Shaquille O'Neal Defensive Player of the Year (1994)
Dominant center who led the Magic to their first playoff appearance in 1994.
Shaquille O'Neal is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Orlando Magic from 1992 to 1996. He was selected by the Magic with the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft and won NBA Rookie of the Year in 1992–93.
Quick Facts
- Season
- 1993-94
- Team
- Orlando Magic
- Position
- Center
- Jersey number
- 32
- Award context
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year (Rodman Winner)
- Status
- Retired Legend
Lore & Background
O'Neal wore No. 32 for the Magic because veteran teammate Terry Catledge refused to relinquish the No. 33 jersey. He was named Player of the Week in his first week in the NBA, the first player to do so. In his rookie season, he averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. He was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.
Reader's Guide
O'Neal did not win the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1994. His individual accolades listed include three NBA All-Defensive Team selections, but no Defensive Player of the Year award.
Did You Know?
- O'Neal led the NBA in field goal percentage in 1993–94 at 60%.
- On November 20, 1993, O'Neal recorded a triple-double with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks against the New Jersey Nets.
- O'Neal was named to the All-NBA 3rd Team in 1993–94.
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