Making Peace With Michael Jordan and LeBron James-Like Stardom, 3x NBA Champion Reminisces 16 Years of Legacy

It was a long way to the Hall of Fame for any NBA star. One of the most recent inductees had a promising career riddled with injuries but outperformed against all odds. His background was full of pain and heartbreak, but he overcame it all to give himself and his family a better life. In the lead-up to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, the All-Star was still in disbelief over receiving the honor. But he was aware he put in the blood, sweat, and tears to build a career comparable to stars like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Dwyane Wade would repeatedly say that the HoF honor was still sinking in since he was informed he’s part of the 2023 class. One thing he’s certain about is that he always put in HoF-worthy effort without expectations of it. Just before the ceremony, he took pride in his legacy.

Dwyane Wade throws his name in the GOAT hat

NBA stars like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame alongside Dwyane Wade this year. Before the ceremony, Wade was understandably basking in the honor. For the NBA champion, who has enjoyed success both on and off the court, he reflected on how he’s had a GOAT-like career.

“I wanted it and I did everything in my power that I knew to actually accomplish it“, he said. “And to be able to sit back and be like, ‘Damn, you did that“.  

Wade’s NBA career made him a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame honor. But many still argue if he’s in the same discussions as his former teammate, LeBron James. But this humble man would claim across several interviews that he put in the effort worthy of the Hall of Fame without being greedy for it.

To be clear, Wade has time and again hyped his idol, Michael Jordan, as the GOAT for him. But he’s been wary of picking one. Instead, he believes the NBA history is full of athletes who’ve GOAT careers. And he can’t be dismissed that easily from this conversation.

“Like I may not be the one that they would talk about when it comes to the debates of the GOATs, right? My career to me is one of the GOAT careers that you can have because of the way that it started versus the way it ended“.

Even if injuries slowed him in his later career, Wade’s agility and talent earned him the nickname ‘The Flash’ for good reason. He spent the majority of his 16-year NBA career with the Miami Heat which he elevated to a championship-winning franchise. He boasts three championship rings and 13 All-Star selections. In his prime, he averaged some of the best stats in the league. It’s no exaggeration to say he’s at least the GOAT to suit up for Heat, if not overall.

Wade’s journey to GOAT career wasn’t easy

Wade made a special dedication to his parents in his HoF speech. His parents had their fair share of individual struggles and their children also suffered in their childhood.

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‘The Flash’ had an almost cinematic journey to global stardom. With a heartbreaking childhood, he’d turn to basketball to stay on the right path. He’d go on to play in the NBA and make millions and also reconcile with his parents. It’s no surprise why rappers love to name-drop this icon in their songs.

Wade himself acknowledges his journey. “So this is a story. That is what books are written about, it’s what movies are made of. And I get to actually live that.” And his fans got to be a part of that story when he made it to the Hall of Fame.

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