Dwyane Wade on How Shaquille O’Neal Changed His Life After Joining Miami Heat:”You’re Pretty Good But I’m About to Make You a Superstar”

When someone talks about the best duos to ever play in the NBA, Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal are amongst the very best. Counted alongside stars like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen for the Chicago Bulls, Shaq and Wade formed a formidable pair for the Miami Heat.

When Shaq joined the Miami Heat in 2004, he teamed up alongside a young Wade. The two went on to win a championship, and Shaq had a strong influence on Wade. 

Wade has talked about the influence Shaquille O’Neal had on him many a times. In a recent interview, Wade talked about what Shaq told him when he first joined Miami. O’Neal promised to make Dwyane Wade a star, and he certainly achieved that.

Dwyane Wade talks about Shaquille O’Neal

When Shaq joined the Miami Heat, Wade was only in his second year. Despite his inexperience, Wade was already one of the hottest talents in the league and Shaq was quick to recognize that.

Wade talks about Shaq,”When he shows up in Miami and you’re in your second or third year and he’s already got championships under his belt right and he says in his first press conference, “I’m here to help, it’s Dwyane’s team.“”

He adds,”You would never meet another person like Shaq. He came to Miami and he totally changed my entire life. Shaq came and he was like, “You know what, you’re pretty good all right, so I’m ’bout to make you a superstar.“

Dwyane Wade went on to win 3 NBA championships and is also a 13 time NBA All-Star. Shaquille O’Neal certainly achieved his promise of making Wade a superstar.

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Wade and Shaq’s stats

The two are not dubbed as one of the best duos for any reason whatsoever; the stats prove it. Shaq joined the Miami Heat after signing a five year contract with the franchise.

After losing to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals in their first season, everything clicked next season.

After dominating the entire season, the Heat eventually got better of the Pistons to reach the NBA finals. Shaquille O’Neal averaged 20.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and was named in the NBA All-Star team.

Miami Heat faced the Dallas Mavericks in the finals. The Mavericks beat them in the first two games before Dwyane Wade came up clutch. The 24 year old Wade scored 42, 36, 43 and 36 in the next 4 games.

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What is your favorite moment of Shaquille O’Neal in a Miami Heat jersey ? Let us know in the comments below.