Shaquille O'Neal

The Big Diesel's midseason arrival in Phoenix.

Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns midseason in the 2007–08 season from the Miami Heat for four-time All-Star Shawn Marion. The trade marked a shift away from the "Seven Seconds or Less" era. O'Neal's arrival did not prevent the Suns from being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games.

Quick Facts

Born: 6 March 1972
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Height: 7 ft 1 in / 2.16 m
Weight: 325 lb / 147 kg
High school: Fulda American (Fulda, Germany); Robert G. Cole (San Antonio, Texas)
College: LSU (1989–1992)
Draft round: 1
Drafted by: Orlando Magic

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

Shaquille O'Neal was acquired by the Suns just before the All-Star break in the 2007–08 season, sent from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion. The trade was seen as the end of the "Seven Seconds or Less" era. Despite O'Neal's presence, the Suns failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since re-signing Steve Nash in 2004, losing to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games. The loss led to the departure of head coach Mike D'Antoni, who was allowed by general manager Steve Kerr to pursue coaching positions elsewhere and subsequently signed with the New York Knicks.

Reader's Guide

Shaquille O'Neal joined the Phoenix Suns midseason in the 2007–08 season via a trade from the Miami Heat for Shawn Marion. His arrival was a key part of the season narrative, marking the end of the "Seven Seconds or Less" era. The Suns had the second best team offensive rating in the NBA that season. O'Neal's presence did not change the playoff outcome: the Suns lost to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games in the first round. Following the loss, head coach Mike D'Antoni left the team.