One of the best shooting guards in NBA history is Dwyane Wade. Wade continues to practice and socialize with different athletes from the league even after he retired, acting as a “role model” for the younger players. Not just the fresh faces, but athletes like Bradley Beal have publicly identified the MVP of the 2006 NBA Finals as their “idol.” Tyrese Maxey, the guard for the 76ers, bestowed upon him the highest accolade as well, referring to him as his “favorite player of all time.”
Wade and Maxey appear close. In a 2023 interview, the former Kentucky Wildcat even acknowledged the former Heat player by shouting, thanking him for being a mentor. He said,
“He [Dwyane Wade ] was definitely my favorite player, for sure. The way he played the game was amazing to me…he is about to get inducted into the Hall Of Fame..shout to him, he has been a great mentor to me and a great person.”
A few months later, Wade responded on Instagram to his protégé’s remarks on his sharing the post. Even above his anecdote, the three-time NBA Champion included a caption mentioning Maxey. He said,
“And now one of my favorite players”
DWade shows Maxey love pic.twitter.com/YLm3Is4zwm
— tragicpatek (@tragicpatek) April 23, 2024
It’s interesting to note how clearly Dwyane Wade has influenced Maxey’s playing. Given their comparable stature and height (6’2′′/6’3′′), it makes sense that Wade and the 2024 All-Star would play similarly. Wade may not have been a better shooter, but the 42-year-old was superior at getting into the interior of the lane.
Both are fast and agile, with a light first step that lets them go past opponents with ease.