Dwyane Wade Dunked on LeBron James’ Teammate to Impress Michael Jordan

Dwyane Wade featured on The OGs Show podcast and spoke about trying to impress Michael Jordan.

Dwyane Wade Dunked on LeBron James’ Teammate to Impress Michael Jordan

Dwyane Wade featured on The OGs Show podcast (image credits - Firstsportz)

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Three-time NBA champion and one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, Dwyane Wade appeared on The OGs Show hosted by Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller. The 13-time NBA All-Star discussed about various topics including his secret meeting with ‘The Big Three‘, the time he almost left Miami till LeBron James called, and his legacy in the city of Miami.

The Big Three, sometimes known as the Heatles, comprised of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who were the first, fourth and fifth picks respectively in the 2003 NBA draft. They went on to form one of the most formidable trios in NBA history from the 2010-11 season to the 2013-14 season, advancing to the NBA Finals each year and claiming two NBA Championships.

Following his partnership with Converse, Wade signed with Jordan Brand in 2009, which allowed him to become the face of his hero’s company. The 43-year-old has been vocal about idolizing Michael Jordan and his impact on Wade’s life and career so the deal gave him the perfect opportunity to emulate his childhood hero.

On an episode of The OGs Show, Wade spoke about his iconic dunk on Anderson Varejao, who was James’ teammate at the time. Wade said:

Bron tried to dunk on my big man. He tried to disrespect my big man. I was like okay, anything you can do, I can do better. And MJ was at the game. MJ’s first game to see me play as a Jordan athlete.

LeBron James as the main guy and Dwyane Wade as the second option

Wade, who was drafted by the Heat in 2003, was already a champion in 2006. Hence, Wade was already a star among the Heat nation. While there were reports of a potential team-up as early as 2006, the plan came into fruition in 2010 when James decided to leave Cleveland as a free agent.

Big3
Miami Heat Big Three features Chris Bosh (left), Dwyane Wade (center) and LeBron James (right). (Image credits – Ballislife.com/X)

The first season did not go exactly as planned as the heavily favored Miami Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games in the final. James was on the receiving end of much of the scrutiny due to his lackluster performances. A change was needed.

Considering both James and Wade are ball-dominant players, the two star players had a discussion. Wade suggested that James should be the primary guy and he would adjust his game to accommodate James while being the second option. And the rest was history as Miami went on to win two consecutive championships with James winning back-to-back Finals MVP.

Dwyane Wade instilled championship DNA into LeBron James

It is a no-brainer that LeBron James is one of the most accomplished players in NBA history but even ‘The Chosen One’ needed help in getting over the final hurdle of lifting the NBA championship. After spending seven years in Cleveland, James decided to leave his hometown for Miami in search of a championship that forever altered his career and course of the league.

Joining forces with Wade and Bosh in Miami gave rise to the first “super team”. Wade, already being a champion in 2006, was instrumental in helping James to elevate his game and guiding him at the highest level. James has often credited Wade in helping him reach the pinnacle of the sport as they continue to maintain a good friendship off-court even today.

James went on to add two more championships after leaving Miami, one championship on his return to Cleveland in 2016 and the other in his current club, LA Lakers in 2020.

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