I Hate that Dwyane Wade is retiring

My favorite color is GREEN.

My favorite movie is PULP FICTION.
My favorite rapper is BIGGIE
My favorite GOT character is LITTLEFINGER

 

The act of choosing a favorite says far more about the chooser than what is being chose. 
 

I shared these only for perspective.  A person’s favorite thing isn’t necessarily universally acclaimed the best or most outstanding.  If someone said RED, TITANIC, TUPAC, and JON SNOW their choices are just as valid because the business of choosing a favorite is very personal…very intimate. 

Basketball is a special game because it can be played most anywhere.  You can put a hoop in your backyard and play by yourself, 1 on 1, 3 on 3, 5 on 5.  You can’t say that for baseball or football.  With basketball it’s easier to imagine yourself as your favorite player.  If you see a great play on TV you can go outside and try it immediately.  Basketball is unique in this regard.  Basketball also has a level of creativity that the other sports can’t reach.  The continuity of play the movement of the players is beautiful to behold. 

My favorite basketball player for the last 16 years has been Dwyane Wade. He has not been the best or most accomplished player over this span but he’s been at the top of my list unchallenged. He is my personal avatar for how’d I play the game. 

The psychology of a favorite is simple.  One looks internally to find a connection then chooses a favorite.

Dwyane Wade is first and foremost a WINNER.  Everyone in the NBA is a PLAYER but not all players are WINNERS.  He played with reckless abandon. He put his body on the line to WIN. 

Dwyane Wade is a PLAYMAKER.  He was a combo guard before it was branded.  He played the pick and roll to perfection.  He was playing CHESS out there and he owned the middle of the board like no other.

Dwyane Wade is CLUTCH.  In his prime…he was the most clutch player in the league.  He took over 4^th quarters during winning time.

Dwyane Wade is a CHAMPION.  The moment was never too big for him.  He never choked.  He led his team to a Championship in his 3^rd season as a pro and was Finals MVP.

Wade’s basketball instincts and IQ are off the charts.  I remember watching him during March Madness in 2003.  He had no fear going into that elite 8 against Kentucky.  He was the best player on the floor.  He played the hardest and he was the smartest.  Kentucky had no chance that day.

Since his rookie season in 2003 no players PEAK has exceeded his.  I’ll put his 2006 NBA Finals performance against anyone not named Jordan.   His 2008-2009 regular season was VINTAGE.  30.2ppg, 7.5 ast, 5.0 rebs, 2.2 stl, 1.3 blk, 49% shooting percentage on a team that averaged 98.3 points per game. 

Wade is a complete basketball player.  He’s defense was 1^st rate.  In fact the picture at the top of this post is my favorite DWade Moment.  In the 2011 Finals when his all NBA teammate was melting down, Wade stepped up.  Tyson Chandler slipped the pick and roll, received a pocket pass and had an easy finish in front of him.  Wade, 9 inches shorter, had help defense responsibility.  He could have conceded the dunk and moved on to the next play, but it’s winning time and DWade is a winner.  He met Chandler at the rim and turned back the 7 footer.  Watching it in real time was incredible.  That play embodied WINNER/PLAYMAKER/CLUTCH/CHAMPION. 

Dwyane Wade is retiring at the end of this season.  If you watched him play this year you know he still has a lot in the tank.  I love that he is retiring as a player that can still determine outcomes in crunch time.  I will miss his GAME. 

Miami will always be WADE COUNTY in my book. 

I’ve loved basketball for 40+ years now.  I’ve only had 3 favorite players.  Dr. J, Charles Barkley, and DWade.  I look forward to choosing another soon.  I’m scouting Giannis now.  I like what I see so far.