I have heard many threads and posts everywhere, and a majority of them believe that LeBron James is a superstar in the NBA. Some were real legit arguments and others were groupie/bandwagon type posts. Anyway, I just want to clear up if you guys think James is a superstar, Wade is one too. First of all, I want to say that anything LeBron can do Wade can do just as well. Wade averages 23.8ppg, 5.3rpg, and 7.6apg. James averages 24.9, 7rpg, 7.3apg. The only reason I think James averages 2 more rebounds because he is taller than him. James gets a great deal of hype. How many commercials have we seen with him balling in a church, or him sinking jumpers from half court? What about those overpriced King James sneakers? I may not be the freshest or the most up-to-date cat around, but I have never seen any Wade sneakers around. If there are any, please forgive me, but I just have not seen any. It is probably because LeBron James? spotlight has overshadowed the likes of players like Wade. Also I want to point out, I think the word ?superstar? is too controversial a word to have an actual definition. I think it is more of an opinion type thing. I consider a superstar a leader and an example who carries his team to victory. They have to be players that have been doing this for more than a year. It has to be maybe about 3 or so years and then I will consider them ?superstars? however, into they reach that plateau, I feel they are just rising stars. I do not feel that Wade or James is a superstar, I just wanted to point out that if one considers James a superstar, they would have no choice but to also consider Wade one as well. I honestly can not see why Wade is considered less superior. In fact, I see Wade being a slightly better player than James. Wade slashes just like James, they shoot about the same percentage with Wade only slightly more. They also shoot about the same FT% with Wade slightly higher. Why are they any different? James does have a higher efficiency rating with a little more than 3 more points, but can you really think of a phonier statistic than effiency? Some of the things that are not put on the stat sheet is how many shots you contest, or how many they missed, or how well you played defense. I think Wade is clearly the better defender over LeBron James. There is no wonder why Wade got more time during the Olympics. He brought more contributions for the team than what James did. I hope no one feels that I am bashing James or anything, I just felt lead to state my thoughts on a player that is somewhat underrated. If Dwayne Wade was in another class, there is probably little question that he would have been rookie of the year, or would have gotten his deserving praise, but do to James stealing the spotlight, he never got it. I think if everyone or most people for that matter, feel that LeBron James is a superstar, Dwayne Wade should definitely be mentioned.
The name's Dwyane not Dwayne. I don't think people consider James a much better player than Wade. I personally think they will be superstars in their own right, and two different types of a players. Wade and LeBron are the same level right now IMO. The only ones who consider LeBron a much better player than Wade, are people who don't know much about basketball, or really huge ignorant LeBron fans. I believe many people call LeBron a superstar already because they jumped to a conclusion before his Pro NBA Career began, that he will become one, since they got caught up in the hype. Many did not think the same thing as Wade. He went under the radar in a sense last year with 'Melo and LeBron taking the spotlight. After Wade showed off his stuff in the playoffs last year, and now this year with Shaq, Wade has emerged even more, and people have hoped on his bandwagon. The term superstar is overused, Wade is a star right now, not a superstar, but once he helps Shaq win a title or get to the Finals, then I might consider him one, but there's no doubt that he's on the right path, along with LeBron.
I never noticed that about his name. I have a cousin whose name is Dwayne and I assumed Wade's first name was that too. I'm surprised you noticed too . The amount of topics regarding LeBron James and everything, I just thought Wade a player on his level, should be noticed.
