Shaquille O'Neal Defensive Player of the Year (1994)

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.

In Their Own Story

The arena hums with tension during the second round of the 1994 playoffs against Indiana. A Pacers guard drives hard toward the rim, looking for an easy layup in traffic. Shaq rises like a mountain from the post, arms extended high above the hardwood. The ball meets his palm with a sharp clap, echoing through the Amway Arena. He turns immediately to sprint back on defense, eyes locked forward, embodying the relentless energy that made Orlando dangerous.

Reader's Guide

O'Neal did not win the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1994. The source article does not mention any Defensive Player of the Year award for O'Neal. 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.