Dwyane Wade Reveals Why He Took His 2006 NBA Title Ring Straight to LeBron James

Miami had just defeated the Dallas Mavericks in six games. Wade was the Finals MVP. Most players would stay in South Florida to celebrate.

The 2003 NBA draft class is legendary. It features icons like James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Wade himself. By winning the 2006 title, Wade became the first among that group to win a ring. 

James hosted his charity ‘King for Kids Bike-a-thon’ in Cleveland in late June 2006. Wade attended the event just days after the Finals ended. While official public ring ceremonies happen later, players receive their rings privately beforehand. 

This moment showed a friendly rivalry and serious draft-class bragging rights. This early competition laid the foundation for their eventual partnership in Miami.

How Two Rivals Became the Best Duo in Basketball

The relationship between Wade and James started before they even entered the NBA. They first crossed paths at the 2003 pre-draft workouts in Chicago. However, it turned into a series of competitive battles in the Eastern Conference. 

One matchup happened in April 2006. James scored 47 points to barely edge out Wade, who dropped 44 points of his own.

Everything changed during the summer of 2010 when Miami formed its famous Big 3. Bosh decided to join Wade and James in South Florida. The group was dubbed the “Heatles.” 

The trio led Miami to four straight NBA Finals appearances. They won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. Along the way, they went on a historic 27-game winning streak.

James also won multiple MVP awards during this run. To make it all work, Wade sacrificed parts of his own offensive role for the success of the team.

They backed up the bold promises made at the famous “Not one, not two…” welcome rally. They also shared the floor during Ray Allen’s legendary Game 6 three-pointer in 2013. 

Wade later said they fit together like peanut butter and jelly. James often credited his time with Wade for teaching him what it takes to win championships. Wade also called James the greatest player to ever put on a Miami Heat jersey.

Back in 2006, Wade just wanted to make sure James saw his new championship ring before anyone else. Years later, those two same players ended up winning multiple titles while wearing the same uniform. 

What is your favorite memory from the Wade and James era?