Dwyane Wade: ‘Thought I was Coming for’ Michael Jordan’s GOAT Title Before Injuries

Andrew PetersJuly 19, 2024

Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images

Dwyane Wade had a prolific NBA career, but several injuries throughout his 16 years held him back from being considered in the greatest of all time debate.

On Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn, Wade admitted he thought he had a chance to dethrone Michael Jordan as the GOAT if it weren’t for injuries getting in the way.

“I’m not the greatest shooter of all time, but I was great at so many different things,” Wade said. “No one knows how to really break down my game… Before injuries, I’m like [Michael Jordan]. I’m coming for you.”

Wade had an outstanding transition from the college game to the NBA, putting up a 24.1 point-per-game season in just his second year in the league.

After leading the Miami Heat to an NBA title in the 2005-06 season, injuries started to become a factor for Wade. He missed much of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons with a dislocated shoulder and then knee troubles.

After a pair of injury-riddled seasons, Wade had an MVP-caliber year in 2008-09 when he averaged 30.2 points, 7.5 assists and five rebounds per game.

He then teamed up with LeBron James and Chris Bosh and helped guide the Heat to a pair of titles in 2012 and 2013. He transitioned to a new role as the second option behind James, but still was a valuable player and a key factor in the back-to-back championships.

After his run with James, Wade’s numbers started to trickle off, but he transitioned gracefully into a role-player position before retiring after the 2018-19 season.

Though he never managed to put his name into GOAT conversations, there’s no denying Wade’s impact on the game.