HoopsVibe

Their New: “There’s something there.

As much as neither wanted to admit to even the slightest bit of dislike for each other, there’s something between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade that has somehow remained trapped in the confines of the locker room they used to share. 

The encounters are becoming a little less friendly each time, and they are heading to the verge of just plain chilly.” (Israel Gutierrez, Miami Herald linked to CNNSI Fan Nation). 

Our Very Quick Analysis: Right now, O’Neal and Wade do appear engaged in a below-the-surface cold war that could erupt into all-out hostilities at any minute.

Consider the source before dismissing this report. Gutierrez is a long-time Heat beat writer connected with a credible daily paper. He’ll have a relationship with both superstars. Spreading fact-less gossip would compromise his access to Miami’s players and make it impossible for him to get quotes and do his job.

Gutierrez’s article is measured and fair. And precedence is on his side.  

Of course, O’Neal has a history of burning bridges. After Orlando, he gave former Magic teammate Penny Hardaway the 90210-style silent treatment. Then, while living in Beverly Hills and playing for the Lakers, Shaq and Kobe feuded like Kelly and Brenda.

Even after parting ways, this duo fought for years and needed Bill Russell to act as a Henry Kissinger style mediator. Their publicly declared détente at an All-Star game wasn’t enough to prevent a summer flare-up when ‘The Diesel’ busted this freestyle at his former foe. 

Today, O’Neal and Bryant are good. They played nice at the All-Star game, even sharing MVP honours. Well, what’s the problem with Wade?

There were likely hard feelings over how things ended in Miami. Wade was, and still is, Miami’s golden boy, while O’Neal likely feels he was unfairly blamed for the Heat’s fast regression. Remember, as South Beach’s favourite son, Flash had enough juice to call out Superman for his lacklustre conditioning and commitment. And he did. 

Gutierrez is right. There is probably tension between these former friends. Time will tell if O’Neal and Wade’s differences escalate into another public squabble.