BREAKING: Shane Battier says LeBron did something twice with Heat that M.J. couldn’t have done once
Former NBA defensive ace Shane Battier wrapped up his 13-year NBA career by playing for the Miami Heat during the Big 3 era, and he was a part of a whole lot of collective success in Miami. He won two titles in 2012 and 2013 across his three-season stint playing for the Heat alongside stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Battier was a significant contributor to both of Miami’s title runs. First, he logged 23 appearances and 16 starts in the 2012 NBA Playoffs and shot 38.2 percent from deep. Then, he played 22 games in the 2013 NBA Playoffs off the bench.
Battier, perhaps lightheartedly, said during a recent podcast appearance that James accomplished something twice during his Heat stint that Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan couldn’t have done once.
“LeBron did something twice that Jordan I don’t think could’ve done once,” Battier said. “He won two NBA titles with Shane Battier as his starting power forward. No way Jordan could’ve done that. As great as Jordan was, LeBron dragged me across the finish line.”
Battier maybe has a somewhat shaky memory of his time with the Heat, as it was a long time ago after all. While he did start a majority of the Heat’s playoff games during their title run in 2012, he didn’t crack the starting lineup at all during the 2013 postseason when they won another championship.
As such, it can only really be said that James won one title with a starting lineup that included Battier.
It’s also worth noting that Battier may be underselling his impact on the Heat with his comments. During his days with Miami, he was a really solid two-way player. He even made six 3-pointers off the bench in Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals to help the Heat secure that championship.
Jordan and Battier were never teammates at the NBA level, as by the time Battier kicked off his career in the 2001-02 season, Jordan was in the twilight of his pro tenure. Jordan last played in the league with the Washington Wizards in the 2002-03 campaign.
Battier might not be the most talented player James has ever played with or even close to it, but Battier served as a glue guy for a lot of winning teams during his playing days.