Dwyane Wade has named his all-time starting five. The Miami Heat icon was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame following a successful NBA career.
The 41-year-old became the first Heat draft pick to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was part of a star-studded 2023 class that included Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, and Gregg Popovich.
Wade’s all-time starting five are Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, per GQ Sports. It is a balanced starting five, considering all those players are considered the best in their position.
Stephen Curry is regarded as the best point guard of all time, although some prefer Magic Johnson. The pair have won a combined nine NBA championships in their career.
There’s not much to say about Jordan and Bryant, who are both shooting guards. They are the most influential figures in basketball history. They won a combined 11 NBA rings in their glittering careers.
James is NBA’s all-time leading scorer and is entering his 21st NBA season while still playing at an elite level. Most fans would have LeBron in the all-time starting five.
O’Neal is one of the most dominant players in NBA history. He is a top-five player in his position.
Who is the NBA GOAT?
The NBA GOAT debate has raged for years and will continue as long as LeBron continues to break records in the NBA. He became NBA’s all-time leading scorer in February this year, and some felt he became the undisputed GOAT.
However, Jordan proponents always say he didn’t play as long as LeBron, and if he did, he would have all those records.
James turns 39 in December, and there aren’t many records to break. He obviously can’t play forever, and when he decides to call it a day, the debate will still continue.
James declares himself GOAT
Sports Brief also reported on James declaring himself the best player even as he closed in on breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record.
He has been the best NBA player of the last decade, and some believe he, therefore, has a right to say he is the greatest to touch the ball.
James himself said calling himself the greatest was a result of his confidence, the skills he brings to the table, and the talent he possesses.