Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, known for his illustrious career and status as one of the NBA’s all-time great shooting guards, recently shared a revealing list of the seven greatest NBA players he has ever witnessed.

Wade’s picks include iconic figures such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Steph Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Garnett. This exclusive insight offers fans a unique window into the players who have most impacted one of basketball’s standout stars.

Wade emphasized that his list focuses on players from Jordan’s era onward, respecting those who shaped the game during and after Michael Jordan’s dominance. Having had the opportunity to play alongside legends like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal during his Miami Heat championship runs, Wade’s perspective carries immense weight.

His respect for Curry is particularly notable, as Curry bridges the modern NBA with revolutionary changes in playing style, especially with his unprecedented shooting prowess.

The Rise of Steph Curry and Enduring Greatness of LeBron James

Wade’s admiration for Steph Curry is rooted in Curry’s transformative impact on basketball. Wade explained how watching Curry evolve from his college days to his professional breakthrough left a lasting impression.

Curry’s rise wasn’t gradual but rather a sudden upheaval of the league, altering how basketball is played—with emphasis on long-range shooting and pace. Holding multiple NBA records and four championships, Curry represents a new archetype of greatness that has redefined the sport.

Alongside Curry is LeBron James, whom Wade knows intimately both on and off the court. Describing LeBron as possibly the greatest player he has personally observed, Wade called LeBron’s combination of skill, basketball IQ, and physical dominance unparalleled.

Their shared championships with the Miami Heat add a layer of firsthand experience to Wade’s reverence for LeBron’s legacy, cementing James as a generational talent who consistently shapes NBA history.

A Reflective Yet Personal List That Bridges Eras

Wade’s selection also paid homage to other legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, highlighting their legendary careers and influence on subsequent generations, including Wade himself.

He expressed particular admiration for Allen Iverson’s fierce competitiveness and for Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance in the paint. Kevin Garnett’s intensity and skill rounded out Wade’s list of all-time greats, encapsulating a broad yet carefully chosen spectrum of basketball excellence.

In recent years, the GOAT debate has sparked heated discussions among fans and analysts, but Wade’s approach refrains from ranking his list rigidly, instead honoring the diverse ways these players impacted the game and inspired him personally.

As one of the sport’s most respected voices, Wade’s list not only celebrates legendary careers but also underscores the blend of talent, impact, and personal significance behind greatness in basketball.