The Miami Heat’s title run in 2006 was unforgettable. Shaquille O’Neal had just left Kobe Bryant and the Lakers and revenge was all the Big Friend wanted. Miami had a talented young guard from Marquette named Dwayne Wade, who would end up becoming Miami’s franchise player in their first Championship victory. Nearly two decades later, Wade recently took his instagram to remind the world of his 2006 run with Miami, which he accomplished in his third year in the league.
Of all the championships Wade has participated in, none compare to the 2006 Championship. Flash was only in his third year when he led Miami to its first championship. Wade, who was the youngest starter on the team, would lead the team in points, assists and steals, proving to be too much for his opponents during the playoffs.
But Wade’s best performance would come in the Finals, where the 22-year-old would secure the Finals MVP award over four-time champion Shaquille O’Neal. But Wade really deserved the award, after averaging 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 steals and more than one block per game in the series. In the finals, the Heat would take care of the Dallas Mavericks in just 6 games, as Wade would rise to superstar status in the league.
Recently, Wade reminded the world of his 2006 career with Miami by sharing a post from @amazehoops, which highlighted the surprising performance of one of the league’s youngest Finals MVPs. The Instagram channel’s post had a photo of D-Wade holding the Larry O’Brien trophy with the caption: “Dwayne Wade won an NBA championship in his third NBA season as the team’s best player…he doesn’t get talked about enough.”
Wade managed to accomplish a Herculean task, leading his team to a championship before anyone else in his draft class. Even the No. 1 pick, LeBron James, would have to wait until 2012 to win his first championship and would need Wade’s help to secure the same.
Shaq let Wade take over in 2006
Shaquille O’Neal was considered something of an “alpha dog” during his playing days. O’Neal always loved being the leader and did not like others challenging his authority. But in 2004, after signing with the Miami Heat, the great friend would swallow his pride and allow Wade to lead Miami. The following season, Miami would seem untouchable, as Wade and Shaq seemed to be in perfect sync.
This change of heart on O’Neal’s part would help catapult the Heat into title contention status, as Wade was given more room to operate on the court.
O’Neal’s final act of respect would come during the 2006 Finals ceremony, where he presented the Finals MVP trophy to Dwayne Wade. A gesture that signified his gratitude to Wade, as the young man helped the great man win his last championship.
