Some play for recognition, and some just go there for the love of the sport. Yes, Dwyane Wade wasn’t just another NBA star—he was the heart and soul of Miami. Remember that insane 2006 Finals run? Wade practically carried the Heat on his back, putting up legendary numbers and winning the Finals MVP. It is not without reason his name is among the legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan when it comes to the best shooting guards. Even as injuries piled up, he never stopped. Three championships, and 13 All-Star appearances—what more does a guy need to do? The greatness he left behind the court is often less talked about. The reason?
Came the King, LeBron James. When he joined Miami in 2010, Wade didn’t fight for the spotlight—he stepped back, knowing it would help the team win. And it worked. Miami became a powerhouse, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. But let’s be real—LeBron’s greatness often overshadowed Wade. People forgot how crucial Wade was to that success. Would those championships even have happened without him? Probably not. And Joe Johnson, the former Celtics number 55, has a word on it.
Joe Johnson addressed this, saying, “Yeah, man, D. Wade was special, even before LeBron, he was special.” He emphasized that Wade wasn’t just a great teammate—he was already legendary before LeBron arrived. “We forget, man, he’s top what? Top three, two guards ever. Like nobody give D. Wade credit.” His words highlight how Wade’s legacy is often overlooked despite his undeniable greatness. No ego at display, like his heart; he let James take his way.
Is DWade an underrated player?
“I just think LeBron was so great people took a down-looking on DWade. He’s top 3…2 guards ever. Nobody gives him credit, I don’t know why.” – @TheJoeJohnson7 pic.twitter.com/bWmcH3ePGC
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 19, 2025
Johnson, who faced the best of the best—including Wizards-era Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron—was asked who was the toughest to guard. His answer? “I’m gonna have to probably give it to LeBron.” But he made sure to add that Wade was right there with him. “I played in D-Wade in some playoff series. He was special as well.” What made them so difficult to guard? According to Johnson, “Those guys who can shoot the ball whenever they want to, they the hardest to guard, bro.” Wade may have been overshadowed at times, but those who played against him knew just how unstoppable he truly was.
When LeBron James shared hidden details about Wade’s stint in the Cavaliers
When Dwyane Wade reunited with LeBron James in Cleveland, fans hoped for a Miami Heat-like revival. However, Wade’s time with the Cavaliers lasted only half a season. The chemistry just wasn’t there. Even James was surprised by how some teammates reacted. Back in 2023, he opened up about the struggles Wade faced in his small time in Cleveland. “There was a couple guys with it,” he admitted. “But it wasn’t a lot.”
At the time, James couldn’t understand why a proven winner like Wade wasn’t embraced. “I still know what he’s capable of doing. Why wouldn’t you want another guy in the locker room that brings a championship mentality?” he questioned. Despite his frustration, James accepted the situation, saying, “It is what it is.”
Wade wasn’t the same player from their Heat days. To fans’ disappointment, he was averaging just 11.2 points in limited minutes. Initially, he resisted coming off the bench, but later, he volunteered for the role. Despite this, things never quite clicked. Eventually, Wade was traded back to Miami, where he finished his career on his terms. His brief Cavaliers stint is often overlooked. But is it enough to tarnish his legacy? Absolutely not! He remains one of the greatest shooting guards in history.
Even in an era dominated by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, he carved out his place among basketball’s legends. And that is what makes him so special and it’s why Johnson agreed to call him underrated.
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