When Shaquille O’Neal arrived in Miami in 2004, Dwyane Wade didn’t like the media calling him the next Kobe Bryant. Wade was only in his second season, but he was already being compared to Bryant, who had three rings. time and enters his prime.
During an appearance on „Club Shay Shay” with Shannon Sharpe, Wade discussed his fear of being compared to Bryant early in his career. He explained that he was a fan of the LA Lakers legend growing up and didn’t like the comparisons. However, it inspired him to earn the respect of one of his idols.
„I’m not like that,” Wade said. „Why do I like that? I don’t want that. I don’t want that smoke. Kobe had three rings at this point. What, he’s 24 years old, he’s got three rings. I played because I played. (Michael) Jordan, (Allen) Iverson and Kobe watched. .
„Now you’re talking about not putting me in there yet. I’ve been in the league for two years, so they did. I was still a kid, and at that point I secretly wanted Kobe’s autograph.”
While Dwyane Wade isn’t happy about the Kobe Bryant comparisons, the Miami Heat superstar used the „beef” to elevate his game. Wade eventually earned Bryant’s respect and became one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game.
Shannon Sharp noted that Wade is behind Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant on the all-time SG list. The three-time NBA champion has no problem with the roster because it’s always optional. He was happy to be mentioned along with some legendary names.
read more: „I got a little teary-eyed”: Shaquille O’Neal once admitted that Derrick Coleman embarrassed him in front of his parents.
Dwyane Wade Says Kobe Bryant Is The Reason For The Heat
Some, including Kevin Garnett, believe the Boston Celtics are the reason LeBron James made the „Heatles” in Miami with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. However, Wade made it clear on the „Squeak Show” with Tony Parker that Kobe Bryant is the real reason for their team.
„I turned off my TV,” Wade said. „When Kobe ran up and caught that ball, I was like pffft (turned off the TV). LeBron? What are you going to do? It’s our summer free agency.
„They dominated. Kobe won all these rings. I was like, 'Wait, now he’s got five (rings), we got one?’
read more: „Extremely embarrassing” – NBA fans compare Michael Jordan’s Bulls thrashing Jazz in ’98 Finals to Dolphins hanging 70 points on Broncos
edited by
Juan Paolo David
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”