Matt Barnes and Dwyane Wade never shared the court as teammates. But off the court, both had similar passions and explored the role of an analyst on different networks. And now both are successful in running their own podcast. Recently, the former Warriors explained the main difference between other sports podcasts and All The Smoke. In fact, Barnes even credited the former Heat star for the growth of his project, which even Wade might be unaware of.

When asked about what made his show appear in a different light in comparison to other sports podcasts, Matt Barnes said on Fox 5 New York, “I think Dwyane Wade interview, when he talked about his son transitioning into his daughter. You know the courage him and Gabby show to support through everything. And we took a lot of heat, he took a lot of heat.” Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson are celebrating 5 years of their podcast, though at one point Jackson had himself admitted that he didn’t see the podcast developing into the success it is today. And as Barnes expounded, even the co-host was surprised to hear the backlash that the former NBA players received.

“Because I guess the conversation, which you know, made some people feel uncomfortable. But you know we’re both fathers and unconditional love is something you learn and know as a parent,” added the 44-year-old. Barnes is the father of 7 children and Wade is the father to 5, so that’s why they know the importance of being a good role model.

Further, Barnes said, “So I really think that Dwyane Wade interview kind of crossed us from sports more into just mainstream culture and media in general.” The interview with Flash was 4 years ago, and it garnered over 1.1 million views. It was also the 9th episode of the podcast, which definitely helped in laying the foundation early on. But did you know Jackson and Barnes had no clue how podcasting worked before starting their venture? Yet the latter sported his former teammate instantly.

During an interview with Forbes, Barnes explained that Showtime Sports took a massive gamble which is now a success. Even in their first year, they won the ‘Sports Podcast of the Year.’ And now to commemorate the five-year anniversary of their podcast, Barnes and Jackson are releasing a book that revolves around how exactly their podcast was framed. Therefore, the success of this podcast signifies that the audience was looking for such a product. Plus, the early interview with Dwyane Wade explored unchartered territories with the fan’s favorite players.

How Dwyane Wade supported Zaya over the years

First, the Heat legend moved to Florida to provide a safe space and community for Zaya. He even fought a legal battle, for the 17-year-old with his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches because she filed a petition in the Superior Court of California in 2022, alleging that Wade was “positioned to profit from the minor child’s name and gender change.” 

In 2023, the court was in favor of Zaya and Dwyane Wade and was even approved to change her name. This year they launched Translatable, which is a trans resource hub. The 13x All-Star proudly shared about the project, “All children deserve to feel accepted, to feel loved, and to feel safe.”

That is why Dwyane Wade, time and again, spoke in support and celebrated his daughter. Dwyane Wade knew that there would be challenges along the way, and he recently acknowledged it, saying, “When it came time to be a parent to Zaya in something that I did not understand, I knew what to do. I knew to love and accept what I did not understand.” And inadvertently helped Matt Barnes in the process by speaking about the real challenges, which many fans at the time did not hear about, and related to the Miami Heat legend. That is why 2 weeks ago, even the Vice President Kamala Harris episode was considered the latest unique basketball and political collaboration.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.