Dwyane Wade Recalls the Iconic 2003 NBA Draft: “LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony Knew They Will Go on Top. I Didn’t Know”

LeBron James has captivated the minds of NBA fans since starting his career in 2003. Titles and success have followed LeBron everywhere during his 18 year career. He has also remained one of the most desirable picks at the NBA draft. A former basketball professional explains how LeBron and another Los Angeles Lakers star knew about their impending draft selections.

Former NBA star Dwyane Wade revealed LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony’s confidence during the 2003 NBA Draft as compared to his own confidence. Wade spoke to Lewis Howes on a podcast. He disclosed how LeBron and Carmelo were confident of getting selected while he expressed doubts over his selection.

Wade said, “But I know my story. And I know I shouldn’t be here. And to be there and to get picked fifth and to go back there you know. To grab that hat to go in the back. I remember walking in the back and LeBron was back there because he was the first pick. Melo was back there because he was the third pick. Chris Bosh is back there because he was the fourth pick.”

He added saying, “We were cordial and just to be young guys back there like yo Melo, yo Bron, we made it. They knew they were going on top. I didn’t know. I had no idea.”

The quartet of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh were all selected in the 2003 NBA Draft. LeBron has played with the rest of his three draft-mates on different franchises. He currently plays alongside Carmelo for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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James signed with the Lakers in 2018 while Carmelo joined him in 2021.

LeBron James’ college career in the build-up to his NBA Draft

 James spent his college career at the St. Vincent-St. Mary varsity basketball team. LeBron averaged 21 points and 6 rebounds per game in college as a freshman. Fans hyped LeBron up during his college career too with demand for tickets to see him play for his varsity team soaring through the roof.

LeBron averaged 25.2 points and 7.2 rebounds with 5.8 assists and 3.8 steals per game while a sophomore. He once scored a college career-high 52 points for ‘The Fighting Irish’.

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It comes as no surprise then as the Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron as the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft.