Dwyane Wade is a hot name on the internet right now. With the Hall of Fame ceremony set to take place this weekend, the Miami Heat legend has been making a lot of headlines. However, that is not the only reason the 41-year-old is going viral on social media currently. A famous core member of the Heat franchise finally decided to answer one of the most frequently asked questions, ‘Who is the greatest Miami Heat player of all time’? The 78-year-old bagged three championships for the franchise by bringing in Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James. Nothing would be possible without Dwyane Wade, though.?
The $120 million rich NBA icon ignored James to give Wade the franchise’s highest badge of honor. Yet, he did hold back from giving the 3x champion something he demanded!?
Dwyane Wade receives a huge honor despite misery in 2016?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dwyane Wade’s loyalty to Miami is the reason behind this huge honor. Pat Riley, President of the Miami Heat franchise, has time and again credited Wade for the only three champions they have. Nonetheless, this time, Riley went a step further to call Wade the “greatest player” for the Heat Nation, as per the Miami Herald.
Wade made plenty of sacrifices to win his second and third ring. The first one alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Gary Payton was predicted to be the start of many. However, that did not last long until LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Wade in 2010.?
In order to make sure the Heat re-signed Udonis Haslem along with James and Bosh, Wade had to take a massive $1.5 million per year pay cut. This shows the extent to which Wade has gone to win rings. As expected, Wade did deliver two championships after sacrificing a large lump sum.?
Watch this story: “James Harden risks offending close friend Kevin Durant amid rampant trade rumors”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, even after all the above, the Heat franchise did not give him the deal that he demanded. While he did receive the “greatest player” claim now, he was only given a one-year $20 million deal after James left. Later, when he was finally given a $40 million extension for two years, Wade decided to call it quits on the Heat in 2016.?
How did Pat Riley edge past LeBron James to give Wade the honors??
LeBron James was the go-to guy during his time in Miami. However, Riley ranks Wade over LeBron with something many believe to be valid. The 78-year-old shared,?“LeBron was here for four years and gave us a tremendous lift…But over the body of work here in Miami, Dwyane is the greatest player.”?In addition, Riley clarified this is?“not an insult to LeBron”?due to his short span with the Heat.?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on Riley’s comments? Who do you think is the greatest Miami Heat player of all time? Share in the comments below.