The debate of who’s the GOAT in basketball has been going on for ages. The two constant players in this discussion who share the same jersey number are Michael Jordan and LeBron James.?
While everyone has different opinions on this debate, an NBA legend close to The King chose His Airness over him. This old comment on the GOAT debate resurfaced as the 41-year-old Miami Heat star was inducted in the Hall of Fame.
Michael Jordan – Wade’s definitive GOAT choice
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dwyane Wade has been open about his childhood basketball heroes and their impact on him. Wade, who grew up in the 90s era, looked up to Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan. The Flash?s game reflected the quickness, dominance, and killer mentality which he imbibed from these three legends.?
However, in a podcast, Wade disclosed who he thought to be the GOAT. Growing up in an age when Jordan dominated the NBA and being from Chicago solidified his choice: “I come from a Jordan era. I am biased, and I’m going to be biased until the day I pass away. Michael Jordan will be my GOAT.”
Even as he acknowledges LeBron James’ greatness, Wade’s heartfelt allegiance to the Chicago Bulls legend reflects the profound influence of a sports legend who transcended the court. “I’m not taking anything away from LeBron. LeBron is amazing. But Michael Jordan is my GOAT. He (LeBron) will be the GOAT for a lot of generations. I started playing the game because of Michael Jordan. He will be my GOAT until the day I pass away?.For me, from Chicago, where I grew up, I made it out the hood because I seen a dude, No. 23, play the game of basketball at a level that I was like, ‘I just want to do some of that.’ “
Despite acknowledging LeBron James? contribution to the game and their camaraderie, Wade’s choice has only made the GOAT debate even more inquisitive, just like his Hall of Fame choice.
Wade Chose Allen Iverson over his GOAT
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dwyane Wade fulfilled his lifelong dream as he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. As is customary for an induction, the three-time NBA champion picked Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson over Michael Jordan to present him with the honors.
Jordan’s busy schedule was a factor in his decision. Wade choose another idol over the legendary Chicago Bulls player because of respect and a lack of time.?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: Days After WNBA Hands Out Fines for On-Court Misconduct, 33YO Veteran Drags Down 3x All Star Arike Ogunbowale
But in his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Wade didn’t forget to pay tribute to the man who inspired him as a young man growing up in Chicago. ?Before and after my games,” he said, “I studied the player who had replaced my Pops as my favorite: Michael Jordan.?