Dwayne Wade may have been overshadowed by the likes of LeBron James early on, but after winning the NBA Finals MVP Award, Wade has carved his own NBA niche.
As the 2006 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award recipient, Dwayne Wade had earned himself a reputation of being one of the most clutch NBA players in the game today, and he shows no signs of slowing down as the 2007 season progresses. Suite101 profiles Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade.
Name: Dwyane Wade
Team: Miami Heat
Born: January 17, 1982: Chicago, Illinois
Position: Shooting Guard
Awards and Recognition:
- NBA All-Rookie 1st team: 2004
- All NBA Defensive Selection: 2005
- Two time All NBA Selection: 2005, 2006
- Two time All-Star: 2005, 2006
- Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year: 2006
- NBA Finals MVP: 2006
Other Awards and Distinctions:
- Bronze Medal winner for Team USA Basketball: 2004 Olympic Games, Athens
- Bronze Medal winner for Team USA Basketball: 2006 FIBA World Championship
- ESPY Award winner for Breakout Athlete of the Year: 2005
- ESPY Award winner for Best NBA Player: 2006
Background: Dwyane Wade entered the NBA scene in 2003 as the fifth overall draft pick for the Miami Heat. Considered one of the most elite draft classes in NBA history, the 2003 class had other future NBA stars such as Lebron James, Carmello Anthony, and Chris Bosh.
Wade's college career merely foreshadowed his success in the NBA. He attended Marquette University leading the Golden Eagles in several statistical categories. After a highly successful run in the 2003 NCAA tournament in which he was the fourth player to score a triple double (29 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) Wade decided to forgo his senior year and enter the NBA draft.
Early NBA Career:
In the 2004 season, Wade made his presence known on a relatively young Miami Heat team by averaging 16 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. His growing pains were short and nobody questioned his ability after the 2004 NBA playoffs which helped him earn a unanimous selection to the 2004 NBA All-Rookie team.
Wade’s early NBA accomplishments were overshadowed by other elite, and highly celebrated, rookies including Lebron James and Carmello Anthony. However, Wade’s impressive performances still helped him earn a spot on the 2004 Olympic Team which would go on to the win the Bronze Medal in Athens.
NBA Highlights: After his Rookie Season, Wade began to grow into an NBA superstar. The Miami Heat made a few key trades, including bringing in Shaquille O’Neal, which helped his statistical numbers rise dramatically. Wade also relieved his first All-Star selection.
The 2005-2006 season has been Wade’s most memorable so far. Not only did he earn his second All-Star selection, but he had his first trip to the NBA finals against the Dallas Mavericks. With Wade leading the way the Miami Heat won after being down 0-2. Wade also received his first NBA Final’s Most Valuable Player award after setting the record for most free-throws made in an NBA Finals series with 97, and scoring an average of 34.7 points per game.
Phil Liaboe is a freelance writer and author of The Guild of Thieves. Learn more about his work at Phil Liaboe Books.
