Wade's Legacy

[+ Kyle +]

There's a lot of talk about LeBron's legacy after this win, but what about Wade? 3 titles, FMVP, one of the best finals runs in the history of the game in 06. Where does he rank now? Do you take anything away from his last 2 titles being 2nd fiddle? I know I don't, but I'd like to hear your opinions on this. Discuss.

[MaxPayne]

Hes Top 3 SG of all time to me.

He also stepped up in big moments, like tonight.

I dont ever wanna hear Wade trade talks ever again.

[420]

My legacy of Wade (short version): BIW. The consummate team player. Flash. Defensive monster. Clutch. #1 shotblocking guard. #1 in my heart.

[truthiness]

M legacy of Wade (short version): BIW. The consummate team player. Flash. Defensive monster. Clutch. #1 shotblocking guard. #1 in my heart.

It pisses me off when I hear commentators (looking at you, JVG, you bald ass) say "he's one of the best shotblockers at his position".

**** that.

He's the best shot blocking guard in the history of the league, and it ain't even close.
He blocked so many big guys (C's, 7 footers) it's ridiculous.
He should be called the anti-Shaun Bradley: instead of getting dunked on by people way smaller than him, he's blocking shots and dunks of people way taller than him.

PS: I would also argue that his peak he was better than Kobe's peak. There are 2 things that stopped him from having a better career than Kobe*: injuries and the fact that he didn't develop a 3p shot, which would have made the game so much easier for him.

*stats wise, cause titles wise he has a chance to actually catch Kobe, and in a lot of cases that is also influenced by luck: being lucky enough to be drafted by the team that has Shaq or Kareem, for example

[+ Kyle +]

Where do you guys have him ranked all time?

[420]

M legacy of Wade (short version): BIW. The consummate team player. Flash. Defensive monster. Clutch. #1 shotblocking guard. #1 in my heart.

It pisses me off when I hear commentators (looking at you, JVG, you bald ass) say "he's one of the best shotblockers at his position".

**** that.

He's the best shot blocking guard in the history of the league, and it ain't even close.
He blocked so many big guys (C's, 7 footers) it's ridiculous.
He should be called the anti-Shaun Bradley: instead of getting dunked on by people way smaller than him, he's blocking shots and dunks of people way taller than him.

PS: I would also argue that his peak he was better than Kobe's peak. There are 2 things that stopped him from having a better career than Kobe*: injuries and the fact that he didn't develop a 3p shot, which would have made the game so much easier for him.

*stats wise, cause titles wise he has a chance to actually catch Kobe, and in a lot of cases that is also influenced by luck: being lucky enough to be drafted by the team that has Shaq or Kareem, for example

I'm with you 100% on this post.

Where do you guys have him ranked all time?

In their era, Wade is/was the only one who could rival LeBron. He's the reason LeBron wanted to play in Miami. So IMO Wade isn't far off of where ever people rank LeBron. I know people will disagree, but whatever, the guy never gets the credit he deserves from those people, either way.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOu7FALUcNA[/youtube]

[Miamis3rdRing]

Prime/peak Wade is as good as anybody to ever play the game. I don't care what non-Heat fans say, I watched the guy every night for years and stand by what I said.

It's too bad we had trash teams around him during his best years. Just goes to show you that no team wins a championship with just one great player, or one player playing great.

Even today, Wade on his best day is right up there with guys like LeBron, Durant, etc IMO. I'm not sure if his body would allow for him to play at that level all 82 games/playoffs and his role on the team has obviously changed. It's a combination of the two.

I have a lot of respect for him in that he sacrificed a lot of personal glory ever since LeBron came here. It was the right move to make, yet many players and athletes wouldn't be willing to do that. It's not like Wade has been at the tail end of his career these past 3 seasons either. He was only 28-29 when the Big 3 formed.

Sometimes I'm too hard on him (And every other Heat player for that matter) but inside me I know he'll deliver when we need him most.

I don't think his legacy has been hurt by being the #2 guy. His legacy would have been too plain/boring far if we continued to surround him with crap. Sort of a one-hit wonder (Even though I'd disagree with such a label). He doesn't get the respect he deserves even now but Heat fans know how good he is and I think we should all be happy he's now getting a legit chance in the post-season.

