NBA players and teams tend to have a charged-up atmosphere. Due to the spirit of the competition and the pressure to win, tensions are usually running high, especially for an organization as intense as the Miami Heat with their Heat Culture. In some cases, those emotions reach a boiling. That is how Shaquille O’Neal found himself ready to fight someone in the shower.

However, to his surprise, the team’s enforcer and voice of reason, Udonis Haslem, was unwilling to step in. Even though most altercations involve an incident on the court, this was their locker room with a fight brewing.

“So, a rookie was talking smack to me in the shower and I’m getting ready to go off and you [Udonis Haslem] was like, ‘Shaq, I love you and respect you. I ain’t going to let you fight this rookie. But, if y’all start fighting, I ain’t about to break this s**t up man. He in this motherf***er b*tt-a** n**ed.'”

Then, Mr. Heat Culture, as he fashions himself, would explain why he was hesitant to join and/or stop the fight. “This man was in the shower. Like, he was that mad that he wanted to assault somebody in the shower.”

Despite taking on the role of team leader, Haslem wasn’t about to join the frankly ‘awkward’ situation. “But I’m the connector and our protector. But, that’s just an awkward time to connect or protect anybody. So now, I ain’t want no parts of that.” 

Watch This Story: Shaquille O’Neal’s Error In Rare Talent Flex Immediately Exposed By Angel Reese

However, despite this scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers legend does hold Haslem in the highest of regards.

Not Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal reveals real key factor for ring no. 4

Over his nearly 20-year career, the 7-footer would play alongside some of the all-time greats. His teammate list would go on to include names like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, with the former giving him the most successful run of his career.

But after the move to Miami, O’Neal’s quest for championship glory wasn’t over. With a strong roster and another generational guard Dwyane Wade alongside, the stage was as good as any. But, it isn’t Wade that gets the maximum credit from the 2000 MVP for his 4th chip. Instead, UD holds that honor.

While some might consider that a snub for Wade, Flash himself pointed to Haslem as the primary reason for that championship due to his defensive work on Dirk Nowitzki. Perhaps Haslem truly is the greatest Heat career ever.

However, Shaq’s story does bring to light how essential role players and locker-room veterans are in shaping a franchise.

Read More: “Talk to My Therapist”: Udonis Haslem’s Firey Draymond Green Take Draws Cheeky Response From Shaquille O’Neal