It's kinda funny you're mentioning Wade in the same breath as LeBron where Carmello is no where to be found a year and a half after they got drafted since so many cats in my 'hood and on other boards have accused me of being a "Marquete-Obssessed" when I suggested that Wade is going to be a better player and the Pistons should take him before Anthony and Milisic after his amazing performances in the tournement Spring 2003! However, Wade is not on the same level as LeBron yet! He ain't too far either, but James' game is more verstile and he's a bit more athletic than Dwyane, they're two different players nonetheless. Despite having Shaq's presence on his side which gives him more room to operate, I don't take this point into consideration when I evaluate his game (unlike some LeBron groupies), you could see the imporvement he added to his game over the summer and how he matured on the court, let alone the fact that he's the better defender.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I have heard many threads and posts everywhere, and a majority of them believe that LeBron James is a superstar in the NBA. Some were real legit arguments and others were groupie/bandwagon type posts. Anyway, I just want to clear up if you guys think James is a superstar, Wade is one too. First of all, I want to say that anything LeBron can do Wade can do just as well. Wade averages 23.8ppg, 5.3rpg, and 7.6apg. James averages 24.9, 7rpg, 7.3apg. The only reason I think James averages 2 more rebounds because he is taller than him.</div> I don't think many people consider LEBron a superstar already. THere is no doubt in my mind that he WILL become one. Wade is not a superstar either. IMO there are only 4 superstars in the league, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Shaq, and Kobe Bryant. Most people see these guys as the superstars because they are. WAde and LeBrong overall are very close, but LeBRon has the edge. Sure their stats are similar. LEBron si about 2 years younger than Wade. LeBRon is better now and will be better in the future. Wade is developing faster because he is older. Trust me Im no bias LEBRon Fan even though I do like him. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">James gets a great deal of hype. How many commercials have we seen with him balling in a church, or him sinking jumpers from half court? What about those overpriced King James sneakers? I may not be the freshest or the most up-to-date cat around, but I have never seen any Wade sneakers around. If there are any, please forgive me, but I just have not seen any. It is probably because LeBron James? spotlight has overshadowed the likes of players like Wade.</div> Of course, James is a player every one knows about and he sells. Dwyane Wade doesn't have much publicity outside of Miami in the main publics eye. I belive Dwyane Wade just got sneakers from some small company though. JAmes is overrated, Wade is underrated, but James still has the edge over Wade. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Also I want to point out, I think the word ?superstar? is too controversial a word to have an actual definition. I think it is more of an opinion type thing. I consider a superstar a leader and an example who carries his team to victory. They have to be players that have been doing this for more than a year. It has to be maybe about 3 or so years and then I will consider them ?superstars? however, into they reach that plateau, I feel they are just rising stars. I do not feel that Wade or James is a superstar, I just wanted to point out that if one considers James a superstar, they would have no choice but to also consider Wade one as well.</div> Ya I agree. I have nothing to say here, however Kevin Garnett may not acting as your definition of superstar but I still believe he is one. Kevin GArnett will NOT get MVP this year imo because his team isnt even in a play off seed right now. A leader should keep their team on a steady run not many ups and downs. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I honestly can not see why Wade is considered less superior. In fact, I see Wade being a slightly better player than James. Wade slashes just like James, they shoot about the same percentage with Wade only slightly more. They also shoot about the same FT% with Wade slightly higher. Why are they any different? James does have a higher efficiency rating with a little more than 3 more points, but can you really think of a phonier statistic than effiency? Some of the things that are not put on the stat sheet is how many shots you contest, or how many they missed, or how well you played defense. I think Wade is clearly the better defender over LeBron James. There is no wonder why Wade got more time during the Olympics. He brought more contributions for the team than what James did.</div> Na JAmes is better. True Wade is the better defender, and thats what the Olympics needed as theri defense SUCKED. Also Wade has more experiance than Wade such as when he was in college. JAmes defense will improve over time I am sure if I remember Kobe BRyant wasnt the best defender in his second year and now look at him. A main factor is their surrou ndings. I am sure if the Cavs and Heat did a trade Zydrunas for Shaq, that LEBRons FG% would skyrocket to about 57 or something. Wade is clearly benefiting from Shaq. Wade woudl score more points but take A LOT more shots. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I hope no one feels that I am bashing James or anything, I just felt lead to state my thoughts on a player that is somewhat underrated. If Dwayne Wade was in another class, there is probably little question that he would have been rookie of the year, or would have gotten his deserving praise, but do to James stealing the spotlight, he never got it. I think if everyone or most people for that matter, feel that LeBron James is a superstar, Dwayne Wade should definitely be mentioned.</div> Ya but still none of them should be considered superstars right now. Im tired so I'm going to leve it here.
