NBA: 5 most culturally impactful players of the last 20 years
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade was drafted in 2003 along with his good buddy LeBron James forming the most fascinating friendship in NBA history. Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh were also part of this legendary draft class and would forever be linked together.
However, out of this incredible draft class it was Dwyane Wade who became the first to win a championship and Finals MVP when he miraculously led the Heat to the Finals with an older Shaquille O’Neal to conquer Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in 2006. Dwyane Wade, also known as Flash, proved that you are never too young to lead your team to glory at the ripe age of 24.
If LeBron was the face of the player movement era, Wade’s sacrifice is the only reason there was able to be any face whatsoever. Wade not only took a pay cut to allow Chris Bosh and LeBron James to come to the Heat in pursuit of multiple championships but also sacrificed his superstar role after they failed to win a championship in their first year together knowing this was best for the team.
LeBron essentially went to Wade so he could learn how to win at the highest level as he’s stated before. However, Wade’s star power was not sacrificed as he has also been one of the most referenced superstars in hip-hop lyrics by artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rick Ross.
Flash was always the man in Miami so LeBron was essentially scared to take that mantle with his debacle of a performance in the 2011 Finals until D-Wade finally told LeBron that he has always been the man and needs to continue to do that for them to flourish and win the championship.
Without this conversation, the epic lobs, 27-game win streak, two championships (including LeBron’s coveted first and 3 total for D-Wade) don’t happen and the big 3, as well as Lebron’s legacy, would have been seen in a much different light, even as a failure.
Dwyane Wade is a stand-up character showing you can be an all-time great who also helps others in ways that leave a lasting impact on millions of lives beyond the game. D-Wade changed up the farewell tour game by initiating the jersey swap with multiple players around the league after each game as a showing of mutual respect.
Dwyane Wade will always be a true cultural icon.