Shaquille O’Neal, one of the greatest centers in the history of the NBA, holds a very highly regarded position within Miami Heat history. O’Neal, after having had many years of success with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Heat, led Miami to their first franchise in team history along with Dwyane Wade in 2006.
O’Neal averaged 20.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks that season and his experience in previously grueling NBA Finals series was invaluable to the Heat. He acted as a player-mentor for the likes of a young Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, both in their second year with the Heat.