Dwyane Wade is the greatest and most respected Miami Heat player of all time. He has definitely earned that respect, after having a spectacular and classy Hall-of-Fame career.
When he has something to say about basketball, it is nearly always worth listening to.
Dwyane Wade had plenty to say when he was a special guest for Dax Shepard’s podcast. The comment that sparked the most attention was what he said about everyone’s favorite NBA debate: the G.O.A.T. conversation.
Everyone has a different opinion about who they think the greatest basketball player of all time is and why, but Wade had a different perspective to share. On the podcast he predicted:
"“We are not going to have a conversation about the GOATs. Now it’s going to be the younger, younger, younger generation. And they’re gonna forget about Jordan like we forget about Kareem.”"
Is Dwyane Wade correct? Could the next generation really forget the legendary Michael Jordan as the titleholder of the greatest-of-all-time?
Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade Predicts Michael Jordan Will Be Forgotten
While Wade makes a valid argument here, his prediction will not come true. The legacy of Michael Jordan will live on as long as people still talk about basketball.
Let’s break down the situation.
First, let’s discuss Wade’s connection to the G.O.A.T. debate. While he is undoubtedly the greatest Miami Heat player of all time, not many people would consider him to be the greatest basketball player of all time.
However, one player’s name that has been constantly brought up in recent years is LeBron James, who Dwyane Wade happens to be good friends with. They won two championships together as teammates on the Miami Heat.
Their kids have played together on the same team. LeBron James and Wade talk.
They are like peanut butter and jelly, as they would put it.
So, wouldn’t Dwyane Wade want everyone to think that his friend is the greatest of all time? Perhaps, but there is something else to consider here.
Wade grew up in Chicago, idolizing Michael Jordan. MJ means a lot to Wade as well.
Wade’s point is that he grew up idolizing Jordan, just as this younger generation is growing up idolizing LeBron and Stephen Curry. While it is true that Wade may have a bias in favor of LeBron, his idolization of Jordan and his respectable character make his critical insight reliable.
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Now, let’s dive into why Wade’s prediction will not come true. First of all, it has been almost 20 years since Michael Jordan was in the NBA and he is still talked about as the G.O.A.T., even if some believe that LeBron is catching up to him.
Although the younger generation did not watch Jordan play, he has still had an influence over them. One example of this was the “Last Dance” Documentary.
When it was released, millions dropped what they were doing to relive the magic of Michael Jordan’s legendary career with the Chicago Bulls. Some of those viewers were younger fans who learned just how special of a talent Jordan was.
The second influence Jordan has had, as NFL Hall Of Famer Shannon Sharpe pointed out on his Undisputed show with Skip Bayless, is his sneaker brand. Michael Jordan popularized sneakers, making them an essential part of one’s outfit.
His Jordan sneaker is one of the most popular sneaker brands in the world. It’s the most iconic sneaker brand— ever.
To build on that point, Jordan was probably one of the five most influential players ever in basketball. In addition to revolutionizing footwear, his appearance in the 1992 Olympics as a member of the “Dream Team” sparked an international interest in basketball.
Everyone wanted to “be like Mike.” Since that elite team was seen at an international level, the whole world was inspired and wanted to learn the game of basketball.
As a result, we have been seeing many international players entering the league. Some of them, like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, are among the best players in the league.
Based on these points, it is clear that people will not forget who Michael Jordan is. But will they forget just how good he was, as Dwyane Wade alludes to?
All you have to do is watch a clip of this man playing basketball. With worldwide internet access, this can’t be hard to find.
Just by watching short videos of him, it should be clear to anyone that Michael Jordan was one of the greatest to ever step foot on the hardwood. Michael Jordan’s legacy will live on forever.
As time goes by, will people continue to view him as the undisputed G.O.A.T.? Wade believes that history says no.
There will always be talented players that make you question or even forget just how great the last player was, that’s without a doubt. Jordan may not fall victim to that phenomenon though.
Aside from all of that, what is for certain is this.
The G.O.A.T when it comes to the Miami Heat will always be the guy whose opinion sparked this whole thing. Miami Heat fans, followers, and faithful will never forget Dwyane Wade and his legendary career for the Miami Heat.