Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade is often regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, though many place him a tier below icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. However, Wade himself once aimed to surpass Jordan, but injuries hindered his pursuit.
In a conversation on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, Wade discussed why he feels overlooked in all-time great discussions. He emphasized his versatility, saying, “I did so many different things, and I played so many different roles… I’m not the greatest shooter of all time. But I was great at so many different things, and Melo talked about it. Then I learned how to be great at being a role player. So, I learned how to be great at all these things, and no one knows how to really break down my game.”
Reflecting on his prime, Wade shared his ambitious mindset, stating, “When I had it, I had it. I thought I was gonna be, before injuries, I’m like, ‘MJ, I’m coming for you.’ That’s my mentality.”
Wade’s journey to NBA stardom is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Despite a less celebrated start due to academic struggles in high school, Wade attended Marquette University, where he had to sit out his first season to improve his academic standing. After two years of college play, Wade entered the 2003 NBA Draft, which featured prominent names like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Selected fifth overall, he quickly made his mark, leading the Miami Heat to a championship in his third year and earning Finals MVP honors.
However, serious injuries in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons caused Wade to miss 31 games each year, derailing his momentum and turning Miami into a non-contender. Despite these setbacks, Wade made a strong comeback, leading the league in scoring during the 2008-09 season and averaging at least 25.5 points per game for three consecutive seasons. Unfortunately, his team couldn’t compete for the championship during the first two of those seasons.
In 2011, Wade joined forces with LeBron James and Chris Bosh, forming the Heat’s “Big Three.” This move required Wade to transition from the team’s star player to a secondary role, which resulted in two more championship titles but decreased his chances of being compared to Jordan and Bryant.
Despite these challenges, Wade seems content with his career. He won multiple championships, was named one of the 75 greatest NBA players of all time, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
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