“I want to continue to add to being one of the best players at my position in the game.” This was Dwyane Wade in 2014, and he lived up to it. Over his 16-year NBA career, he became a three-time champion, a Finals MVP, and one of the best shooting guards in history. Wade wasn’t just a great player, he was a team player. But this humility is what has caused Stephen A Smith’s retaliation recently.
He led the Miami Heat to their first NBA Championship in 2006. He did so while earning Finals MVP, even before LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined him. His leadership, sacrifice, and clutch performances made him special. However, when reflecting on his career.
Yet, when Wade spoke about his career, he saw himself as belonging to the “25th floor” in the building of NBA greatness. In his words, “The hotel has 30 floors… So the 30th-floor access key is winning, so I can’t go to 30.” To him, only players with a ring, like Jordan and Bill Russell, belong on that floor. “I don’t have access to go to that floor,” he added. He believed he was legendary but not quite at the very top. His humility was refreshing, but not everyone agreed with his self-assessment, especially Stephen A. Smith!
Recently, Stephen A Smith made his feelings clear on First Take. He stated, “And I’m going to say this on national television to D-Wade, my brother, I’m getting sick and tired of you diminishing who the hell you are.” SaS was’t done yet. He added, “You ain’t no 25th floor. You’re the 30th floor.” Smith claimed, “He elevated LeBron James. D Wade belongs on that 30th floor.” Wade welcomed LeBron to Miami. He also restructured his own game to ensure James could thrive as the Heat’s primary playmaker.
Lately, Wade’s name has also been thrown into comparisons with James Harden. To this, Smith had strong words: “As it pertains to James Harden, fellas, against Dwayne Wade, there’s no question that the rings matter… D. Wade is next level.” He acknowledged Harden’s talent but pointed out, “Harden ran into some bad luck, but also, he also brought his own bad luck on a couple of occasions”. Smith emphasized Wade’s dominance in high-stakes moments, where he consistently delivered when it mattered most.
“But that’s not to throw shade on James Harden,” Smith clarified. “It’s to really say there’s a level of appreciation for the greatness of D-Wade that we don’t give enough to.” At times, despite playing in the shadows of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and even his teammate LeBron James, Wade built a legacy that deserves greater recognition. According to Smith, Wade doesn’t belong on the 25th floor. He’s at the top, where the legends stand.
Dwyane Wade vs. James Harden: Who’s the better shooting guard?
The debate over who’s the best shooting guard in NBA history often lands on two names: Dwyane Wade and James Harden. But which one really deserves the title? Patrick Beverly recently picked Harden over Wade, but Draymond Green quickly disagreed. So, what makes Draymond stick with Wade?
“I’m going to pick D-Wade, A, he won championships and he won a championship as Finals MVP, carrying a team in his third year,” Green explained. That’s a big deal, right? Wade’s 2006 Finals performance alone places him in another league.
Dec 30, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
But let’s not forget Harden’s role in changing the game. Green also pointed out, “I’m also going to pick D-Wade because if Harden stayed at two-guard, his career isn’t necessarily what it is today.” Isn’t that interesting? Harden’s shift to point guard took his career to new heights. So, does his versatility give him the edge over Wade’s pure two-guard style?
Wade’s defensive skills and clutch moments in the Finals make his case strong. But Harden’s offensive numbers and playmaking ability are hard to ignore. Well, for Stephen A Smith, the choice between the two was easy.
As Stephen A. Smith argues, is Wade selling himself short? When compared to James Harden – who revolutionized offensive play but lacks postseason success – does Wade’s legacy shine even brighter
The post “He Elevated LeBron”: Stephen A. Smith Blasts Dwyane Wade’s Humility After Labeling 11x All-Star ‘Bad Luck’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
