Shaquille O’Neal called out for not buying Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem Bentleys after 2006 NBA ring

Shaq's unfulfilled Bentley promise to Heat players.

Shaquille O’Neal called out for not buying Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem Bentleys after 2006 NBA ring

Udonis Haslem and Shaquille O'Neal reminisce about their days together on the Miami Heat (The Big Podcast)

Shaquille O’Neal was recently ripped on his podcast. The issue was about a grand promise he made to his fellow Miami Heat teammates, Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, back in the day. He promised to buy Bentleys for both if they won the 2006 NBA championship. They did win, but the Bentleys never showed up.

The story came to light during Haslem’s appearance on The Big Podcast. Shaq and Haslem talked about their thrilling journey to the championship. Even though Shaq didn’t follow through on the car promise, it’s a great example of his mastery at building team spirit and driving his teammates to dream big.

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Udonis Haslem recalled:

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The man told me and Dwyane if we win our first championship. He said, 'If we win this title, I'mma buy y'all Bentleys.' The man ain't bought us Bentleys. We were motivated as hell, but what me and Dwyane did was go buy our own Bentleys…We believed, we were young, we didn't know no damn better. He said, 'What? Bentley? Sh** let's go.'
Udonis Haslem via The Big Podcast

Shaquille O’Neal’s reputation precedes him, and Udonis and Dwyane Wade weren’t exactly foolish to believe the guy. He had bought a Chevy Tahoe for former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Mark Madsen and even gifted Rolexes to the entire Lakers team.

What’s even more remarkable is how Shaq’s kindness reaches beyond his immediate circle. He’s the kind of guy who sees a need and steps up, like when he bought a Mercedes Benz van for a family in need.

This anecdote didn’t fail to lighten the mood at the podcast, perfectly encapsulating Shaq’s personality: grand, playful, and always with a touch of humor. During the Miami Heat’s championship run, Shaq’s influence was pivotal on and off the court. His unique touch in nurturing a positive and ambitious mindset among his teammates never failed to keep morale high.

When Diesel danced off against the King and Superman

The 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles wasn’t just a basketball game but a dazzling entertainment display. Picture this: a gathering where the brightest stars of basketball, like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal, came together not just to compete but to celebrate their shared love for the game.

LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal in a dance-off
LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal in a dance-off (NBA)

The basketball court, usually a battleground of athletic prowess, transformed into a stage of rhythm and joy when Shaq, LeBron, and Dwight Howard set aside the competition for a dance-off. Shaq led the way in “break-dancing” and twerking, revealing a playful, spirited personality that starkly contrasted with his intimidating presence on the court. LeBron and Dwight joined, their laughter and dance steps contributing to the joyous atmosphere.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the game was fiercely competitive. Team LeBron faced a tough challenge, ultimately falling short with a score of 132-155. LeBron himself scored 28 points, but it was Kobe Bryant who shone the brightest, earning MVP with 31 points. The dance-off remained a highlight, though, and became another example of Shaq’s playful nature.

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