Dwyane Wade knows their 2006 championship win continues to motivate the current team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As one of the most prestigious franchises in the NBA, the Miami Heat has high standards. Of course, they were not successful until 2006 when Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal led the Heat to their first-ever NBA championship.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSince then, the Heat have made the Finals six more times, and they won two championships in that span. There is a gold standard with the Heat, and that was established by the 2006 team.
Wade believes the current Heat should be inspired by his team
The current Heat team is not playing at the highest level it could be. They have the potential, but they are in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference.
It is challenging to surpass expectations and succeed at the highest level. However, playing for the Heat involves meeting those lofty standards because it is a franchise that has high expectations.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE:Erik Spoelstra manifested Norman Powell's first-time All-Star selection
Wade might be hyping up his former team from two decades ago, but he is correct with his assessment. He is still a fan of the Heat franchise, and he wants them to succeed. He is also being honest with them by pointing out the standards they must meet.
"This organization, this city has never been changed. There is a standard set here. Y'all have expectations because of the guys sitting in this circle right here. This is the standard," Wade said during the tribute for the 2006 team on Tuesday.
It is the reality of playing for the Heat organization. That means it is time to step up and prove that the Heat belongs in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith All-Star-level players like Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Norman Powell, the Heat can surprise people. They have the potential; they just need to live up to the standard set by previous Heat iterations.
More NBA news:
Pelle Larsson could be the primary hold-up between the Heat and an Antetokounmpo trade
Spoelstra gets a wake-up call with Kel'el Ware continuing to be the Heat's top youngster
Bam Adebayo sends clear message on how Heat can avoid play-in
Norman Powell doesn't hold back on 'making excuses' after Heat loss to Magic
Giannis Antetokounmpo's former teammate believes the Miami Heat are the best fit for him
