LeBron James And Dwyane Wade vs. Stephen Curry And Klay Thompson Comparison

• LeBron James and Dwyane Wade spearheaded the “Heatles” superteam

• One of the most successful duos in NBA history were Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson

• Comparing individual and team accolades leads to one duo getting the edge over the other

The NBA has seen its fair share of iconic duos and dynamic partnerships, but one debate that has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike is the comparison between LeBron James and Dwyane Wade on one side, and Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the other. These two pairs of superstars have left an indelible mark on the league, each with a distinct style of play and a unique path to greatness when it comes to winning championships.

In this comparison, we will delve into the careers, playing styles, and impact of these exceptional players to better understand what sets them apart and what unites them in the annals of NBA history. LeBron and Wade’s combination of athleticism and versatility will be pitted against the sharpshooting prowess and chemistry of Curry and Thompson in a captivating exploration of two of the most iconic partnerships in modern basketball history.

NBA Championships

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 2

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 4

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, two future Hall of Famers, joined forces with the Miami Heat and won two NBA championships together in the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons. Their partnership marked a dominant era in Miami, characterized by their exceptional skills and athleticism. James and Wade defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012 and the San Antonio Spurs in 2013, but did lose to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, known as the “Splash Brothers,” have achieved remarkable success with the Golden State Warriors, winning a total of four NBA championships together. Their championships came in the 2014-2015, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2021-2022 seasons. The duo’s remarkable three-point shooting ability and chemistry played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ dynasty during this period. The Cleveland Cavaliers (three times) and Boston Celtics fell victim to the Warriors, with Golden State losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and Toronto Raptors in 2019.

The difference in the number of championships certainly adds an interesting dimension to the comparison, showcasing the successful partnerships of both pairs of players and their contributions to their respective teams’ achievements. Curry and Thompson have played together for 13 seasons and that has given them time to win rings.

Finals MVPs

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 2

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 1

The Finals MVP awards won by these two dynamic pairs of players also shed light on their individual contributions to their teams’ championship runs. LeBron James has won the NBA Finals MVP award four times during his career (2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020). Two of those Finals MVP awards were earned during his time with the Miami Heat when he partnered with Dwyane Wade. In 2012, James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game and posted 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game in 2013.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have both been integral to the Golden State Warriors’ success, but in terms of NBA Finals MVP awards, Curry has won the award once, in 2022. This reflects the critical role he played during the Warriors’ championship run that season and he finally earned the award that many felt he needed when he posted 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.

While LeBron James has secured two NBA Finals MVP awards alongside Dwyane Wade, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have earned one collectively. These awards highlight the remarkable talents and leadership qualities of these players when it matters most in the NBA Finals but the Heat duo has the edge despite the fact they played together for only four years.

NBA MVP Awards

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 2

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 2

The NBA MVP awards won by these two iconic pairs of players indicate that they have each earned recognition as the league’s most valuable player, LeBron James has won the NBA MVP award four times during his illustrious career (2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013). Two of these MVP awards were achieved during his time with the Miami Heat, where he formed a formidable partnership with Dwyane Wade, who himself won the NBA MVP award in 2006.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, also known as the “Splash Brothers,” have earned two NBA MVP awards combined. Stephen Curry has won the MVP award twice (2015 and 2016), while Klay Thompson, although an essential part of the Golden State Warriors’ success, has not secured an MVP award. 

The MVP awards won by these players underline their individual brilliance and the pivotal roles they have played on their respective teams, contributing to their overall legacies in the NBA. Since both duos have two MVP awards, it is an even comparison.

Defensive Player Of The Year Awards

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 0

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 0

When it comes to the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, none of the players from either of these pairs have won the prestigious award. Defensive Player of the Year is typically awarded to players known for their outstanding defensive skills and contributions to their teams’ success on that end of the floor. 

While players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson have all had moments of defensive excellence and have been recognized for their defensive efforts, they have not secured the official Defensive Player of the Year award in each duo’s time together.

Interestingly, the closest player to winning that award was LeBron James who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year running behind Marc Gasol in 2013. In terms of this category, however, this one is even.

Scoring Titles

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 0

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 2

Three players out of the four have won scoring titles but only once has it come in a respective duo’s time together. LeBron James won one scoring title in 2007-08 when he posted 30.0 points per game with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Wade won his in 2008-09 with the Miami Heat (30.2) but neither won a scoring title together. The same does not go for Curry and Thompson, however.

Curry won two scoring titles with the Golden State Warriors when Klay Thompson was by his side. Curry averaged 30.1 points per game in 2016 during his MVP season and later posted 32.0 points per game with the Warriors in 2021. Klay Thompson was actually injured and did not play a game in the entire 2021 season but we will still count Curry’s award that year. Regardless, the Golden State Warriors duo has an advantage.

All-NBA Team Selections

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 7

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 11

The All-NBA Team selections provide insight into the consistent high-level performance and impact these players have had in the league. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, two of the most iconic players of their generation, have been selected to the All-NBA Team a total of seven times combined. 

LeBron James, in particular, has earned numerous All-NBA Team selections throughout his career, reflecting his status as one of the league’s premier players. However, Wade did miss an All-NBA selection in the 2014 season which means seven out of eight possible appearances were made in four years by the duo.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, as key members of the Golden State Warriors, have collectively been selected to the All-NBA Team a total of eleven times. Their consistent excellence, especially during the Warriors’ championship-winning seasons, has led to multiple All-NBA honors for both players. Curry’s nine All-Star appearances coincided with two of Thompson’s, showcasing elite impact by both stars.

