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The Unanimous MVP Disaster: 7 Times A Player Was Crowned 'Shaqtin' A Fool MVP'

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The phrase "Shaq a fool MVP" is not a single quote, but rather a perfect storm of two distinct, yet equally sensational, NBA narratives: the story of the only player in history to miss a unanimous MVP vote by a single ballot, and the satirical award given out annually on TNT's *Inside the NBA*. As of late 2025, the conversation remains surprisingly current, driven by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's continued dominance in sports commentary and his willingness to keep old feuds alive, especially concerning his singular MVP trophy.

The controversy surrounding O'Neal's 2000 MVP award, where a single writer deemed him a "fool" for not being the best, is a chapter in NBA history that still sparks debate. Simultaneously, the "Shaqtin' a Fool MVP" segment, a lighthearted mockery of the league's most embarrassing bloopers, has recently crowned a superstar winner, bringing the term back into the headlines with fresh relevance.

Shaquille O'Neal: The Blueprint of Dominance and Controversy

Shaquille O'Neal's career is defined by sheer, unmatched dominance, but also by a curious lack of MVP trophies, which is the root of the "fool" controversy. His profile is one of the most decorated in NBA history, making the single-vote snub all the more shocking.

  • Full Name: Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal
  • Born: March 6, 1972 (Newark, New Jersey)
  • Height/Position: 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) / Center
  • NBA Career: 1992–2011 (Six teams, including Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics)
  • Key Career Highlights:
    • 4× NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
    • 3× NBA Finals MVP (2000, 2001, 2002)
    • 1× NBA MVP (2000)
    • 15× NBA All-Star
    • 8× All-NBA First Team
    • NBA 50th Anniversary Team (1996) and NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021)

The Real MVP Controversy: The Journalist Who Spoiled History

The primary source of the "Shaq a fool MVP" debate centers on the 1999–2000 NBA season, a year where Shaquille O'Neal was arguably at the peak of his power. His performance was so overwhelming that he was expected to become the first-ever unanimous MVP in NBA history.

The Unanimous Vote That Wasn't

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the NBA MVP, receiving 120 out of 121 possible first-place votes. This near-perfect result was a testament to his statistical dominance, where he averaged 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game.

The single vote that prevented him from achieving unanimous status—a feat later accomplished by Stephen Curry in 2016—came from CNN sports journalist Fred Hickman.

Hickman instead cast his first-place vote for Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson. The decision immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans, players, and media colleagues, who felt Hickman had disrespected O'Neal's historic season and spoiled a monumental moment in the league’s history.

Fred Hickman’s Defense

In the aftermath, Fred Hickman defended his choice, stating that he felt Iverson had carried his team further with less talent around him, a common argument in the MVP debate. Hickman later revealed in a book that he received threats and severe backlash for his vote, underscoring the intensity of the controversy.

To this day, the 2000 MVP vote remains a sore spot for O'Neal, and the name "Fred Hickman" is still synonymous with the one vote that kept a legendary player from achieving an unprecedented career milestone. The single-vote snub is the closest a player has ever come to being a unanimous MVP without actually achieving it, making the story a perennial topic of discussion.

The Second 'Fool' Controversy: The 2005 Snub

Beyond the 2000 vote, O'Neal has repeatedly expressed his belief that he was "robbed" of a second MVP award in 2005, an argument that further fuels the "fool" narrative, suggesting the voters were the ones being foolish.

During the 2004–2005 season, O'Neal, then with the Miami Heat, put up dominant numbers (22.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists). However, the award ultimately went to Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, who led his team to a 62-win season and revolutionized the league's offensive pace.

O'Neal has publicly maintained a long-standing grudge over this decision, often bringing it up on *Inside the NBA* and claiming Nash "stole" the award from him. This ongoing discontent keeps the topic of O'Neal's MVP count, and the perceived "foolishness" of the voters, relevant for a new generation of fans.

The Satirical List: The 'Shaqtin' a Fool MVP' Winners

The second, and more literal, interpretation of "Shaq a fool MVP" comes from the segment O'Neal himself hosts on TNT: Shaqtin' a Fool. This segment highlights the most egregious, hilarious, and embarrassing bloopers from around the NBA, culminating in the annual crowning of the "Shaqtin' a Fool MVP." This award is the one no player wants to win, yet it guarantees a unique kind of notoriety.

The segment, which began in 2011, has become a cultural phenomenon, often creating a narrative around players who appear on it too frequently. The negative perception created by the segment even led to a high-profile feud between O'Neal and one of the award's most frequent 'winners,' JaVale McGee, who felt the constant ridicule was damaging his career and public image.

Here are some of the most notable and recent players to be crowned the "Shaqtin' a Fool MVP," a title that carries both shame and a strange badge of honor:

  • JaVale McGee (2012, 2013): The two-time winner is arguably the most famous recipient and the face of the early era of the segment. His repeated appearances and subsequent feud with O'Neal became a major storyline in the NBA media.
  • Otto Porter Jr. (2015): Porter Jr. was awarded the title during his time with the Washington Wizards, a nod to his numerous comical gaffes throughout the season.
  • James Harden (2016): Harden, known for his offensive brilliance, won the award for a series of defensive lapses and non-plays that became viral highlights on the show.
  • Russell Westbrook (2017, 2021): The former NBA MVP is one of the few players to win both a legitimate NBA MVP (2017) and a "Shaqtin' a Fool MVP" in the same season, highlighting the fine line between greatness and blooper-reel moments. He is also a two-time winner of the satirical award.
  • Jordan Poole (2024): In a very recent crowning, Jordan Poole was named the 2024 MVP for his collection of mind-boggling turnovers and missteps, particularly during his tenure with the Washington Wizards. [cite: 14 in previous step]
  • LeBron James (2024–25): In a stunning and highly publicized event, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was voted the 2024–25 "Shaqtin' A Fool MVP" by fans. This is a testament to the segment's enduring popularity and the fact that even the greatest players are not immune to a hilarious mistake. O'Neal himself announced the winner, ensuring the news went viral across all sports platforms. [cite: 7, 8, 10 in previous step]

The Enduring Legacy of the 'Fool' Narrative

The dual nature of the "Shaq a fool MVP" phrase perfectly encapsulates Shaquille O'Neal's enduring presence in the NBA. On one hand, it refers to the deep, historical controversy of his 2000 MVP vote, a stain on the league's record of recognizing greatness. On the other, it points to his successful second career as an analyst and comedian, where he uses the "Shaqtin' a Fool" segment to both entertain and, at times, controversially critique the current generation of players.

Whether you're researching the legendary dominance of the 2000 Lakers' center or simply looking for the latest player to top the blooper reel, the phrase "Shaq a fool MVP" will lead you down two equally compelling and current paths in NBA lore.

shaq a fool mvp
shaq a fool mvp

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