NBA stars often serve as inspirations to the players that come after them. Whether it’s Allen Iverson inspiring the likes of Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry, or Michael Jordan inspiring Dwyane Wade, everyone takes inspiration from someone. As a Chicago native, the influence of Jordan on Wade was always immense. On the day of his Hall of Fame induction, Wade took out a chunk of the time to talk about that influence.

To have that love be returned when Wade first made it to the league surely must have been a dreamlike moment in the Flash’s life.

Dwyane Wade recalls iconic MJ play from Magic Johnson’s final series

Over their careers, the similarity between the two players is apparent as day. Both are high-flying two-way players. Both are mid-range assassins. Today, both stand synonymous with their teams’ histories. While MJ became the all-time leader for shooting guards in steals, Wade took home the same record for blocks. All in all, the similarities were clear.

Taking center stage for his speech, Wade was quick to talk about that same influence. “I studied the player that had replaced my pops as my favorite player – Michael Jordan. He captured my imagination and fuelled my aspirations, all at the same time. He created moves that immediately made me rush to my backyard to recreate them.” 

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Going on, Wade recalled MJ’s iconic mid-air hand switch layup in the 1991 NBA Finals that proved to be Magic Johnson’s final series. “He took one dribble, he took off with one hand like he normally does. Then, he decided to switch it in mid-air to the left.” He revealed how he spent days practicing that same move to perfect it. In the end, D-Wade finished with, “I was hoping to bring some of his style into my own game.” 

Suffice it to say, Wade succeeded on both fronts. Firstly, he brought that same flair that made Jordan so popular. Moreover, he won the heart of the legend himself but hesitated to call him for the HoF honor.

Michael Jordan came out to meet Dwyane Wade

The incident came about soon after Wade had come into the NBA. As a sensation through his first couple of seasons, Flash was already capturing hearts the world over. Shaquille O’Neal even prophesied his Hall of Fame induction.

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However, at a party of a cousin, Wade was in for a real treat. As the former number 3 draft pick recalled, he thought it was a prank when his cousin said Michael Jordan was at the party. But, shockingly enough, His Airness was waiting outside with some friends.

As Dwyane rushed up to talk to his idol, MJ reciprocated some of that love. He said he was there to show the Miami Heat legend some love. In a touching bow to the entire story, the two became and remain close friends to this day. Sometimes, it is okay to meet your heroes.