There is never a moment in basketball when spectators or analysts debate where the league’s greatest players have been positioned since the NBA’s beginning, especially in the era of social media.
The Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, who some rank after Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the third greatest shooting guard of all time, was recently compared to James Harden by 12-year NBA veteran Jeff Teague.
“I got [James Harden] over [Dwyane Wade] but I’m outta pocket,” Teague said on The Bradeaux & Will Show.” “D-Wade had Shaq then he had Bron. He ain’t never really been by himself. When he was by himself, the Heat were trash. Harden is better, bro. I am sorry.”
If you compare Harden’s and Wade’s statistical credentials, Harden has better individual numbers than Wade, but Wade’s prime without LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal is superior due to Harden’s supporting cast and usage rate in his prime Houston seasons.
In comparison to his opponent, Wade was a lot better defender and frequently produced playoff and high-pressure performances that helped the club succeed.
Despite not winning MVP, Wade had one of the best two-way seasons of the 21st century in 2008–09, when he averaged 30.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks on 49.1 percent shooting. He led the Heat to the No. 5 seed in the East (43-39) that same season with a 30.4 player efficiency rating and a 57.4 true shooting percentage.
Even though Miami fell to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games, very few people, including Harden, have accomplished more with less than Wade did that season.
Despite playing the same position, each player had a great career in their own right and possessed unique skill sets. In addition to many other honors, Wade concluded with 13 All-Star appearances, eight All-NBA awards, a scoring championship, three championships, and three All-Defensive honors.
Additionally being inducted into the Hall of Fame next month is Wade, while Harden made his third consecutive offseason trade request earlier this year.