Wade has the same amount of potential as Lebron James. Dwyane Wade has SO many similarities with Michael Jordan when he first starting his career. Such as the following: Jordan came into the league under the radar because everyone was Magic vs. Bird obsessed at the time.(kinda like Carmelo and Lebron) Jordan and Wade both are exceptional dunkers and athletes. Jordan and Wade both drive to the hoop very well and are extremely good at drawing fouls when getting to the rim. Wade and Jordan both are decent mid-range shooters, and must impove there long range jumper in the future(jordan fixed that eventually) Both are tremendous on-the-ball defenders and overall great defenders. Im not saying that Wade will be the Next Jordan, because there will never be another Jordan. But he resembles Jordan when he first came into the league.
Well, first of all, I think everyone is making some valid points. I really do think Wade should be on the same level as James, as far as the fans and media go. You have to realize James was the most hyped kid to be drafted in almost all history. To the media, he is their savior, and he really can't do wrong. Yes, James has played spectacular, and has perhaps lived up to his hype, but Wade has played just as good as him. In their rookie seasons, I would say James played a better overall season. But, Wade was in the playoffs, and did hit some huge shots to keep them going. I think that experience really got Wade going. Coming into the sophomore campaign, Wade was probably still the "third wheel" with James and Anthony. Now look where they are, Anthony has dropped off, Wade's team is winning the East, and James has totally turned that franchise around. In short, if James is a superstar, so is Wade.
They're both superstars, very close stats, if you disagree that Wade is a superstar then you're being biased and ignorant. I want to ask though, my friend keeps telling me "Dwyane Wade > LeBron James", I don't agree but I accept his opinion and tell him that, but he doesn't he says ITS A FACT, then I point out stats to him and he says that Wade will be greater then LeBron and thats a fact, I don't see how its a fact if he can't prove it, but what do you guys think?
Just a quick post. Yes, Wade is a superstar. It doesn't take much of an explanation. His stats and game play are consistent and. Shaq is getting a lot of the praise in the media for Miami's play, but Wade is certainly the driving force. This sounds oddly familiar.
LeBron You made the argument that there was justification for Wade playing more in the Olympics. Wade didnt play more because he was better he played more because Stephon was the only other PG. There were plenty of other swingmen who demanded playing time becuase of their history so Larry Brown had no choice but to not play LBJ and play Wade.
I don't know how many people were here last year, but I used to add Wade to the ROY talks and people would always say it's a 2 man race between Carmelo and Lebron. Now it was mainly because Wade had injuries, and because he was under the radar like many have mentioned, but now if you ask who are the best players from last year's draft, it will go Lebron, Wade, Bosh. At this moment, Wade is a good a player as Lebron because they both have very similar skill sets. Lebron is a much better passer though, he has the natural passing skills while Wade is a drive and dish passer. Wade is the better man to man defender though, and they're both just as good in terms of offense with Lebron having a better jumpshot. The argument for Wade being a better player would be that he's a better on ball defender right now, but everything else between them basically balances out. Now people will say their's Shaq, but Shaq helps players get better, he doesn't make people good players. Wade without Shaq still shot 46.5% from the field as a rookie, him going up 3% isn't just due to Shaq being there, it's also due to him actually becoming a better player. Lebron went up 8% or so this season because he also became a better player. Wade shoots better when Shaq isn't on the floor because the team runs more and he get's more open court baskets, Wade isn't a shooter at all, so kicking the ball out to him for a jumpshot wouldn't help his FG%, it would hurt it. To me, neither of them are superstars at this point, Wade started his crawl by having a very good playoff performance, and should continue it this year again in the post season. Lebron is also there in terms of making that crawl up to being a superstar, and having post season success this year will build on that. In a year or 2, we can consider them bonified superstars as long as they remain on the same improvement path in their games, I think they will be bonified superstars. I'm a Wade fan, but I feel Lebron will be the slightly better player down the road, as he improves his defensive game [mostly on the ball], and just with him having the prototype body and having all those skills to go along with it. Wade just turned 23, and Lebron just turned 20, so Lebron is also 2 years and 11 months younger than him, and even though his skills look so smooth, he still has a lot of refining to do, same with Wade. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Both are tremendous on-the-ball defenders and overall great defenders.</div> Wade isn't a tremendous on ball defender right now, he's a good one, and also a good overall defender. I think him and Lebron in their primes will be very good defenders on and off the ball, but we'll see.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple Fever:</div><div class="quote_post">It's kinda funny you're mentioning Wade in the same breath as LeBron where Carmello is no where to be found a year and a half after they got drafted since so many cats in my 'hood and on other boards have accused me of being a "Marquete-Obssessed" when I suggested that Wade is going to be a better player and the Pistons should take him before Anthony and Milisic after his amazing performances in the tournement Spring 2003!</div> You're talking as if this was going to stay forever this way (Wade>Melo). This year has been rough for Melo, from the off-court issues to the ankle injuries... while Wade's dramatic improvement is largely due to Shaq's presence. If Melo had Shaq he would score 25+ ppg and dish at least 5 assist/game although he's no point guard like Wade is. But Wade is definitely a great player, even without Shaq he would improve although not as this much.
