Miami Heat: Here’s why Dwyane Wade should take the TNT gig over ESPN

It seems as though the good people over at ESPN and TNT are in a squabble over  Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, seeking his presence and expertise on their respective networks. Here’s why it shouldn’t even be a question for him.

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade is a first ballot NBA Hall Of Famer, so it’s no wonder he is already such a hot commodity only weeks after hanging up his sneakers for good. What he also is though, is a big name. There are all sorts of inherent advantages to being in the Dwyane Wade Business.

He comes with a built-in, ready-made, and strong social media presence. He typically seems pretty media savvy when he has had the opportunity to be in that element, be that one-on-one interviews or other wise. His associations are immense, and they range from his marriage to actress Gabrielle Union and his best-friendship with the one and only LeBron James.

Now that we’ve covered some of the things he has to offer, let’s unpack why TNT has the most to offer D-Wade. It’s not really even that close.

When thinking about the cast’s already assembled on the presumptive programming where Wade will feature, the TNT broadcast clearly blows ESPN’s coverage away. Ernie Johnson is not only a seasoned veteran, but he actually adds something in all aspects of the show. Shaquille O’Neal is unlike any other character on earth probably, but he is a mega-star in his own right as well, aside from being extremely talented as a TV personality and former Miami Heat teammate of Wade’s.

Kenny Smith is a great analyst as well, his presence and abilities to talk and explain basketball from his perspective is second to none. As they are all-stars of that show, the one that has shined brightest over the years is Sir Charles Barkley. Barkley is the straw that helps stir the entire drink as he is filled with quotable lines and fast quips for the other cast members.

When looking at the main NBA coverage on ESPN, featuring Michelle Beadle, Jalen Rose, and Paul Pierce mostly, it just doesn’t seem to compare. They try to be funny, but often times come up just short, landing somewhere between dry and awkward. They are pretty knowledgeable, but unlike the TNT broadcast, they can also come off as a bit condescending.

The cast of each show in general leads to another interesting element that should factor into Dwyane Wade’s decision. If you take a look at D-Wade’s past, he has played with Shaq before while he is at least somewhat familiar with Chuck on a working level as they did quite a few TV commercials together for T-Mobile. That leaves EJ and Kenny, but it shouldn’t be hard to acclimate because he does already have a familiarity with half the current cast.

There seem to be no immediate links that come to mind when you consider the cast of ESPN’s coverage. He never played with any of those players, and although he competed against Pierce a ton, they don’s seem to be anything other than acquaintances at best.

While Paul Pierce is at the forefront of the conversation, there was this little thing a few weeks back where Pierce may have said he had a better career than D-Wade. To address that, he didn’t, the end.

With that addressed, Dwyane Wade shouldn’t do anything that leads to the success of Paul Pierce. Perhaps that’s the Miami Heat bias showing a bit, but mostly a disdain for blasphemy and incorrect rhetoric. Besides, TNT is already the winning team.

Chuck is the proud owner and recipient of three Emmy awards, while Ernie also has three himself. Why not be apart of an award-winning team? Plainly and simply, their coverage is just better, and that’s why Dwyane Wade should choose TNT in his post-Miami Heat career.