The difference in the number of All-NBA Team selections between these pairs of players underlines the extended period of success and impact that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have had with the Golden State Warriors, as well as the individual excellence of LeBron James throughout his career.

All-Star Appearances

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 8

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 14

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, two of the most prominent and beloved players in the NBA, have a combined total of 8 All-Star appearances when they played together with the Miami Heat. That meant neither player missed a single All-Star Team together and interestingly, Chris Bosh also made the All-Star Team four times as well. No doubt, the Heat were an incredible superteam between 2011 and 2014.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, as integral members of the Golden State Warriors, have made a total of 14 All-Star appearances. Their consistent contributions to the success of the Warriors and their electrifying style of play have solidified their status as perennial All-Stars in the league. Curry’s nine All-Star appearances have coincided with Thompson’s five, meaning the Warriors have been represented 14 times excluding Draymond Green’s four appearances.

The difference in All-Star appearances reflects both the enduring success of the Golden State Warriors during Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s era and their popularity within the league, while also highlighting the incredible appeal of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade during their time with the Miami Heat.

All-Defensive Team Selections

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 4

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 1

The All-Defensive Team selections provide insight into the defensive prowess and contributions of these players. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, known for their well-rounded skills, have been selected to the All-Defensive Team a combined total of four times. Amazingly, only LeBron James had those appearances. His defensive abilities, particularly during his time with the Miami Heat, were instrumental in the team’s success, and they earned recognition for their efforts on that end of the floor. Remember, James made all four All-NBA Defensive First-Team appearances as well.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been selected to the All-Defensive Team a combined total of one time. While their reputation is primarily built on their offensive abilities and three-point shooting, they have had moments of strong defense, although they have not been as frequently recognized for it as their offensive skills. It was obviously Thompson who had an All-Defensive Second Team appearance which came in 2019 as Curry is considered an average defender at best.

The difference in All-Defensive Team selections reflects the varying defensive roles and strengths of these players, with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade being more commonly recognized for their defensive contributions in comparison to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Total Win Shares

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 100.9

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 168.4

Win Shares is a comprehensive statistic that provides a measure of a player’s overall contribution to their team’s success in terms of both offense and defense. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, during their respective stint together which only lasted four seasons, have accumulated a combined total of 100.9 Win Shares. This reflects their substantial impact on their teams’ successes, both individually and as a partnership.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, as key components of the Golden State Warriors’ success, have collectively amassed 168.4 Win Shares. Their remarkable contributions to the Warriors’ achievements, particularly during their championship-winning seasons, are evident in this statistic.

The difference in total Win Shares between these pairs of players showcases the extended period of success and dominance that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have had with the Golden State Warriors, while also highlighting the immense value that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade brought to their respective teams over their careers.

Since the Warriors’ duo has played for much longer together, no surprise their win shares rating is much higher. Curry has the highest win shares rating in the duo with 116.8 followed by LeBron James who had a 65.3 win shares rating over only four seasons.

Total PER

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade: 54.1

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 41.4

Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a metric that quantifies a player’s overall statistical efficiency and performance in various aspects of the game. James and Wade have a combined total PER of 54.1, reflecting their remarkable individual skills and their impact on their respective teams throughout their careers. James’ PER of 29.6 was incredible while Wade was not going to be outdone with a 24.5 rating over only four seasons.

Curry and Thompson have a combined total PER of 41.4. Their contributions, particularly on the offensive end, are well-represented by this statistic. Clearly, Curry was not close to James in PER (25.2) and Thompson’s rating was evident of the fact that he was a sidekick (16.2).

The difference in total PER between these pairs of players reflects the diverse playing styles and areas of expertise that each pair brings to the table. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade’s higher PER suggests their versatility and impact across a wider range of statistical categories, whereas Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are known for their specialized three-point shooting prowess.

Final Result:

Steph and Klay vs. LeBron and Wade: 5-3

Steph And Klay Have Achieved More Success But LeBron And Wade Were More Talented

In the realm of basketball, success is often measured in championships and accolades, and in this regard, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have indeed achieved more, boasting four NBA championships and a higher number of All-Star appearances and All-NBA Team selections compared to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. 

However, when we delve deeper into the essence of basketball and talent, it becomes clear that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were unparalleled in terms of their sheer talent, versatility, and all-around skills. James, often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever, combined size, athleticism, court vision, and basketball IQ in a way rarely seen before. Dwyane Wade, with his explosiveness, agility, and defensive prowess, was a force on both ends of the court.

Their partnership with the Miami Heat in the early 2010s was characterized by their incredible ability to make four straight Finals and win two titles. While championships are a team achievement, the individual talent of James and Wade is undeniable on both ends of the floor. Curry and Thompson were by far the better shooters but could not defend, run, or impact the floor in other areas as well as James and Wade.

In conclusion, the comparison between these two pairs of players ultimately comes down to what one values more in basketball. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have achieved incredible success with their remarkable three-point shooting and four championships with 13 seasons of playing with each other. In contrast, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade possessed a broader spectrum of talent and all-around abilities, making them two of the most naturally gifted and versatile players in the history of the sport even if they only played four seasons together.