Shaquille O'Neal's son, Shareef O'Neal, has drawn attention both as the child of a basketball legend and for his own path on the court. Fans often ask what team does Shaq's son play for as they follow his development and career moves.
Shareef leveraged his size and skills through college at UCLA and has since navigated professional leagues, signing contracts and chasing minutes wherever his team needs him. Here is a clear snapshot of where he currently stands in his career.
| Player | Current Team | Position | League | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shareef O'Neal | South Bay Lakers | Center | NBA G League | Active |
| Shareef O'Neal | Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2023) | Center | NBA | Former |
| Shareef O'Neal | Westchester Knicks (2024) | Center | NBA G League | Former |
| Shareef O'Neal | South Bay Lakers (2024–present) | Center | NBA G League | Current |
College Career and Early Development
Shareef O'Neal spent his college years at UCLA, where he balanced academic expectations with the pressure of living up to his father's legacy. Playing center, he worked on refining his footwork, rebounding, and rim protection while earning consistent starts.
Those performances helped raise his draft stock and set the stage for turning professional after his sophomore season. Scouts noted his length and defensive instincts, which translated into interest from NBA teams looking for size in the paint.
NBA Draft and Philadelphia 76ers
Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 48th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Shareef joined an organization rich in talent and playoff contention. His tenure with the 76ers provided him with regular season and postseason experience at the highest level.
During his time in Philadelphia, he split minutes on both ends, contributing on defense while developing his offensive game in transition and in the half-court sets. The exposure prepared him for a more defined professional identity.
NBA G League Journey
After his NBA stint, Shareef focused on building consistency in the G League, where he has been assigned to the South Bay Lakers and the Westchester Knicks. The G League has given him the repetition needed to refine his mid-range shooting and positioning without the intense pressure of an NBA roster spot.
His current team, the South Bay Lakers, showcases his ongoing commitment to developing his skills as a professional while staying active and visible in the basketball community. This pathway mirrors the journeys of many players striving for an eventual return to the NBA.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 11 inches, Shareef leverages his size to guard multiple positions, switching onto smaller players while protecting the rim. His handle and passing from the high post add another dimension, allowing him to facilitate or initiate offense when needed.
Offensively, he relies on his frame in the paint, finishing at the rim and drawing contact, while his perimeter shooting continues to develop as a valuable tool for spacing the floor. These attributes make him a versatile asset in schemes that require spacing and defensive flexibility.
Path Forward for Shareef O'Neal
Moving ahead, Shareef will likely balance G League production with opportunities for NBA call-ups, using his frame and skill set to earn a sustainable role. Staying healthy and expanding his offensive toolkit will be key for long-term growth.
- Continue refining shooting mechanics to increase offensive reliability.
- Leverage defensive length to remain a valuable rotation player.
- Build consistency in minutes and production across G League stints.
- Maintain physical conditioning to handle the demands of a two-way professional schedule.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team did Shareef O'Neal play for in the NBA?
Shareef O'Neal played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA from 2020 to 2023 after being drafted 48th overall in the 2020 NBA draft.
What team does Shaq's son currently play for in the G League?
As of the current season, Shareef O'Neal plays for the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League, where he continues to develop his skills as a center.
Did Shareef O'Neal start in college, and where did he play?
Yes, Shareef O'Neal started at UCLA, where he played college basketball and earned regular minutes as a center before declaring for the 2020 NBA draft.
How does Shareef O'Neal's game compare to other G League centers?
Shareef O'Neal stands out for his length and defensive versatility, offering switchable rim protection and the ability to initiate offense with passing, though he is still developing consistency in perimeter shooting compared to some specialized G League scorers.