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NBA Champion, Who Once Tried to Fight Shaquille O’Neal Naked, Gets Nostalgic as Teammates Unite in Basketball’s Greatest Honor

Published 08/04/2023, 10:10 AM EDT

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The Miami Heat has become a reputed franchise in the NBA today. Founded in 1988, the team is fairly new compared to many others. But despite their short history the organization has gone on to win 3 NBA titles and 7 conference titles. Winning their first championship in 2006, the win paved the way for future successes, but it was Patt Riley’s continued influence that made the Heat into the juggernaut they are today. The godfather has been a key part of the organization since he joined in 1995 and is remembered fondly by ex-players and current franchise members alike.

One former player of the Heat recently took to Instagram as he shared a glimpse of the 2006 title celebrations. Having once challenged former teammate Shaquille O’Neal to a fight naked, the NBA champion was nostalgic as his former teammate was commemorated at basketball’s greatest honor.

An NBA champion is nostalgic as he commemorates a teammate from their 2006 win

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The 2006 Miami Heat were one of the most unexpected champions in the history of the NBA. Beginning the season with a 11-10 record, coach Van Gundy was given the boot as Patt Riley took over the reins. Finishing second in the eastern conference, Miami blew past the Bulls, the Nets and the Pistons, before beating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 to clinch the NBA crown.

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The youngest member of this title-winning squad was Dorell Wright. Drafted in 2004 the youngster won the title in his second season as he made 20 appearances for the team. Retiring in 2020, Wright recently ran back the clock as he posted a throwback to his Miami days.

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Taking to his Instagram Dorell posted a story, sharing an image from the 2006 championship parade. The photo featured Shaq, Wade and Wright, as he captioned it, “Blessed Dawg!!” Dorell’s latest post comes in light of Dwyane Wade‘s induction into the Hall of Fame as the Miami Heat legend gets recognition for his illustrious career.

Although fleeing his beloved Miami due to safety concerns regarding his daughter, Wade continues to be cherished and loved in the city of Vice.

Winning his sole NBA championship in 2006, Dorell Wright was quite the journeyman. Remembered for his time with the Miami Heat, the 37-year-old recently shared his favorite moment in Miami with Shaq.

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An NBA champion tried fighting Shaquille O’Neal naked

Fondly remembering a time when the 7-foot giant came to his rescue while their coach Patt Riley tried kicking him out Dorell revealed. “Mine’s 100% Riley kicking me out of the meeting LMAO.”

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Shaq then shared his favorite moment with Dorell which left many bewildered. Revealing that his favorite moment was when Wright challenged him for a fight in the shower, Shaq wrote. “My favorite moment was you tryna fight me naked in the shower and Udonis didn’t want to break us up.”

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Written by:

Arian Kashyap

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Arian Kashyap is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. He has college degrees in Physical Education and Sport Sciences and has been writing since 2019. He actively follows the NBA, and though he is a Miami Heat fan, Arian likes to provide all NBA lovers with captivating content that also helps educate his readers.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor