When you think about players synonymous with a city, a few obvious names come to mind. Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson with Los Angeles, LeBron James with Cleveland and Allen Iverson with Philadelphia. However, no name captured the hearts and minds of a city quite like Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat. As the 3-time Champion gets ready for his Hall-of-Fame induction, a former teammate of his turned fanboy for the Flash.?

A Hall-of-Famer himself, Shaquille O’Neal and D-Wade went through it all together.

Miami’s own, Dwyane Wade praised by Shaq

While he acquired the title of most dominant player in the game, Shaq’s reputation had taken a bit of a hit prior to his move to Miami. Repeated strife with Kobe Bryant resulted in a public divorce from the Lakers as the team traded him to the Heat.

With questions about who would take the role of The Alpha and questions about his work ethic aplenty, O’Neal needed to change the narrative. In just two seasons, his standing was back at the top. From a young upstart team to NBA champions, seemingly overnight, Shaq played a big role in Miami’s emergence.

However, the biggest piece of the pie always was Dwyane Wade.

17 years after they won a chip together, Shaquille O’Neal could not help but share each moment, as it happened, before Wade’s historic ceremony. The first: A compilation put together by the team, showcasing two legends who elevated each other’s careers. Shaq shared the video and congratulated Wade on his story.

He also shared the moment the iconic HoF jacket and ring were presented to the legend. In the end, he also shared a video from the red carpet. Always a family man, the 7-footer understands the importance and value of a strong family.

So does D-Wade, as he could not stop waxing poetic about his wife Gabrielle. As he receives the iconic honor, there are few players in history that deserve it more than the Chicago native. However, it wasn’t always clear how great Wade would be. Except, of course, if you were The Big Aristotle.?

O’Neal predicted Wade’s success

Coming out of Marquette, Dwyane Wade had a lot of hype. However, not a single player drafted by the Miami Heat had ever made the Hall Of Fame. Until a few years ago, that stat still remained true. Not anymore, though.

Read More: Forced Not to Be a Hindrance to Dwyane Wade?s Legacy, Shaquille O?Neal Grows Boastful as His Prophecy Turns True

While a lot of people predicted Wade’s success, none were as sure as his future teammate. In a tribute video released by the Miami Heat, Shaq recalled how he predicted a Hall of Fame berth for the former number 3 overall pick.

For years, Wade gave us countless memories. Whether it was taking on the big brother role for LeBron or shying Gilbert Arenas from trash-talking ever again, D-Wade was a fierce competitor.

In typical Wade fashion, the 41-year-old has remained incredibly relevant post-retirement too. When not catching the action from the stands, he makes trips to Shaq’s show on TNT. Or, hosts his own game show. But, through all the years, his connection to the city of Miami has never dwindled.

Before he takes his rightful place among the elite, here’s a toast to The Flash.?

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