Former Celtics star DISSES Dwyane Wade, claims James Harden is better because kids want to play like 76ers star and not Heat legend
Jeff Teague has claimed that James Harden ranks above Dwyane Wade in his all-time list.
Follow Us
Dwayne Wade and James Harden (Troy Taormina-USA Today Sports)
Dwyane Wade and James Harden are two of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. ‘Flash’ and ‘The Beard’ have had phenomenal careers, winning numerous accolades along the way and while Wade retired in 2019, Harden is currently a member of the Philadelphia 76ers and will be entering his 15th season this year.
It is difficult to compare the two superstars’ considering each of them has had their own unique journey and have won different accolades. One accomplishment or differentiator that does stand out is the fact that Wade has won 3 championships whereas James Harden is yet to win a ring. Former NBA player Jeff Teague who has recently found success as a podcaster said that rings are irrelevant while comparing Wade and Harden. He added that he ranks Harden above Wade in his Top 5 shooting guards list.
“When James was James, he was giving you 38 and 11. Prime D Wade get you 36 and 5. And then James had years where he averaged 34, 36. Like, that’s kinda crazy. But I think James Harden is up there.” said Teague.“He just doesn’t have the rings to show it. So they like put him down a tier or whatever but rings don’t matter to me when I say somebody hoopin’. When I go to the park, I see a little kid playing like James Harden. I don’t really see little kids playing like D Wade. I mean, not now.”
Teague, who won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and announced his retirement shortly after, does make an interesting point. However, long-time NBA fans who have followed Dwyane Wade’s journey do not echo his statements and know that he is the better player.
Comparing Dwyane Wade and James Harden’s careers
10-time NBA All-Star James Harden was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 3rd overall pick back in 2009. He came off the bench for all of the three seasons he played with the team, playing a supporting role behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award in the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season. He was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012 and that is where his career really took off. Harden became a starter and the focal point on offense for the Rockets. He came to be known as a terrific scorer but also added playmaking to his arsenal making him almost unguardable on occasions.
He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2018 and the Scoring Title award thrice between 2018 to 2020. He also became the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double in a game in 2018 against the Orlando Magic.
Wade on the other hand was drafted by the Miami Heat as the 5th overall pick in 2003. Although he never won the regular season MVP award in his career, he led the Miami Heat to the NBA title in 2006 and claimed Finals MVP honors. He won the Scoring Title in 2009 and added 2 more championships to his resume with the Heat in 2012 and 2013. The 13-time All-Star also owns the record for having the most number of blocked shots by a shooting guard in NBA history.
Harden is more or less on par with Wade in terms of career accomplishments. The only thing that separates him from the Hall-of-Famer is his poor showing in the postseason. Harden has often failed to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage, something which he has been criticized for by numerous fans and legends of the game. If he does end up breaking that curse and wins a ring by the time his career is over, the debate about who is better between him and Wade would become a lot more interesting.
In case you missed it:
- “People treat him like a zoo animal” – LeBron James’ appearance at restaurant causes RUCKUS, NBA fans slam bystanders for invading Lakers superstar’s privacy
- NBA rivals Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki finally BURY BEEF after 12 years
Stay Updated!
Rishabh Gangwani
(58 Articles Published)