Dwyane Wade Crowns LeBron as Greatest Heat Player—But Reminds Everyone Miami Is Still His House…see more…
Dwyane Wade Crowns LeBron as Greatest Heat Player—But Reminds Everyone Miami Is Still His House
In a revealing and heartfelt moment that has sparked waves of conversation across the NBA community, Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade recently declared LeBron James the greatest player to ever wear a Heat jersey. While such praise from Wade—himself a Hall of Famer and arguably the face of the Heat franchise—may appear surprising on the surface, he was quick to clarify one thing: Miami is still his house.
Wade’s comments came during a recent appearance on the Point Forward podcast with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner. Reflecting on his illustrious career, the three-time NBA champion offered unfiltered insights into his relationship with LeBron James, their time together in Miami, and how their legacy is forever intertwined.
> “Let’s not get it twisted,” Wade said with a smile. “LeBron is the greatest player to ever wear a Miami Heat jersey. But Miami? Miami is my city. That’s my house.”
The Wade-LeBron Bond
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James formed one of the most iconic duos in NBA history when the latter took his talents to South Beach in 2010. Alongside Chris Bosh, the Heat’s “Big Three” dominated the Eastern Conference for four seasons, making four straight NBA Finals appearances and winning two championships (2012 and 2013).
Though LeBron was clearly the more dominant individual talent, Wade’s leadership and willingness to step back—especially during the 2011-2012 season—was critical to the team’s success. Wade was already a Finals MVP and the undisputed face of the franchise when LeBron arrived. His humility in letting LeBron take the reins was both selfless and strategic, and it paid off.
“I knew for us to win, Bron had to be that guy,” Wade explained. “I had to let go of being the guy. That was hard, but it was necessary.”
Respecting LeBron’s Greatness
Wade’s acknowledgment of LeBron’s greatness is not just a nod to their shared success in Miami, but a broader recognition of LeBron’s sustained excellence across multiple franchises. LeBron won titles in Cleveland and Los Angeles and is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“He’s the best player to ever put on a Heat jersey. That’s just facts,” Wade said. “Nobody in Miami history has been that good. I don’t care if it was for four years—those were four of the most dominant years any franchise has ever seen.”
Statistically, LeBron’s tenure with the Heat was a masterclass. He won two league MVPs (2012, 2013), led the team to a 66-win season, and averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game during his time in Miami.
Miami Is Still Wade County
But for all of LeBron’s on-court dominance, Wade remains the soul of the Miami Heat. He played 15 of his 16 NBA seasons with the franchise, holds virtually every major franchise record, and was the driving force behind Miami’s first NBA championship in 2006. His 2006 Finals performance—where he averaged 34.7 points per game against the Dallas Mavericks—remains one of the most iconic in league history.
Wade’s connection with Miami transcends basketball. His community work, charisma, and longevity have made him synonymous with the city. Fans affectionately refer to Miami-Dade County as “Wade County”—a symbolic renaming that even received official backing during his retirement tour.
“LeBron was a superstar who came through and took us to another level,” said longtime Heat fan Javier Mendez. “But Wade is the Heat. He built this from the ground up.”
Legacy, Loyalty, and Leadership
Wade’s perspective on legacy is steeped in loyalty and long-term impact. While LeBron’s resume may be unmatched, Wade’s roots in Miami run deeper. He’s not just the most beloved player in franchise history—he is the franchise history.
Erik Spoelstra, the Heat’s head coach throughout both the Wade and LeBron eras, summed it up best: “LeBron brought dominance. D-Wade brought identity. You can’t tell the story of the Miami Heat without Dwyane Wade. He’s the heart of this organization.”
And perhaps that’s where Wade draws the line between greatness and ownership. LeBron may have been the best to ever play in Miami, but Wade is the reason the Heat had the foundation and culture strong enough to attract LeBron in the first place.
A Lasting Brotherhood
Today, Wade and LeBron remain close friends and mutual admirers. Wade has retired and now ventures into sports ownership and television, while LeBron continues to defy age and compete at the highest level. Their friendship is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always have to come with rivalry—it can coexist with respect, humility, and shared purpose.
As Wade concluded his remarks on the podcast, he offered a final, resonant thought:
> “I was born a Heat lifer. I bleed black and red. And while I’ll always give LeBron his flowers, just remember—this is still Wade County.”
And no one is arguing that.