. It was clear from an early age that Shaq was destined for greatness on the court.

As Shaq continued to grow, his skills on the basketball court also developed, earning him a reputation as one of the most dominant players in the sport’s history. His journey from a towering youngster in Newark to a basketball icon is a testament to his dedication, talent, and larger-than-life personality.

Throughout his career, he dunked more than 3200 times, and even broke rims!

During his tenure in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal became synonymous with power and dominance on the basketball court. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him virtually unstoppable, as he bulldozed his way to the basket with authority.

Shaq’s prowess wasn’t limited to just scoring points; he was also known for his thunderous dunks that often left spectators in awe. His ability to dunk the ball with such force was unparalleled, and it often resulted in backboards being shattered into pieces.

While breaking backboards may have been unintentional, it became somewhat of a trademark for Shaq. His sheer power and intensity were on full display every time he threw down a dunk, causing the rim and backboard to quake under the force of his slam.

These moments of destruction added an element of excitement to the game, further solidifying Shaq’s status as one of the most electrifying players to ever grace the NBA hardwood. His impact on the game extended beyond just scoring points; it was about leaving a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike with his sheer dominance and physicality.

He was elected into the Hall of Fame.

Shaquille O’Neal’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 was a crowning achievement in his illustrious career. This prestigious acknowledgment not only recognized his incredible talent and skill on the court but also his profound impact on the sport of basketball as a whole. As one of the most dominant and iconic figures in the game, Shaq’s influence extended far beyond his playing days, inspiring countless fans and aspiring athletes around the world.

The following year, in 2017, Shaq’s global impact on the sport was further underscored with his induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame. This international recognition highlighted his contributions to basketball on a global scale, solidifying his status as a true legend of the game.

However, Shaquille O’Neal’s journey of accolades did not end there. In October 2021, he received yet another prestigious honor as he was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. This exclusive roster celebrates the most exceptional players to have ever graced the courts of the NBA, and Shaq’s inclusion further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the league.

Each of these accolades serves as a testament to Shaquille O’Neal’s remarkable impact on the world of basketball. From his dominant performances on the court to his larger-than-life personality off it, Shaq’s legacy continues to inspire and resonate with fans of all ages, leaving an indelible mark on the sport that will endure for generations to come.

He promotes peace and justice.

Beyond his illustrious basketball career, Shaquille O’Neal demonstrated a profound commitment to public service and law enforcement. While he dazzled fans on the court, he also dedicated his time and efforts to making a positive impact off the court.

In 2002, during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaq embarked on a journey into law enforcement by attending the LA County Sheriff’s Reserve Academy and becoming a reserve officer for the LA Port Police. This marked the beginning of his involvement in various law enforcement agencies across the United States.

In the 2023 LA Port Police recruitment video, he makes the pitch to join. «Team is more important than any one of us, if you have what it takes to join the Los Angeles Port Police, come on down, it’s time to dive in.»

His passion for safeguarding communities and combating crime led him to take on roles such as an honorary United States Deputy Marshal in 2005, where he worked closely with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation to protect children from online predators. Even after his move to the Miami Heat, Shaq remained dedicated to his law enforcement pursuits, becoming a reserve officer for the Miami Beach Police Department.

Continuing his commitment to serve, Shaq was recognized as an honorary deputy by the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department and became a reserve officer for the Doral Police Department in Florida. In 2016, he further expanded his reach by being sworn in as a sheriff’s deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, embodying his belief in giving back to the community and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy extends far beyond basketball, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of public service and law enforcement.

His passion goes beyond sports.

Shaquille O’Neal’s journey into the world of music began at a young age, when he was captivated by the energy and beats of a live performance by Public Enemy. Inspired by the pulsating rhythms and electrifying atmosphere, Shaq found himself drawn to the art of DJ’ing. Despite his humble beginnings, he was determined to pursue his passion, even if it meant working odd jobs and scrimping and saving to afford his first set of turntables.

The release of his debut album, ’Shaq Diesel,’ in 1993 marked a pivotal moment in his music career. Selling over a million copies and climbing to No. 25 on the Billboard 100, the album catapulted Shaq into the spotlight as a music sensation. His unprecedented success as a rap artist earned him the distinction of being the first athlete to achieve a platinum-selling album, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.

As DJ DIESEL, Shaq continued to push boundaries and explore new horizons in the world of music. Collaborating with renowned artists and performing on some of the biggest stages worldwide, he captivated audiences with his electrifying performances and infectious energy. From headlining festivals to holding residencies in Las Vegas, Shaq’s influence in the music scene remains unparalleled, showcasing his versatility and enduring passion for the art form.

He invests in e-Sports.

Shaquille O’Neal’s foray into esports marked a significant moment in the intersection of traditional sports and gaming. His investment in NRG Esports, alongside co-founder Andy Miller, demonstrated a recognition of the growing influence and popularity of competitive gaming leagues.

Founded in 2015, NRG Esports quickly established itself as a prominent organization in the esports world, fielding teams across a variety of popular game franchises. From competing in the fast-paced action of the Overwatch League to the strategic battles of the Call of Duty League and the adrenaline-fueled matches of «Rocket League,» NRG Esports has been at the forefront of competitive gaming.

Shaq’s involvement in gaming stretches back to the 1990s with the release of «Shaq Fu,» a video game featuring the basketball superstar as the protagonist. Despite its mixed reception, the game achieved a cult following and cemented Shaq’s place in gaming history. In 2018, fans were delighted when a sequel to «Shaq Fu» was released, demonstrating Shaq’s enduring appeal and ongoing connection to the gaming community.

Through his investments in esports and his own gaming ventures, Shaquille O’Neal continues to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports, further solidifying his status as a pioneer in both realms of entertainment.

«I looked into it. And then when I got the opportunity to invest in an esports team, I thought it was the right thing to do. Because you know, especially when it comes to technology, kids dictate what’s going to be and what’s not going to be.», the played shared.

So, what is Shaq net worth?

Shaq raked in a cool $20 million during the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. However, as a free agent now, he might find it challenging to match that hefty salary in his next deal. Despite this, Shaq remains quite active as a pitchman. His line of Dunkman sneakers, known for their affordable price tags, has been a massive hit since hitting the market in 1996, selling an impressive 80 million pairs.

As for Shaq’s wealth, his current net worth stands at a staggering $500 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. He started amassing this immense fortune during his NBA playing days, where he cashed in throughout his illustrious career. In his role as an analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA, Shaq continues to bring in the big bucks, reportedly earning a handsome $10 million annually. This contract includes a weekly 30-minute appearance on the show, with the option for Shaq to terminate it at any time.

During his NBA career, Shaq amassed an estimated $286 million in earnings, according to Spotrac. His journey in the league began when the Orlando Magic selected him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, where he quickly established himself as one of the most dominant players in the league.

Shaq’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he inked a groundbreaking contract. Jerry West, the Lakers’ executive, pulled out all the stops to bring Shaq to Hollywood, even restructuring the team’s roster. In the summer of 1996, Shaq signed a monumental seven-year, $120 million deal with the Lakers, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid players in NBA history.

And just like this, we found the answer to the question that made many so curious: «What is Shaq net worth?» Would you like to read more inspiring stories like this? Then make sure to check our next article!