“I’m talking about relentless in catching it in transition, relentless in the pick and roll, any offensive rebound.” Tony Allen, on his recent podcast, spoke about how difficult it was to guard Dwyane Wade. They played each other 25 times in the NBA and the Heat icon managed to average 25.1 points during those encounters. But their rivalry began even before they entered the league since both hailed from Chicago. Former Champion recalled how it was to face the young Flash.

“I ain’t gonna lie he put on for the city man. I ain’t gonna lie. He motivated me. I ain’t going to lie cuz see him leave out of Marquette you know we the same year.” Allen continued, “We had a game we played in the City versus suburban game; I got a chance play him was the first time he won the MVP.” In his high school days, Dwyane Wade was already creating waves during his time with Harold L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn.

In his junior year, he averaged 20.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. Yet Tony Allen was not completely sure about the talent that D-Wade possessed. “I’m thinking like man ‘Who the hell is this man?’ We play that boy in that City-Suburban game he had 25 (points), MVP.” Despite losing that game, the 14-year-veteran was keen to lock up with Dwyane Wade in the future. The Grindfather further revealed his defensive abilities were acknowledged by the 3x NBA champion.

“I appreciate him because he did just give me a shout he say I one of the hardest guys defend him.” Tony Allen, on the podcast, was speaking to another Heat icon, Udonis Haslem. Previously, the Chicago native also spoke about how difficult that game for D-Wade was. Last year, Allen explained that the team that Dwyane Wade was a member of typically had shorter unathletic players. So, Wade’s ability to carry that team and dunk against athletic players was a surprise.

Poll of the day

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Do you agree with Tony Allen that Dwyane Wade was tougher to guard than Kobe Bryant?

Absolutely, Wade's versatility was unmatched

No way, Kobe was on another level

Maybe, but both were equally challenging

I don't care, both were legends in their own right

When did you watch your first NBA game?

Before 1990 (Age 45+)

1990s (Age 35-45)

2000s (Age 25-35)

2010s (Age 18-25)

2020s (Under 18)

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It’s game night, and your team is playing. What’s your home setup?

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Whole family, loud and proud!

Was Jimmy Butler's decision to take the controversial shot justified?

Yes, it's part of the game

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Kerr's call, not Butler's

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Is Klay Thompson the right leader to guide the Mavericks back to glory?

Absolutely, he's a proven champion

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The Celtics champion puts Dwyane Wade on a pedestal over the Lakers legend

When it comes to the top two-way guards in the history of the NBA, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s names are right up there. The latter used all the moves of the Bulls legend and left his mark during the 20-year career with the Lakers. But for Tony Allen, Dwyane Wade’s capabilities put him above Black Mamba.

“Although Kobe is cold, big respects to Kob, but I just think when I used to against my hometown coworker D-Wade at the time, I thought he was always trying to go at my head.” On The Ryen Russillo Podcast, Allen described the difference between facing Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant. “And I thought it was my duty to try and stop him. Boy, was he tough. He gets to that line, he slashed, he wasn’t just your typical superstar where he just catches it in the post or catch it on the wing and just go to work.”

That’s why in his recent conversation with UD, Allen said, “had to get my rest” about facing The Flash. From their high school days to the NBA, both left it all out and enjoyed the hard-nosed basketball against each other. Which eventually bought out their best versions and made them successful in the league.