?Reason We Won the Championship?: ?Dismissing? Shaquille O?Neal and More, Dwyane Wade Puts 3x NBA Champion on the Pedestal

Dwyane Wade is among the greatest players to ever play the game. One of the 3 best shooting guards ever, Wade established a bond with his city as strong as any other player. While Los Angeles is Kobe Bryant‘s territory, Miami is firmly a ‘Wade County‘. A 3-time champion with the city, Wade forged an unimpeachable legacy. While his career saw him play with some of the game’s greats, Dwyane Wade’s reply when asked about the greatest player in Miami Heat history was surprising, to say the least.

As the Heat lost the Finals, the end saw one player call it quits on a legendary career.

Dwyane Wade credits the 2006 Championship to a surprising name

While he was a big brother to the likes of LeBron James, Udonis Haslem served the same role for Wade. A bond forged out of a career together, Wade poured his heart out to UD for Sports Illustrated.

The 2006 Championship was?The Flash’s?coming out party. While Carmelo Anthony and Bron grabbed the headlines, it was the kid in Miami who first got championship success. And what a performance it was.

After falling 0-2 to the Dallas Mavericks, Wade was sublime as Miami won in a row. Even with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Gary Payton, and others on the squad, Wade made his mark. Not if you ask Wade, though.

In the piece, Wade mentions the legends on the court for his team. However, he credits the victory to one – Udonis Haslem. Praising UD’s selfless attitude, Wade said, “The Udonis Haslems of the world are the reason we won the championship.”?

He further highlights the defensive effort from Haslem. “Guarding Dirk [Nowitzki], a guy that can get 20 to 30 shots off wherever he wants? That?s tough, mentally and physically. UD was up for the challenge, and he never complained.”?

The all-time leader for blocks might know a thing or two about defense. So, if he shares his opinion, you listed. Similarly, if the man for whom they named the city Wade County speaks about the franchise, you listen.

Wade decides who had the most remarkable career in Heat history

The Miami Heat is a young franchise. Formed in 1988, the team has seen some all-time great suit up for them. LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Gary Payton, Antoine Walker, and the aforementioned Dwyane, are all part of the club’s rich history.

And, Wade recognizes this. Yet, he had a surprising pick for the most remarkable career. While most would argue Wade, he himself had a different answer. “He has had the greatest career in Miami Heat history… The franchise has had Shaq, Tim Hardaway, Alonzo [Mourning], LeBron, and Chris Bosh?a line of Hall of Famers. But, there?s one that stands above us all. That?s Udonis Haslem.”

Read More: ?I Had Two-Three More Years?: Dwyane Wade Discloses Why His Glorious NBA Run Came to a Halt After 16 Years

As Haslem rides off into the sunset, we hope to see him again someday. Whether as a GM, an owner, and a mentor to the new generation, UD will surely make an impact wherever he goes.

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