How Many 3s Did Shaq Make

When someone mentions Shaquille O’Neal, visions of this man blowing by his opponents for powerful dunks or smashing them on the inside do not take a vivid picture in our heads. Said to be one of the most effective places in the NBA ever, Shaq was never really a threat from the perimeter, despite having all the power that made him a prolific low-post scorer. 

This raises an interesting question: But, more to the point, just how many three-pointers did this guy Shaquille O’Neal score in his playing days? In this article, we will look into Shaq’s three-point shooting and review his shooting style and his figure to other NBA legends.

The Shaq Three Points Shot ERA

Let me explain it in terms of statistics. In his entire NBA career, Shaquille O’Neal only tried 22 three-pointers and converted only one. This makes his three-point shooting percentage of just 4.5%. Here’s a breakdown of his three-point shooting:

Context of His Shooting

Champions like Shaquille O’neal his specialty played the role of scoring in the paint through strength and quickness of his defense opponents. Different markets basket and 45 free-throws meant more than his post moves, dunks, and set shots and not the three-point line which is so common today. This strategy proved to be specific to him since he ranks among the highest point-scorers in the NBA game.

In a time where “business” forwards and centers are leaders of their teams and are expected to for most of their games averaging 18 feet and beyond, Shaq stood out like a sore thumb. Gordon’s shooting percentage was also average, 23.7 points per game, so his inability to put the three-point shots in the basket was not so critical because he was able to drive for fouls and also push rebounds.

The Evolution of the Game

And so when talking about Shaquille O’neal’s shooting, one has to start wondering what had changed in the game. The NBA has evolved so much since the time he joined the side in 1992. 

Back in Shaq’s hay day, the philosophy of three-point shooting was not as emphasized as much as it is in present days. Winning players such as Stephen curry and Klay Thompson have brought into the lime light how important the three pointer is to the strategic plan.

Why Was Shaq So Rare in Jump Shooting Especially Threes?

1. Play Style: Psychologically Shaq’s game was based on one’s physical strength over his opponent. He was at his best when he was backing his man into the post and abusing his height, not when he was spreading the floor.

2. Team Strategy: In his whole career, shaq played for teams that employed him mainly as a center in specific paint area. His teams’ coaches developed sets where he could exploit his nadirs, and there was rarely the need for him to take three-point shots.

3. Personal Preference: O’Neal himself has said about low three-point attempts, not letting Mark Jackson shoot three-pointers was the best thing he has done in his career. He better liked to operate in the paint and also kept to himself that it is better to shoot a good shot rather than risk shooting a three-pointer which is outside his comfort zone.

Comparisons to Other Centers

Some of the differences are obvious when Shaquille O’Neal’s three-point shooting is compared to other centers. Here’s a look at a few notable centers and their three-point shooting statistics:

Conclusion

Consequently, the overall shooting percentage during his 19 seasons at NBA was 4.5% as Shaquille O’Neal attempted only one three-pointer. I think it is important because it shows distinctive features of his game and the time he was active on the football field. 

In today’s basketball it is rampant to see many teams aiming to build their offense around the three-point line but Shaq is synonymous with post play and the fact that he scores in ways that are impossible to emulate in today’s NBA.