In 2004, Shaquille O’Neal joined the Miami Heat at the age of 32, still in his prime and fresh off leading the league in field goal percentage. Teaming up with a sophomore, Dwyane Wade , ‘Diesel’ made an immediate impact by averaging 22.9 points and a team-high 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Despite their duo leading the team to a 59-23 record in the regular season and averaging 46.6 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat lost 4-3 against the Detroit Pistons.
As The Big Aristotle still felt he had what it took to be the team’s No. 1 star, Gary Payton provided him a bold yet honest reality check to play second fiddle to D-Wade.
Gary Payton’s advice to Shaq
The 2005-06 season started turbulently, with the Heat posting a 19-15 record and partying ways with coach Stan Van Gundy after their first 21 games. In such a critical juncture, 37-year-old Gary Payton recognized the competitive fire within Shaq getting the better of him to be prioritized ahead of ‘Flash.’ Recognizing the need for change, ‘The Glove’ decided to control the three-time Finals MVP.