You really can't defend Anthony that much. He has not had a good season, plain and simple. The Nuggets brought in talent this offseason, and Anthony was supposed to take it and run. From the games I have seen, he acts selfish all the time. I don't think in any way is Anthony better than Wade. I honestly don't think Anthony would be doing as good as Wade is even if he had O'Neal.
I'm not too sure about the Shaq argument. Wade played pretty well deep into the second round of the playoffs last year without Shaq. And when Shaq hasn't played this season, his numbers have remained consistent. Where Shaq might help Wade in attaining more assists, Wade's ball handling and footspeed are good enough that he doesn't need Shaq's help to free himself up. And Wade doesn't get doubled so that's not an issue. If anything, Wade's numbers would most likely go up in the absence of Shaq because he would be the number 1 and number 2 option.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Future Dynasty:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not too sure about the Shaq argument. Wade played pretty well deep into the second round of the playoffs last year without Shaq. And when Shaq hasn't played this season, his numbers have remained consistent. Where Shaq might help Wade in attaining more assists, Wade's ball handling and footspeed are good enough that he doesn't need Shaq's help to free himself up. And Wade doesn't get doubled so that's not an issue. If anything, Wade's numbers would most likely go up in the absence of Shaq because he would be the number 1 and number 2 option.</div> No..... you say Wade doesnt get doubled? If Shaq wasnt there I assure you they'd double him on every possesion and when Shaq is benched they do find themselves doubling Wade. Shaq frees up space no matter what. Even if you're footwork is top notch like Wades, it never hurts having the big guy down there. I think the only game that Shaq missed this season is the Boston game and Wade should be able to easily handle the Celtics by himself. If Shaq wasn't there Wades numbers would go up probably but his FG% would go right down the drain, well not teally but i assure you it would go down about 4-6%
Dwyane and Lebron are both great players, and have a chance to revolutionize the way people look at the NBA. I hope the NBA markets these two players over everyone. These are two clean shaven, no scandals yet, and best of all great players, who deserve every compliment they get. And great point Ace about the field goal percentage. It would definitely be going down because he would find himself taking worse shots, which means a lower percentage duh no brainer. I was the only one at my school who knew about Dwyane Wade, LOL, shoes you how much they know. It's sad at my school if you don't have a largely marketed shoe, most people don't know who you are. I do believe both Lebron and Dwyane are both superstars. IMO Lebron is and will always be a head above the rest. But I can see Wade finishing his career with 5-8 all-star appearances, and one or two MVP's. The thing that sucks is that he assuming he says with Miami will have to compete with Iverson and Bron for the MVP for a while.
