Former Miami Heat superstar and Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade has been garnering a lot of attention for his opinions on the GOAT conversations. On a recent episode of his podcast, Wade revealed his list of the seven greatest NBA players he’s ever seen.
As one of the greatest shooting guards ever, Wade’s opinion carries weight. He began his list by saying:
“My introduction to basketball started with Michael Jordan. Before Michael Jordan, even though I know the greats, I know the history, I never really watched them.”
Unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan topped his list. Wade followed with, “I go MJ. I go Kobe. I mean, they were the same player. You saw one, you saw the other.”
Kobe Bryant mirrored Jordan in nearly every way. From his footwork to his competitive fire, Bryant was a reflection of Jordan.
“Obviously, LeBron,” he continued. “Getting a chance to watch him play. But I got a chance to see him up close and personal for four years in a row. I never saw a greater basketball player when it comes to the way he plays this game.”
Wade added that he only admired Jordan from afar, but having played next to LeBron James and even winning titles with him, he acknowledged the forward’s greatness.
After naming the legends, Wade pivoted to personal preference with the selection of Allen Iverson. He said:
“I’ll go with AI. One of my favorite players. Just a little dude who just, there’s nothing you can do with him. The way he was just a giant killer. He attacked everybody in front of him…he just exuded confidence.”
The Hall of Famer continued by mentioning Stephen Curry in his list, saying:
“To watch Steph, to see him from college, to watch him come into the pros very early, and then watch as he took over the pros, when he took over the league, I’ve never seen a player take over the league mid-point in. Steph just did it in a whole different way none of us saw coming.”
Wade compared Curry’s rise to getting hit with haymakers. The sheer suddenness with which he took over the league was a testament to his greatness.
“I got Big Shaq,” Wade continued. “I’ve never seen a more dominant force play this game. I love when a big guy, especially in that era, played like a big guy. He was dunking on everybody.”
Wade acknowledged the evolution of the game, where today’s bigs are expected to do more than establish themselves down low. But his preference for good old-fashioned low-post dominance persists.
Wade concluded his list with the selection of Kevin Garnett and added:
“Kevin Garnett was one of the most versatile players I’ve ever seen play the game of basketball. I remember being in awe of watching somebody of his size pick up 94 feet, guard the guard, and then get back to his man.”
The guard commended Garnett’s versatility by highlighting the multitude of skills he brought to the game. From communication and leadership to elite defense paired with three-level scoring, Garnett was truly the whole package.
Wade’s list is undeniably impressive, packed with all-time greats. In this regard, Wade himself has a claim on NBA greatness. After a distinguished career marked by multiple championships, the 13-time All-Star earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
In addition to this, the Heat legend was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, an honor few have had bestowed upon them. While Wade’s greatness is often overlooked and even underplayed in some ways, it is truly difficult to deny what he has accomplished during his career.