Rest and get healthy for next season. Hope he continues to work on his jumper, it'll save him from a lot of the pounding he takes from slashing and make him a bigger threat in our offense.

[Grumpy Heat Fan]

Don't get me started on Wade's legacy.

I am pretty sure I am still pissed that they overlooked him on the 2009 reg season MVP.

[ReturnofMVP3]

Don't get me started on Wade's legacy.

I am pretty sure I am still pissed that they overlooked him on the 2009 reg season MVP.

My sentiments exactly. Or the All D first teams he got shafted on by Kobe. Ridiculous.

[Heej]

Peak Wade was 95% Peak MJ, he just couldn't sustain it for many seasons. With these accolades he's clearly passed Jerry West now. 3rd best SG all time. Sure he may not have the longevity of other players but at his best there were few players that were better. And the 06 Finals was straight up legendary.

[GetMoney]

i still think he has another all time great season or 2 in him

he's not diminished, he just wasn't 100%

[seminoles1993]

Top 20 all time IMO

[narmerguy]

I think the only think sad about Wade was the sh** teams around him in his prime years. The dude was balling hard for a while and I think his peak was 2nd only to MJ. Trouble for Wade will be his longevity. If he can stay elite and 18-20ppg for another 2-3 titles, he'll probably go down as the 3rd best SG in the game (though I personally think he's better than Kobe, just not as lucky). However, he's going to have to stay healthy to build at all on his current standing. Right now a lot of people put Jerry West above him.

[WD]

Glad I stood by him throughout his struggles.......no additional comment needed....I am not going to say anything about those punk azz comments said earlier in the series when he was struggling.....you know the "what have you done for me this play" crowd.....

anyway, HE IS THE MIAMI HEAT, he started all of this championship sh@t that attracted a guy named Lebron James.

[420]

Glad I stood by him throughout his struggles.......no additional comment needed....I am not going to say anything about those punk azz comments said earlier in the series when he was struggling.....you know the "what have you done for me this play" crowd.....

anyway, HE IS THE MIAMI HEAT, he started all of this championship sh@t that attracted a guy named Lebron James.

#loyalty

[gozmek]

I'm a huge Wade fan. I remember him catching my eye in a few of his rookie games, and then those playoffs his first year made me a fan for life. MJ was my fave player growing up, but Wade is my fave player of all time by far.

It's been such a crazy ride following his career. His relentless determination that culminated in him winning his first title in 2006, to the shoulder injury, stuck on a terrible team when shaq bailed, to coming back after the olympics in 2008 and being the best player in the world again.

When LeBron joined the Heat, i was happy that he would be in the hunt for a title every year until he retires but also sad that he may have to take a back seat and we won't see the same Wade ever again due to his new role.

But man... this guy he continues to inspire me every year. After being hurt in the playoffs last year, he gets hurt AGAIN this year just as the playoffs start with the other knee. I think oh god here we go again, he's gonna struggle and it will be another year wasted if the heat lose and he will get alot of the blame.

But every time the Heat were in serious trouble the last two series, he was there. Game 7 against Indiana he played great after not having much impact before then. Game 4 against San Antonio, knowing the heat CANNOT go down 3-1 and win, he has one of his best games ever. Everyone called him Flash again. Then Game 7 tonight, he came out no fear and hungry.

So proud of him, and I wish he got more respect than he does.

[fast-break]

Top 25

[Zasterror]

Top 20-25
I personally believe he has finally solidified his Top 3 SG spot.

I can go on and on about Wade; he is my favorite player of all time. It's sad that such a gifted player has been plagued by injuries for most of his career but he is still able to persevere and have one of the most impressive resumes in wing history (despite getting shafted in multiple seasonal awards).

[Dupas]

Top 15.

[SWadeUP]

MY HUSBAND DID WORK...

AND WHEN I SEE HIM TONIGHT...

ILL DO WORK!

SERIOUSLY THOUGH.. THAT DEFENSE WAS INSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANE LAST NIGHT.