I love Wade. Love watching him, love what he's doing for his team, love what he's doing for the League. He will be a perennial All Star, and probably will win a championship or two before it's all said and done. But LeBron will always be better. I agree with everyone that, thanks to our media, Lebron is over-hyped and Wade is under-hyped. That is clear to me. I think Wade is a better player than Vince Carter, and Carter still gets more hype. That's not fair. Doesn't change the fact that Lebron is a better player, if only be a bit. 1, Wade is playing with Shaq, and if you think that doesn't help Wade's game, you're crazy. We're talking about SHAQ! How many more double teams would Wade be getting if Shaq wasn't around? Lebron is the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd option on the Cavs, and is the focal point of the opponent's defense. Wade on the other hand has Shaq, and last year, while he played great, the opponents focus point on D was Lamar. 2, Lebron is averaging almost as many assists from the swing spot. While Wade made an amazing transition to the point and has a great feel for the game, Lebron just has natural instincts that come around once a generation. 3, Lebron has a more diverse offense. They have similar 3pt %, but only because Wade doesn't shoot as many, where LeBron is burrying them in people's faces this year. Lebron also has better post moves, though being taller helps. 4, Lebron is more athletic. Look, Wade is a freakish athlete, no doubt, but Lebron is beyond freakish. Have you seen him get up? 5, Lebron is playing at this level with less expereince, coming straight out of high school. 6, As for leaderhip, Lebron was drafted #1 out of high school with more hype than ANYONE, EVER. He was asked to be the leader of his club right away, as a 18-year old, with all those expectations placed over his shoulders. And he's done it. Wade had wwwwwaaaaaayyyyy less pressure. Again, this is no dis on Wade, I love the kid, but no way he's as good as Lebron.
I agree with you LeBron is better but some things seem kinda weird to me. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting celtfan:</div><div class="quote_post"> 2, Lebron is averaging almost as many assists from the swing spot. While Wade made an amazing transition to the point and has a great feel for the game, Lebron just has natural instincts that come around once a generation.</div> Both of them have great basketball instincts. I agree LeBron has the edge, but you're making it sound like Wade has no insticnts. They both r great passers. LeBron has better court vision, but Wade makes better passes. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting celtfan:</div><div class="quote_post"> 3, Lebron has a more diverse offense. They have similar 3pt %, but only because Wade doesn't shoot as many, where LeBron is burrying them in people's faces this year. Lebron also has better post moves, though being taller helps.</div> I personaaly think they both suck at 3 Points even though LeBron has improved on that from last year. Wade learned that its better for him to drive it in. Ya LeBron is better in the post but his size and strengh help. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting celtfan:</div><div class="quote_post"> 6, As for leaderhip, Lebron was drafted #1 out of high school with more hype than ANYONE, EVER. He was asked to be the leader of his club right away, as a 18-year old, with all those expectations placed over his shoulders. And he's done it. Wade had wwwwwaaaaaayyyyy less pressure. </div> Trust me you have pressure whoever you are when you first come into the NBA. In the beginning of the season last year I think the pressure did affect Wade and Lamar Odom was the Heat leader. Once the playoffs began it was Dwyane who was controlling that team and we all knew it. LeBron didn't have as much pressure as you would think. A lot of people thought u would need some time to develop because of guys like Kobe and JErmaine O Neal. THey took time to develop. Many people thought the same about LeBron. So really it wasn't as much as you would think. All in all i agree LeBRon is better though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">2, Lebron is averaging almost as many assists from the swing spot. While Wade made an amazing transition to the point and has a great feel for the game, Lebron just has natural instincts that come around once a generation.</div> Wade like Lebron isn't listed as the PG on the team either, he's listed as the SG, but plays the role of running the offense, and being a distributor which is what the PG does, so that argument doesn't really go. Lebron is a better passer though, Wade is a drive and dish guy while Lebron has the vision, but I already said that. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not too sure about the Shaq argument. Wade played pretty well deep into the second round of the playoffs last year without Shaq. And when Shaq hasn't played this season, his numbers have remained consistent. Where Shaq might help Wade in attaining more assists, Wade's ball handling and footspeed are good enough that he doesn't need Shaq's help to free himself up. And Wade doesn't get doubled so that's not an issue. If anything, Wade's numbers would most likely go up in the absence of Shaq because he would be the number 1 and number 2 option.</div> Wade actually does get double, when Shaq is out, what else would you do, even while Shaq is in, sometimes he'll get double on pick and roll's with Shaq because the other team knows Shaq isn't going to pick and pop and hit a 20ft jumper on them. Without Shaq I don't think Wade's FG% goes down because Wade isn't a guy to settle for jumpshots, but without Shaq and being on this current Heat team it could [depending on how EJ would play in that sitiation] because they won't have a legit second option, he'd go down to like 45-46%. Without Shaq and him having someone else who's not as good as Shaq, but is a good player, his FG% would stay the same IMO, one of the reasons it's high is because of his offensive mentality, which is to always attack. His assists per game would go down about almost 1 assists a game though.
