Dwyane Wade is one of the greatest players in NBA history. Wade had a decorated career in the association, putting on some of the best individual and team performances in the league’s history. Despite his stellar accomplishments, there is one notable absence from his resume; The NBA MVP trophy.
While talking to Shannon Sharpe, Dwyane Wade spoke about being snubbed for the 2009 NBA MVP in favor of his friend LeBron James. Wade noted that he should have won based on his numbers, but understands why LeBron was named the MVP that year, citing the Cavaliers’ record.
“Of course. But I also understand why LeBron won it. They won 66 games, and he averaged roughly the same. I understand it but as an individual player, yeah that was my MVP year.”
(From 1:06:02 mark)
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James were two of the best players in the world during 2009, and both players were the center pieces of their respective teams. The 2009 NBA MVP battle came down to the wire, but in the end, it was LeBron James’ contribution to Cleveland having a 66-win season that year that put him above Dwyane Wade.
Dwyane Wade Had A Strong Season In 2009
Dwyane Wade played a massive 79 games during the 2008-09 NBA season. And in those 79 games, he averaged 30.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds, while becoming an All-Star for the fifth time in his career at the time. Wade was able to win the NBA scoring title that year with his incredible season, but the Miami Heat had only a 43-39 record.
As for LeBron James, he played 81 games that season, 2 more than Dwyane Wade. He averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists during that season. While he didn’t have the scoring numbers that Wade did, it was his contribution to the Cavaliers winning 66 games (66-16 record) that allowed him to win his first MVP trophy.
Wade would never come as close to winning the MVP trophy as he did in 2009. As for James, he would win the MVP trophy three more times after that, even doing so twice as Dwyane Wade’s teammate. The players won two NBA championships together, but their time together ended after four seasons.
But Wade doesn’t seem to hold a grudge against LeBron for his decision, as he revealed his initial reaction. And it appears the same can be said about LeBron winning the MVP trophy over Wade.
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