Finally, a spotlight on the unrealistic achievement of someone who is in the game but off the court. The voices we hear from the analysts and commentators are often popular among the fans but never receive the glory they often deserve. However, we have Dwyane Wade cheering loud and clear for these lesser-known stars of the game.

The Miami Heat icon had nothing but praise for 60-year-old commentator Doris Burke after catching her quickfire breakdown of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game. “Doris Burke just broke down the first half of this OKC/MIN game in about 30 seconds. She hit on every play that was shown on the screen, and it made me feel as though I watched the first half (I didn’t). That’s so hard to do! I have so much respect for the voices of our game,” Wade shared.

And let’s be real—Burke isn’t just any commentator. She’s one of the most well-known voices in basketball. Some fans swear by her analysis, pointing out her deep understanding of the game and her ability to explain plays with clarity.

And her achievements speak for themselves. In 2020, she made history as the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on ESPN Radio—a gig she’s nailed every year since. Plus, she spent nine years as the Finals’ lead sideline reporter, according to Front Office Sports.

So, with all that success, why are some fans still not sold? Let’s have a closer look.

Fans don’t agree with Dwyane Wade’s appreciation for Dorris Burke

One fan couldn’t help but joke that Wade must’ve been on the NBA’s payroll for the tweet. Sure, it was probably said in jest, but it taps into a common suspicion among fans: Is the league pulling strings to hype up its product? It’s not a far-fetched thought, considering former NBA Commissioner David Stern was once accused of trying to undermine Ice Cube’s Big3 league.

Yet another X user was not so kind in his response towards the NBA. “Yeah and the 4 people watching really learned something.” Ouch! Hitting at the league’s persisting issue of declining ratings.

Then there was one user who called not just Burke but Richard Jefferson “terrible”. “We need Mark Jackson & van gundy back on the calls,” they wrote.

It’s no secret that Jackson and Gundy, alongside Mike Breen, became a fan-favorite commentary team known for their chemistry, humor, and deep basketball knowledge. Since Van Gundy’s 2023 departure from ESPN due to layoffs, fans have been missing that familiar trio.

Then there was one who gave Dorris Bruke half the appreciation while raising suspicions at Wade’s post. “Is this a sponsored tweet, D-Wade? I respect Doris a lot, but she was great as an analyst, not commentator,” he wrote. However, it’s not as if Bruke faced a complete absence of support.

One fan raised his voice doubting gender to be a basis of discrimination in the comment section. “She’s phenomenal. I don’t understand why so many hate on her. It’s sexist tbh,” he wrote. Some support yes, but it’s clear a majority section of the comments is not buying Dwyane Wade’s praise for the 60-year-old analyst and commentator.