Many players have left their mark on NBA history, and everyone has a different perspective when it comes to choosing the league’s greatest. In this case, Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade shared the seven best NBA players he has seen during his lifetime.
On a recent episode of his podcast with Dorell Wright, Bob Johnson and Chris Johnson, Wade revealed his personal list, noting that it’s not ranked in any particular order. The Heat icon explained that his introduction to basketball began with Michael Jordan, since he didn’t overlap with legends from earlier eras.
“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,” Wade began. “I go MJ. I go Kobe. I mean, they were the same player. You saw one, you saw the other”.
“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”.
LeBron James #6, Dwyane Wade #3, and Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat poses during media day at American Airlines Arena. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Wade and LeBron James formed a dominant “Big Three” alongside Chris Bosh in Miami, leading the Heat to four straight NBA Finals appearances. They won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 after falling to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and to the Spurs in 2014.
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Continuing his list, Wade included Allen Iverson, who he called one of his favorite players. “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,” Wade explained.
Next, the Hall of Famer named Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry for everything he has done in the NBA. “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 noted.
At sixth, Wade selected legendary center Shaquille O’Neal. “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”.
To round out his top seven, Wade chose Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett. “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,” Wade concluded.
Wade’s list offers a unique glimpse into the players who shaped his own career and perspective on the game. From Jordan to Garnett, his selections span multiple eras and highlight the talent and influence of some of basketball’s biggest icons. While debates about the “greatest ever” will always continue, Wade’s choices reflect the legends who left the deepest impact on one of the NBA’s all-time greats.
