Carmelo Anthony, long before gracing the NBA as a professional was making his mark as a high school and college basketball player. His reputation during his early days caught the eye of Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, who also at the time was making his mark with the Marquette Golden Eagles.
Dwyane Wade on a recent episode of his podcast, The Wy Network, shared how he was impressed with Melo when their paths crossed during a college basketball game. His performance during that game was good enough for Wade to tag a young Melo the best basketball player.
My first time watching Melo play in person was in New York, Madison Square Garden. We were in the same tournament. We didn’t play each other, but we were in the same tournament… I ain’t never seen this up close in person. And I was like ‘I think this is the best basketball player I’ve watched with my own eyes.’ Because I ain’t seeing MJ and all of them with my own eyes.
Dwyane Wade said
Carmelo Anthony would go on to have a legendary career as a professional. Although he never won an NBA title, he was regarded as one of the best scorers in the history of the league. His famed friendship with Wade and LeBron James from the banana boat crew is well documented.
For Dwyane Wade, his three NBA titles with the Miami Heat has made him established among the top players in NBA history. Notwithstanding, both players would be remembered fondly as legends for their contributions to the game.
Dwyane Wade to be honored by Miami Heat with statue
Dwyane Wade’s contributions to the Heat Culture is set to be rewarded with one of the greatest honors, a statue. The Miami Heat had announced during the week that it would honor the three time NBA champion with a statue outside their ground, the Kaseya Center.
The unveiling was also scheduled and it would take place next month, on the 27th of October. It will be followed by a ceremony inside the arena the next day when the Heat host the Detroit Pistons.
The moment got a seal of approval from former teammate, LeBron James and the date of the ceremony is a special day as it marks 21 years since when he made his debut as a rookie, who was drafted with the 5th overall pick. His time with the Heat saw him average 22.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
